Spartans of UD - Lucas Von Braun

Spartans of UD highlights what makes the University of Dubuque special - the people.

Lucas Von Braun, of Stockholm, Sweden, is a senior marketing and business double major. He is also captain of the men's soccer team.

What do you enjoy most about attending the University of Dubuque?

"It is hard to decide one thing that I enjoy the most about attending. I think it is the big picture that I enjoy the most with the University of Dubuque. I really enjoy the smaller classes because for me I get better connections with the professors. You can have more conversations with them, and, for me, that is the best way to learn. I can ask questions and get answers and have a dialogue about what we have talked about."

What does it mean to you to have the opportunity to be captain of the UD men's soccer team?

"To have gotten the opportunity to be the captain of the men's soccer team here at the University of Dubuque is a very big deal for me. I really appreciate having been chosen by the team to be a captain, especially because the team is the one voting on who should be a captain. I feel very proud to be the captain and wish that I make the team happy with their decision."

Moving away from home can be challenging, especially when you enter a new culture. What advice do you have for other international students to help them immerse themselves into the UD community and the City of Dubuque?

"I think it is very individual for people to immerse in the community. My tip is to say yes to everything you can and have time for. It helps you connect with other people and get friends outside of your normal circle of friends. It could also lead to opportunities moving forward that will help you as a person and achieve the life goals you have."

What was the hardest adjustment you had to make and how did you overcome that?

"I think the hardest adjustment for me personally was to leave my family at home. How I have overcome that is by having a set time every week for a video call to see and talk to them. Some weeks I do not have a lot to share and some weeks I do, but it is always nice to see and hear them every week."

What was the most interesting thing you have learned about American culture?

"The most interesting thing I have learned about the American culture, and even more the Midwest culture, is that people are very nice to everyone. Most often you get a greeting and a smile from people just walking around campus and just walking the Dubuque community."