Hello Maverick Family,

Freshman year has been a whirlwind, to say the least. My daughter Faith Montgomery and I are super close. We had spent her entire life inseparable, from hanging out, or me supporting her with AAU club volleyball traveling and high school sports. Her high school senior year, she decided she did not want to play volleyball in college, turning down several scholarships. She stated she wanted to focus on senior year and preparing to attend UTA. The day finally came, driving from Houston for her move-in day at UTA. The feeling was bittersweet; she was realizing her dream to attend UTA, yet it was the first time in 18 years we would be apart for more than a weekend.

First semester Faith struggled as a whole. She is an introvert at heart except on the volleyball court. Without volleyball, she struggled socially to gain new friends, and for the first time academically. All this was a blow. She often called me to say she wanted to come home and just attend school at our local Houston University where many of her friends attended. I shared: “everything is an adjustment. Give it time, be yourself, utilize the Universities resources and you will be okay.” The first semester, let’s just say, was not her best; it truly was an adjustment period. 

Faith came home for the winter break, decompressed, and re-energized herself. On to the second semester. She took the second semester by storm.  All the classes, she maintained As and Bs, and she began to meet friends on campus. Faith was coming into herself and enjoying the campus experience. She came home for spring break yet was excited about her return to campus. Then Covid19 hit. She was hoping to return to UTA within a few weeks when we all quickly realized life on campus as she knew it would not be the same.

She is adjusting to online classes but has expressed this is not ideal. Despite it all, Faith has maintained active participation within class, a positive attitude and a strong desire to return to campus.

For all the students, freshmen, and incoming freshmen. Keep your head up, stay positive, push through, never give up, eat well, and practice great hygiene. I hope you enjoyed our Freshman year Chronicle.

From your UTA Montgomery Family!
Kay & Faith Montgomery