England: Samira Lababidi (Interact)

My first game was definitely one to remember! It was raining heavily, and the field was incredibly wet and muddy. To make things even more interesting, I didn’t have any cleats, so I had to play in my regular shoes. Let’s just say I spent a good portion of the first half on the ground. Running on the slippery field was challenging, and I quickly realized that I was going to have to adapt to the condition. Luckily, things took a turn for the better when I asked if anyone had an extra pair of cleats I could borrow. A girl named Helena kindly offered me hers after she pulled something during the game and had to sit out for the rest of it. I really appreciated her generosity, especially since we were still getting to know each other. Her small act of kindness made me feel much more welcome on the team.

Another thing I’ve found funny is how often my teammates refer to me as “the American.” Since lacrosse is so closely associated with the United States, everyone seems excited to have an American playing on their team. I think there’s also an assumption that I must be a great player simply because I’m American! Hopefully, I can live up to those expectations.

Although we lost our first game 19-14, I left feeling like it was a worthwhile experience. Joining the Lacrosse club has shown me that getting involved in a new community doesn’t require a big plan. Sometimes, it starts with showing up, introducing yourself, or asking someone for help. Joining the lacrosse club has given me a way to stay active while meeting new people, and it showed me how small acts of kindness can make a new environment feel more welcoming. I am excited to keep playing, building connections with my teammates, and see what else I can learn from getting involved in the community.

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