Field Hockey’s Faith Joubert Realizes her All-American Dream
10/12/2020 3:25:00 PM | Field Hockey
East Lansing, Mich. – Freshman Faith Joubert (Edinburgh, Scotland/George Watson's College) is one of seven newcomers on the Michigan State University field hockey team, including three who came to East Lansing from overseas.
While her freshman year has been a bit different than anyone would expect, she took some time to write about her arrival in the United States, her adjustment to college life and how excited she is to play for the Spartans this year.
"I moved to the United States from Scotland over a month ago and I am having an unbelievable experience. I committed to the university in March 2020 and was planning to visit the following month. The unforeseen circumstances of coronavirus prevented me from seeing MSU in real life and going to the States by August looked like it was going to be a struggle. Luckily, my All-American dream became a reality.
"I have never visited the USA before, so it was a real shot in the dark; it was also my first time travelling alone so my excitement was high, but I was very nervous for it all. On my connecting flight from Amsterdam, the plane prepared for landing at Detroit Wayne County Airport on a beautifully sunny day where I could see the huge motorways from high up above that you see in the movies. I was picked up by my MSU teammates and I could finally begin my American experience.
"It was incredibly hot, nothing like what I am used to back in Scotland. Driving here felt weird for me as it was on the opposite side of the road and all was inversed. I saw all the famous American eating restaurants - Dunkin Donuts, Chick-fil-a, Panda Express, Taco Bell. It all became very real. I couldn't believe the size of the food portions and I can say for sure that American's do everything bigger and better.
"Arriving on campus for the first time was unbelievable. I was not expecting such a large campus; MSU is its own town! I have been lost here on countless occasions, but I am starting to get the hang of it. The football stadium and basketball complex are world-class venues and are larger than the Scottish international rugby stadium, making it truly remarkable. The field hockey pitch was so modern and has its own stand for crowds, which is so cool. Now that I am practicing with the squad, I can't believe how fit everyone is. I love how intense training is and the real passion from all the coaches and players.
"Compared to Scotland, not much is walking distance and driving is almost an essential if you are not a university student. Having said that, shopping in Target and Walmart was crazy. They have everything you could want under one roof, from furniture, food, clothes and electronics, you name it, they have it. It was so much fun using my first ever dollar!
"I never thought I had a strong Scottish accent until I visited here. Every person I have met has noticed and asked where I come from, which was very unexpected. Some people don't even understand me; when I say pavement, I should be saying sidewalk. I feel like I speak another language!
"Overall, everything couldn't be more different to Scotland, but I wouldn't want it any other way. I am experiencing unknown territory and I am so excited to see what the future holds."
While her freshman year has been a bit different than anyone would expect, she took some time to write about her arrival in the United States, her adjustment to college life and how excited she is to play for the Spartans this year.
"I moved to the United States from Scotland over a month ago and I am having an unbelievable experience. I committed to the university in March 2020 and was planning to visit the following month. The unforeseen circumstances of coronavirus prevented me from seeing MSU in real life and going to the States by August looked like it was going to be a struggle. Luckily, my All-American dream became a reality.
"I have never visited the USA before, so it was a real shot in the dark; it was also my first time travelling alone so my excitement was high, but I was very nervous for it all. On my connecting flight from Amsterdam, the plane prepared for landing at Detroit Wayne County Airport on a beautifully sunny day where I could see the huge motorways from high up above that you see in the movies. I was picked up by my MSU teammates and I could finally begin my American experience.
"It was incredibly hot, nothing like what I am used to back in Scotland. Driving here felt weird for me as it was on the opposite side of the road and all was inversed. I saw all the famous American eating restaurants - Dunkin Donuts, Chick-fil-a, Panda Express, Taco Bell. It all became very real. I couldn't believe the size of the food portions and I can say for sure that American's do everything bigger and better.
"Arriving on campus for the first time was unbelievable. I was not expecting such a large campus; MSU is its own town! I have been lost here on countless occasions, but I am starting to get the hang of it. The football stadium and basketball complex are world-class venues and are larger than the Scottish international rugby stadium, making it truly remarkable. The field hockey pitch was so modern and has its own stand for crowds, which is so cool. Now that I am practicing with the squad, I can't believe how fit everyone is. I love how intense training is and the real passion from all the coaches and players.
"Compared to Scotland, not much is walking distance and driving is almost an essential if you are not a university student. Having said that, shopping in Target and Walmart was crazy. They have everything you could want under one roof, from furniture, food, clothes and electronics, you name it, they have it. It was so much fun using my first ever dollar!
"I never thought I had a strong Scottish accent until I visited here. Every person I have met has noticed and asked where I come from, which was very unexpected. Some people don't even understand me; when I say pavement, I should be saying sidewalk. I feel like I speak another language!
"Overall, everything couldn't be more different to Scotland, but I wouldn't want it any other way. I am experiencing unknown territory and I am so excited to see what the future holds."
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