My name's Casey Balamut, I'm a kinesiology major
Definitely at first, I didn't think that UVA was within reach
I was accepted, but I wasn't sure how I was going to be able to pay for it
There were a lot of different resources and people that helped me and it felt
like they were here to support me and make sure I could come here if I wanted to
I've met some of the deans that helped me, and like they hug me, and they're like, "Hi, we're so happy you're here"
It's really great that UVA has Need-Blind Admission because it creates a diverse community
where people have a lot of different experiences and things that
they can add to the community
Coming from out of state
it started out kinda hard, which actually ended up being a good thing, because I kinda had to
break out of my shell and be willing to meet people and do things that sound interesting
and like take risks. I feel like even on the hard days, there's always something good
that like reminds me, this is supposed be, I'm supposed to be here
And I feel like I really made UVA mine, and I feel like everyone has that opportunity too
Everyone can make UVA what they want it to be