Springfield, MO., Sept. 8, 2022 – Drury University freshman Ana Luiza Mota was nervous about starting school. Recently immigrating from Brazil, she had trouble finding friends when she first moved to the area a few years ago.
“If you are from a different background, you can feel very lonely,” says Ana. “I finished my high school near Springfield, and I felt like people didn’t really understand me.” 
But when she decided to go to Drury, Ana was invited into the Drury Bridges Program. Bridges is a two-and-a-half-day program that takes place the week before classes begin. The program is designed to help culturally diverse freshman students make the transition from high school to college and build relationships with other students who have shared experiences.
“When you get people together who have completely different racial backgrounds, we share some of the same struggles and when you share that, you form really deep connections. I think all of us feel less lonely just by having those connections,” says Ana.
Activities during the week include team building (this year it was an escape room), students visited Leadership Ranch and participated in a city tour to identify local grocery stores, hair salons, restaurants and historical sites. The program culminates with a Friday morning brunch with professors.
“The success of all students at Drury is our number one priority, so to watch them laughing and talking with their professors, is my favorite part of the program,” says Dr. Rosalyn Thomas associate dean of diversity and inclusion and coordinator of the Drury Bridges Program. “Brunch provides an opportunity for the students to make contact before school starts, so if something comes up, they feel comfortable and confident enough to ask for help.”
Throughout the year, Bridges students meet once a month to connect with upperclassmen who also went through the program. With 20 applications, this year brought record attendance for the program, which started more than 10 years ago.
###
Media Contact: Jasmine Cooper, Director of University Communications and Media Relations – (417) 873-7390 or JCooper020@drury.edu.