Last year, UR Now began following a group of first-year students from across the country as they began their time as Spiders. Then, we checked back in with them spring semester to see how the year shaped up. This year, the five returned for their second year. Some of them gathered for a reception in Fountain Hall in August, where they met as a group for the first time and talked about their experiences so far.

“My first year went amazing overall. I really enjoyed my classes and was able to find community in a few clubs and organizations on campus,” said Alvaro Ledezma, who hails from California. “I enjoy being on club basketball because it has helped me build friendships across all grades and gives me a place to consistently play competitively.” He likes going to UR’s games, as well.

“My first year was very exciting,” said Drew Borchert, a Richmond area resident. “I met so many people and being in such a great environment, like the University, really brings out the best student in me.”

Borchert is one of the presidents of the men's club volleyball team. “We play other club volleyball teams from campuses around the state.” Last year, his team went to nationals in Kansas City. This year, they will head to Phoenix for the competition.

“My first year at UR was overall very positive,” said Abby Ioannou, from Pennsylvania. “I met some great friends, and joined organizations that I am invested in and care deeply about.

She serves on the executive council and helps organize events for Pi Beta Phi. She is also a member of the Spider Dance Team, previously known as the SpinnURs. “Joining the dance team last year and continuing to participate this year has allowed me to continue to work on my technique and also provides me with an athletic outlet to devote some of my energy to, outside of school and studying,” she said. 

At the end of sophomore year, students at UR declare their majors. Ledezma, who has always enjoyed quantitative subjects, plans to major in mathematical economics and business administration. “The two majors complement each other well, and they are versatile in terms of what careers you can pursue with them.” 

Borchert wants to major in computer science and minor in leadership studies. This past summer, he interned with a cybersecurity consulting company in Arlington, Virginia.

Ioannou will be a dance minor but has not settled on a major. “I love the fact that we have so much time at UR to explore classes of all disciplines before needing to commit to any given major,” she said. “No majors are entirely off the table just yet,” she said.

Outside of campus events, Borchert likes visiting Carytown, Short Pump Town Center, and the Libbie and Grove shopping area.

Ledezma enjoys the city’s natural resources. “When the weather's nice, I like spending time by the James River. It is beautiful and close to campus,” he said.

Ioannou takes in Modlin events, such as the Martha Graham Dance Company performance last year. She recently visited the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts for the first time. “The museum is free to everyone and contains a huge variety of art styles and pieces from all over the world. I would love to go back again and spend more time exploring its galleries.”

With her busy schedule, she often enjoys low-key weekends, “just hanging out with my roommate and crocheting.”

As the Friday get-together ended, the students packed up and headed their separate ways — Ioannou to dance practice, Ledezma to basketball tryouts, and Borchert to prepare for a volleyball tournament.