Student Experience

Fall Semester Is Here. Students Reflect on New Opportunities, Goals

August 27, 2024 • By Renee Grutzik, amn8sb@virginia.edu Renee Grutzik, amn8sb@virginia.edu

Group portrait of UVA students Nydja Randolph-Harris, Belcy Emerson, Summer Bui, and Amore Jackson holding a frame with the text 'Happy First Day of Class.'

From left to right, students Nydja Randolph-Harris, Belcy Emerson, Summer Bui and Amore Jackson gather Tuesday for a photo at UVA Communications’ photo booth on the South Lawn. (Photo by Erin Edgerton, University Communications)

An undeniable energy of excitement and inspiration filled the University of Virginia’s Grounds on Tuesday as the fall semester began, bringing new life after a quiet summer.

New faces have arrived – among them first-year students Akshaj Jagarapu and Sri Sambangi. The classes that spark the most excitement for Jagarapu and Sambangi are those unrelated to their intended fields of study.

“I have no idea what I’m going to major in,” Jagarapu, a School of Engineering and Applied Science student, said. “But I’ve been really interested in learning about my culture and religion, so I’m excited to take a Sanskrit class.”

As a Rodman Scholar, Jagarapu also is enrolled in a one-credit course called “Best of UVA: Unforgettable Lectures.” Led by biology professor Barry Condron, the course features weekly lectures from various professors across Grounds, each covering a range of unique topics.

Sambangi, enrolled in the College of Arts & Sciences, plans to study neuroscience with the goal of attending medical school. For now, he is taking an introductory American Sign Language course to fulfill his language requirement.

Portrait of UVA First-year students Akshaj Jagarapu, left, and Sri Sambangi.

First-year students Akshaj Jagarapu, left, and Sri Sambangi say they are eager to participate in new academic experiences, including courses in Sanskrit and American Sign Language, respectively. (Photo by Emily Faith Morgan, University Communications)

“I’ve taken Spanish in high school, but I wanted to go down a path that seemed new and interesting,” Sambangi said.

Having successfully navigated their first year on Grounds, second-year students Summer Bui and Belcy Emerson are focused on prioritizing their mental health this semester.

Bui, a student in UVA’s School of Nursing, is beginning her clinical rotations this year – an exciting, yet time-consuming addition to her weekly routine.

“I want to better balance my work, school and social life,” she said. “My only goal is to do that peacefully. I don’t need a 4.0 (grade-point average) as long as I’m at peace.”

Portrait of UVA student Emerson and Bui.

After a year of learning at UVA, Emerson and Bui say they are committed to protecting their mental well-being this semester. (Photo by Erin Edgerton, University Communications)

Emerson, a student in the College of Arts & Sciences, participates in several groups on Grounds targeted toward students of color, including UVA’s Organization of African Students, Black Student Alliance and the Office of African American Affairs.

“My goals are prioritizing my mental health and getting out more,” Emerson said. “I want to make sure I’m not only focused on school, but also prioritizing myself and my involvement in social organizations.”

Fourth-year mechanical engineering major Will Stevens looks forward to finishing the courses he needs to complete his business minor.

Portrait of UVA fourth-year students from left to right Jack Wilcox, Joseph Harrell and Will Stevens commemorate the first day of the new academic year.

From left to right, fourth-year students Jack Wilcox, Joseph Harrell and Will Stevens commemorate the first day of the new academic year with a picture at the photo booth between classes. (Photo by Erin Edgerton, University Communications)

He said he has one noble goal for the fall semester: “I want to get the first ticket at Bodo’s.”

Enjoy more scenes from the first day of school, UVA style.