When Angelita “Angy” Estefania Condurache Stanciu initially considered attending Ball State University, she called it a “blind date.” Unable to visit beforehand, she relied on research to choose a school that would become her home for four years. She was impressed by the amount of information on the University website.

“Other universities didn’t provide as much information or have an appealing section for international students,” said Ms. Condurache Stanciu. “So, it felt like since Ball State invested time and effort into their website, it could potentially mirror the time and effort they put into us as humans—which turned out to be true.”

In addition to the website, she was attracted to the University’s reputation for excellence in teaching programs. The warm interactions she had with the Rinker Center for Global Affairs and a competitive scholarship offer nearly convinced her.

For Ms. Condurache Stanciu, a senior in her final semester, choosing Ball State was a leap of faith. Ball State emerged as the top choice for several reasons, but ultimately, it was the University’s Beneficence Pledge that solidified her decision.

“The pledge really called to me because I’m not from here,” she said. “I needed to know I was going to a safe place that would welcome me.”

Later, she saw Ball State’s institutional icon, Beneficence—the winged statue located in a courtyard near the campus’ Quad. With her first name, Angelita, meaning “little angel,” Ms. Condurache Stanciu felt a connection to Beneficence and believed it was a sign that Ball State was where she belonged.

Online tours and photos gave her a glimpse into what the campus might be like. However, nothing prepared her for the culture shock upon arrival. Born to Romanian parents on the Spanish island of Mallorca, Ms. Condurache Stanciu grew up immersed in Romanian traditions and Spanish customs. Indiana didn’t have the diversity she was used to. Yet, she kept her mind open and remained confident she’d found the right place to study.

Majoring in teaching German—her seventh language—and minoring in counseling, she plans to return to Spain and teach after graduation. Her passion for languages and teaching has always been evident.

Building a Support System

Adjusting to life in a new country can be daunting. Ms. Condurache Stanciu’s sorority, Alpha Omicron Pi, played a crucial role in helping her feel comfortable at Ball State. From introducing her to American traditions to offering her overall support, her sorority sisters became her family away from home. Whether grocery shopping together or celebrating holidays, their kindness made all the difference.

“I’m very rational and very mathematically oriented. But I need my heart and intuition to be at the same place. Much like my decision to attend Ball State, it felt right,” said Ms. Condurache Stanciu. “They’ve shown me American culture in ways I never expected,” she said. “I tell everyone that Ball State is amazing because I have felt accepted and able to be myself.”

Language differences added to the learning curve. Having learned British English rather than American English, Ms. Condurache Stanciu said her word choices occasionally puzzled her friends. For example, she says “Hoover” instead of “vacuum cleaner.” But, she embraced these differences as part of her learning experience.

Despite the challenges of studying in a foreign country, Ms. Condurache Stanciu flourished. She earned a spot on the Dean’s List, became a resident assistant (RA), and embraced opportunities to experience American culture firsthand. She also studied abroad in Germany during her junior year.

A Passion for Teaching and Advocacy

Even with all her obligations, Ms. Condurache Stanciu made time for community service beyond campus. She frequently volunteered with Ball State’s Cardinal Kitchen, the Muncie Children’s Museum, and other organizations. She also taught English at a rural refugee center for several months as a volunteer with the nonprofit group AWAKEN. She found a mentor in its president and founder, Bibi Bahrami.

Ms. Condurache Stanciu is passionate about teaching and aspires to work with high school students, or immigrants and refugees. She believes that a minor in counseling will be essential for her to be an advocate and an effective teacher for her students.

“Teachers have been there for me during some of my hardest moments. When I was having a panic attack or struggling before an exam, they supported me,” said Ms. Condurache Stanciu. “They made a lasting impact and are a big reason I am where I am today. That’s why I want to be a high school teacher—to provide that same support for my students.”

As the Spring semester winds down and she prepares to graduate from Ball State, she is also preparing to return home to Spain with the education, friendships, experiences, and personal growth she has gained. Ms. Condurache Stanciu attributes much of her success to the welcoming environment at Ball State—a University where students can feel at home as they pursue their dreams and leave prepared for their next adventure.

“My time at Ball State has flown by, and I’ve truly loved every part of it,” said Ms. Condurache Stanciu. “From my incredible teaching and counseling program and inspiring professors to my sorority’s support and cause (arthritis)—which means the world to me—I’ve made lifelong friendships, fallen in love with the colors of autumn, and grown through my student teaching.

“While I’m ready to return home and begin my teaching journey, I know I’ll carry a new kind of homesickness—with a heart that now belongs to two places I call home.”