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University of Delaware students make their way to class on Tuesday, Aug. 26, officially kicking off the 2025-2026 academic year.
University of Delaware students make their way to class on Tuesday, Aug. 26, officially kicking off the 2025-2026 academic year.

The start of syllabus season

Photos by Kathy F. Atkinson and Evan Krape

UD students and professors share excitement, goals and advice for the fall semester

It’s 9:32 a.m., and room 319 in Willard Hall Education Building is buzzing with conversations. Sam Waters looks around, taking it all in. He’s been nervously anticipating his first day at the University of Delaware for a while, and now he’s eager to get started. 

Over the loud chatter, Waters stands at the front of the room and jumps right in.

“My name is Sam Waters — you can call me Sam or Professor Waters, whatever works for you,” he says. A quick survey of the room reveals that about half of his Pre-Calculus students  are new to UD, just like him. 

Waters, an assistant professor of mathematical sciences, recently earned his doctorate degree from University of Northern Colorado. He had his own first-day jitters to work through, most notably technology issues and the logistics of teaching three sections of math in three different locations. He is excited to launch his academic career at UD.

“I’m looking forward to being in a new environment, taking the time to get to know students on a personal level and making UD’s traditions my own,” he said. “My goal for this year is to adapt and pace myself, staying in the moment of all the newness that the academic year brings.”

Sam Waters, assistant professor of mathematical sciences, engages with his Pre-Calculus students on day one of his teaching career.
Sam Waters, assistant professor of mathematical sciences, engages with his Pre-Calculus students on day one of his teaching career.

UD’s first day of classes for the 2025-26 academic year kicked off Tuesday, Aug. 26. The excitement was palpable on The Green: friends stopping for a quick chat, groups taking selfies to freeze time, students grabbing a complimentary snack — and a customary first-day photo for mom and dad — at the Ask Me Tents. 

Not only are new professors sorting through nerves; so are returning students as they look ahead.

“I’m in a lot of leadership positions, so I’m excited about that, but I’m also nervous because I’ll be very busy,” said Frenchezza Jumawan, a senior majoring in international relations and a concentration in diplomacy and global order. “Scheduling and planning ahead of time, and self-care, are what works best for me to not get too overwhelmed.”  

Waters told his Pre-Calculus students that he understands the nerves that come with learning advanced math, as he’s given a lot of thought about setting a tone right away that creates an environment of comfort. 

“I anticipate you all having varying math experiences and exposure,” he told the class. “But I want you to know that regardless of your mathematical background, you deserve to be in my classroom, and you’re here because you have the ability to be successful in this course.”

Riley Kataria, a first-year student majoring in biology, is looking forward to kicking off his academic journey at UD and eventually beginning his career as a surgeon.
Riley Kataria, a first-year student majoring in biology, is looking forward to kicking off his academic journey at UD and eventually beginning his career as a surgeon.

Riley Kataria, a first-year student majoring in biology, is ready to embrace how different college is from high school. 

“I’m excited about the freedom that college has, and the opportunity to focus on topics that I’m interested in,” he said. 

UD is brimming with opportunities, which David Wimer discovered at the Involvement Fair on Monday afternoon. The first-year business management major said he is looking forward to the chance  to meet new people and join club baseball.

First-year student David Wimer waits for his first class in the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics.
First-year student David Wimer waits for his first class in the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics.

Amber Ortiz-Hernandez, a senior majoring in marine science with a concentration in marine biology, said that success this semester will include taking advantage of the resources offered at UD’s Career Center — internship searches, practice with mock interviews and resume refining — so that she is less stressed about doing everything on her own. 

Across campus, in Alison Hall, roughly 40 students waited patiently to introduce themselves to Carla Merino-Rajme, assistant professor of philosophy, before diving right into their course, Philosophy of Mind. 

Merino-Rajme, who is also new to UD, began her teaching career in 2013 and is excited to be a Blue Hen. 

“I love UD’s commitment to research and education,” she said. “During my visit, I found it to be a friendly and supportive environment where research and teaching are taken very seriously, something that I care deeply about.”

Carla Merino-Rajme, assistant professor of philosophy, teaches Philosophy of Mind, on her first day at UD.
Carla Merino-Rajme, assistant professor of philosophy, teaches Philosophy of Mind, on her first day at UD.

Her teaching style is a melting pot, and she adjusts the recipe depending on her audience.

“My classes are very discussion-based, but I work hard to make students feel seen and heard,” said Merino-Rajme, who wants students to debate respectfully and get excited about philosophy. “Teaching calls for experimenting because there’s no one way to be effective, but the goal is always for me to find a way for my students to get the most out of our time together.” 

For Alex Keating, a senior double majoring in communication and international relations, Tuesday was the first day of her last year at UD, and she echoed the advice that many other seasoned Blue Hens offered to new students: Enjoy every moment, because it goes by quickly.

“There are so many things that I never knew that I would enjoy or do while I was in college,” Keating said, “and now they’re my most treasured experiences.”

UD seniors (left to right) Alex Keating, Frenchezza Jumawan and Amber Ortiz-Hernandez catch up with each other on The Green in between classes.
UD seniors (left to right) Alex Keating, Frenchezza Jumawan and Amber Ortiz-Hernandez catch up with each other on The Green in between classes.

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