Ever since I was a small child, the start of a new school year meant one thing—new shoes, says Webster University’s Sarah Bradford.

It was a family tradition that began when I was five and I started in Kindergarten class. My mother considered each new school year a “fresh start,” and insisted we head to the shops in search of that perfect pair. I would spend hours walking down the store’s aisles until I found just the right ones.
I felt nervous, excited, and invincible even, as my tiny self headed down the endless halls that first day, carrying my Mickey Mouse lunchbox and pencils. I walked slowly, step by step, in my new shiny shoes to find my classroom, find my friends, and find my desk.
As an adult, I kept up the tradition when I started Webster University this fall. I cut off the price tag on my new boots this morning and slid them over my socks as butterflies played tag in my stomach. Going back to school was a big decision. However, it was also a big opportunity.
Yes, in our University you still have to find your classroom, find your friends, and find your desk, but most importantly, you have to find yourself.

Laura de Vries did just this during her time at Webster.
‘I remember getting my books from the library on the first day. I went to class and within fifteen minutes I knew this was the best decision I made in the last year. That first week I had class with two of whom would turn out to be, a couple of my favorite professors.
‘People from my class were from everywhere, from different fields, and you could complement each other’s experiences. I was going to learn new things, and I using what I was studying, I was able to complete an internship in the Dutch Parliament and secure a job with a diplomatic mission in the Netherlands.
‘Then graduation came. I was always excited about graduation because I watched a friend graduate a year before me, and saw the personal approach. They talked about who you were and what you experienced, I pictured myself standing on that stage, and it made me excited.’
Stilettos, boots, and dirty sneakers shuffle down the busy halls every day, each pair belongs to an owner, already on a unique path to success. Webster helps by developing educational programs that join theory and practice, provide an international perspective, encourage creativity and scholarship, and foster a life-long desire to learn and actively serve communities.
As students like Laura graduate from Webster, determined to put their footprints in the world, new students, like Andrew Escobedo patter in.
‘My first day of class I was a little nervous about what the teacher would expect, but once I took that first step through the door I felt fine. Webster University is very welcoming. I have not met anyone that I felt uncomfortable with and it is nice to be able to socialize with my classmates.
‘When I did my Bachelor’s the opportunity to converse with classmates in the same program was limited because the school was so big and it was rare for students to take multiple classes together. I would say that this is the first university in which I actually felt that there was a community. It was a good fit for me.
‘It’s more than just a classroom experience. I enjoy attending Webster functions and events setup by other classmates. These experiences will help me prepare for the future. It is a great university to meet people of many different backgrounds. The people I have met so far are intelligent, helpful, and we all work as a team.
Someday, after the initial jitters clear and his brown and white sneakers turn worn, Andrew’s journey with Webster will be completed.
As the new terms begin, with new students, and ones already on their way to graduation, we wish our students (past, present, and future) plenty of success and happiness in their futures. And remember no matter where your shoes take you, or how many pairs you try on—Webster makes a good fit.