From the Bahamas to Boca Raton

The Remarkable Journey of a Bahamian Scholar at Lynn University

By Jazmin Springer, Staff Writer

While moving to a new country can be difficult, sophomore Olga Roussos has taken full advantage of the opportunity.

Olga Roussos came to Lynn University at the age of 16 to study data analytics. While at Lynn, she has gotten involved in the Lynn community and continues to navigate her way as an international student in the United States.

Born and raised in The Bahamas, Roussos wanted to study in America to further her education and pursue her passion for technology. She had many options when deciding which school was the right fit, but ultimately chose Lynn because it was closer to home, with small classes and an individualized educational experience. She felt that Lynn was very welcoming and made her feel at home.

“Lynn made me feel really welcome and I didn’t feel like I was just a number,” said Roussos.

Experiencing homesickness with the initial transition from high school to college was challenging at first. One instance was dealing with the stress of public speaking for several classes. However, through constant practice, Roussos overcame her fear and feels she has become a better public speaker.

“I remember the first class I had to do presentations in was Belief and Reason 100,” said Roussos. “Overcoming the fear was a significant step for me, and I think I’m better off now because of it.”

Roussos enjoys how Lynn promotes diversity, such as with the food offered in the dining commons and hosting cultural days on campus. Staying connected to Bahamian culture is of great importance to her. She is a part of the Caribbean Student Union, where she can connect with people from neighboring countries like Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. Roussos believes getting involved and making the most out of given resources is essential.

“One thing that I really like about Lynn is that there are so many ways to get involved,” said Roussos. “Take advantage of what Lynn has to offer.”

For many international students, studying in the U.S. can be a big sacrifice, which is why Roussos believes it is crucial to take advantage of opportunities. She believes coming to Lynn has allowed her to become independent and learn lifelong skills that will enable her to succeed in her future career.

She encourages international students considering attending college in the U.S. to stay true to themselves and not lose sight of getting a degree.