First year students (from left) Jennifer Nwaobasi, Louie “Noon” Wesland and Bejamin VandenBrink begin their college careers today at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. (Submitted photos)

A semester unlike any before starts this week at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. Not only does that mean the return of students, staff and faculty to campus but also the welcoming of a fresh crop of talent in the form of first-year students. To get a sense of what’s on the minds of this last group, we at UMSL Daily reached out to a few first-year students to hear about their plans for school and what it’s like to begin school during a pandemic.

Jennifer Nwaobasi

What’s a little-known fact about you?
I love people, easygoing people. I love to read. I love quiet environments.

How did you decide to come to UMSL?
UMSL has an affordable tuition. It has been the No. 1 college in my mind due to its reputation for academic excellence from my research of different colleges. It’s also closer to home.

What are you hoping to study at UMSL?
I am planning to go into pharmacy. I believe UMSL will prepare me academically for that career.

What are you looking forward the most about starting school?
To expand my academic knowledge and pursue my career and make new friends.

Did the pandemic change your college plans at all?
Yes, a little. I never expected online classes and decided not to move on campus.

Louie Westland, who also goes by Noon

What’s a little-known fact about yourself?
I am a house painter and certified sex educator and have spent the past few years working for Planned Parenthood as a student and educator.

How did you decide to come to UMSL?
The affordability and closeness to home. My closest cousin also went to UMSL and was in the Pierre Laclede Honors College and loved her experience.

What are you hoping to study at UMSL?
My current major is interdisciplinary studies combining women’s and gender studies, sociology and psychology.

What are you looking forward the most about starting school?
To finally be able to study what I want to and to be around other people who are also motivated to understand the world critically.

Did the pandemic change your college plans at all?
Yes, I ended up getting an apartment instead of living in my parents’ home. I was expecting to be on campus more instead of virtual learning, but I trust that everything will work out the way it was supposed to or the way that I need.

Benjamin VandenBrink 

What’s a little-known fact about yourself?
I love fishing, hiking, camping and pretty much all outdoor activities.

How did you decide to come to UMSL?
I chose UMSL because of its excellent academics, affordable tuition and central location. I was also drawn to UMSL because of the cross country and track programs and the Honors College.

What are you hoping to study at UMSL?
I am currently undecided on my major but hope to study either business or finance.

What are you looking forward the most about starting school?
I am most looking forward to starting cross country and training with my new teammates.

Did the pandemic change your college plans at all?
No, the pandemic did not change my plans for college.