The transition from high school to college can be daunting. New people, new choices, new places and possibly a new culture to learn about and grow in is an anxiety attack waiting to happen. It can be even more unsettling to completely uproot your life and adjust to a new country in the middle of that process.
Jumping into the college lifestyle can be a little easier, though, when you have your family alongside you to support and guide you. For freshman undecided major Matilda Nyberg, the adjustment was a little more bearable as she followed in the footsteps of her older brother and graduate student in administrative business Casper Nyberg from Kalmar, Sweden, to play soccer in Jackson, Tenn.
“I think it has been important that I have my brother,” said Matilda, looking off into the distance as if she were processing the transition itself. “I get to know some other international students through him, and I know that I am not alone.”
Growing up, Casper and Matilda were not the closest. But after Casper grabbed ahold of the opportunity to move to America and attend Carson Newman University for a couple of years, the importance of family allowed him and his sister to grow to be close friends. Their long-distance communication grew into a newfound support system, benefiting them now more than ever.
“Our relationship is heartwarming behind a lot of laughter, jokes, and teasing each other,” said Casper. “It is a pretty typical brother and sister relationship in that sense, but it is a great relationship, and I think it has become even stronger since Matilda came to Union.”
Whenever you see Matilda and Casper together, Casper embodies the meaning of protection. His sister is valuable to him, and he makes sure that no harm will come her way.
“I think it comes back to values that we learned growing up, to always put your family as a priority. My parents valued a close relationship with family,” said Casper.
Matilda laughed when she mentioned he is the most protective when it comes to her dating life.
“Oh, he would not let just any boy here date me,” she laughed again, comforted by the fact that he wanted her safe. “He would really need to know him. He has said, ‘Just make sure he treats you right, or I am gonna have to fight.’”
The support and encouragement do not stop there, but bleed into soccer for both of them.
“When it comes to soccer, he is like ‘just go out there and do you and have the courage to do things yourself,’” said Matilda. She feels empowered by those words, knowing that her brother believes in her.
Soccer, as well as blood, is the bridge that collides Matilda’s and Casper’s worlds, but their relationship is built on a foundation of support, encouragement and guidance within a new culture and country.
