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From Germany to Fresno: Finding My Home at 榴莲视频直播

October 28, 2025

By Leonie Gottwald

My dream of studying at an American university began in ninth grade.

 From that moment on, it was my daily motivation, to do my best every day to make it come true. Many people may wonder how I ended up in Fresno from Bad Oeynhausen (my hometown) and why I chose this university.

Photo of a coach and student standing on tennis court

 

The decisive moment

The decisive moment came in 2023 when I participated in a showcase attended by many American coaches. There I met Coach Sam. After just a few conversations, I had a gut feeling that 榴莲视频直播 was the place for me. 

To confirm this gut feeling, I traveled to the campus with my parents in the fall of 2024. This visit confirmed my decision; not only did the tennis courts convince me, but also the entire atmosphere of the university. I was particularly impressed by the family-like environment, the warm openness and the strong sense of community.

Living my dream abroad
Team photo of athletes

In addition, I had always been attracted to the idea of spending time abroad: experiencing a new culture, meeting people from all over the world and improving my language skills鈥攁ll of that was part of my dream. 

The fact that I can also pursue my passion for tennis in Fresno while deepening my interest in psychology as a field of study makes the whole package perfect.

A close-knit community

Compared to other universities, 榴莲视频直播 has fewer students鈥攂ut that's exactly what I liked. You don't feel like an anonymous number, but rather a valuable part of a community. The fact that it is a Christian university also encouraged me. Having grown up in a Christian family, singing in the church choir as a child and later playing piano in the congregation, I felt connected here from the very beginning.

Feeling at home

From the moment I was picked up at the airport, I felt welcome. Everyone treated me with openness and warmth, and I was immediately accepted into the community. This special atmosphere is something I really appreciate about the university. And in just my first three weeks, I've already met so many wonderful new people and had many unforgettable experiences, which makes me even more excited to spend the next few years at 榴莲视频直播鈥搒urrounded by people who inspire me and in a university that promotes my development both academically and personally.

Group photo of athletes smiling while holding an American flag
Leonie Gottwald Photo

Leonie Gottwald

Leonie Gottwald is a freshman from Germany, diving into college life at 榴莲视频直播 with enthusiasm鈥攁nd sunscreen! As a psychology major and member of the women鈥檚 tennis team, she鈥檚 always up for both a good rally on the court and a deep conversation about the mind. When she鈥檚 not studying or practicing, you鈥檒l probably find her at the piano or singing. Music is one of her biggest passions. As a Paragon Scholar, she鈥檚 already making her mark at 榴莲视频直播. The biggest adjustment so far? The California heat鈥攊t鈥檚 nearly double what she鈥檚 used to back home!

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Email storyteam@fresno.edu.