A little travel never hurt anyone, but this week’s Campus Celebrity has taken it to new heights. In the fall of 2013, the University of Arkansas welcomed Freshman Stephanie Diettinger to a new home from the town of Rocklin, California. While the Arkansas campus is accustom to its share of Texans, Stephanie brought something a little different to the table when she chose to go the extra mile — quite literally —- and leave the West for Fayetteville, Arkansas.
“I absolutely love it here in Arkansas.” Stephanie says. “I do miss being home with my family, but I enjoy the people in Arkansas more.”
Stephanie is the only daughter of Jeanne and Gary Diettinger, whom she often sees over video chat and on the holidays. For Stephanie, traveling home is not a common (or quick) feat. From Arkansas to Kansas City, Stephanie then catches a flight to Vegas and then onto Sacramento. Makes the 5-hour trip home sound like a breeze! Back home, Stephanie has two pets, a yellow lab named Chad and a Miniature Australian Shepard, Levi. She loves her dogs to no end, and keeps photographs of them at her desk.
Along with being a Kienesiology major (she studies Applied Exercise Science), Stephanie dove head-first into the Track and Field team at the University as a walk-on. Stephanie advises those looking to join to be prepared to work harder than they ever have before.
“The program here is amazing. They are top ranked and have produced Olympic athletes. I also really like the coaches here, they are really welcoming but also very demanding which creates such a great team.”
Stephanie says that being on the team has been her greatest experience at Arkansas, but you can easily find her at a selection of other sporting events throughout the year.
“Calling the hogs is my favorite Razorback tradition. Some people get embarrassed doing it but I think it is pretty cool and something that we can call our own. No other school does that.”
The hog call, however, isn’t the only compelling thing Stephanie sees in the university.
“The U of A is a family; people care about each other here.”
While she has enjoyed her time at Arkansas as a Freshman, Stephanie has already made plans for the upcoming year as a Razorback.
“Sports wise, I plan to get stronger.” Stephanie explains. “Academic wise, I plan to get above a 3.0 GPA.”
Her advice is simple for those who plan to take that big step and move away from home —- especially various states away.
“Be ready to live on your own. Make sure you are going to be all right with not being able to see your family until holidays or summers. Also be willing to go out and find good friends that will be there when you need someone.”
Judging by Stephanie’s excellent attitude and constant motivation to her friends and academics, she’s settled in wonderfully in natural state.