Urska Medvesek’s first time eating macaroni and cheese was from the kitchen of Torvian. Her first time in the United States of America was a little over a month ago.

Medvesek, a European native, came to Saint Francis University from Maribar, Slovenia, to receive a U.S. college education in Strategic Communications and to swim for the Red Flash.

“At home, it is hard to study and swim,” said Medvesek, “There is a great opportunity here for me to do both—become a successful swimmer and receive a good education.”

Though she was nervous for the big transition, Medvesek is adjusting well in the U.S. and says, “It was better than I expected. People here are much more open to conversation.”

Welcoming her warmly, her first American friends were the Red Flash Swim Team. Her first United States college meet was against Bowling Green State University on September 29, 2017.

Medvesek credited her teammates for helping her swim fast at her first collegiate meet, especially without having her life-long Slovenian coach by her side.

“I didn’t think it would be that relaxed, but everyone was having fun,” said Medvesek, “In my hometown, we are not connected as a team, so it was a great experience.”

Upon graduation in 2021, Medvesek hopes to become a sports journalist in the United States.