Farah Schweers and Her American Dream
Moving across the world is not an easy thing to do, but many people do it for new experiences or greater opportunities. Bluefield College student Farah Schweers is one of those people. She came to Bluefield in 2017 to pursue a college degree and to continue her soccer career.
Schweers graduated from Julius-Stursberg-Gymnasium in 2017 in Neukirchen-Vluyn, Germany. This was her high school and middle school as they are combined in Germany. Choosing to come to America was not a difficult decision for Schweers because she wanted to continue playing the sport of soccer.
“I chose to come to America to go to college since I can play a sport while getting my bachelor’s degree,” Schweers said. “I decided to just pick the first school that called me, and that was Bluefield College.”
While soccer was the main reason for Schweers’ journey to America and Bluefield, her other reason was for a bachelor’s degree. She is currently finishing her degree in criminal justice and plans to graduate in May of this year. She’ll also graduate with a minor in chemistry and forensic science.
“[Farah] is so responsible, dependable and capable with any tasks,” said Dr. Kim Farmer, dean of the School of Criminal Justice. “There is never a doubt that she will accomplish what she needs to accomplish.”
Schweers has been successful in her work at Bluefield but not without some challenges. Coming to America came as a bit of a culture shock to her once she was fully immersed in the American way of life.
“The food – everything is greasy and fried, and everybody eats everything with their fingers,” Schweers said about one of the changes she had to adjust to, “[but] I probably have to say that switching between languages is the hardest thing that I had to adapt to in America.”
Schweers’ accomplishments include an Appalachian Athletic Conference Champion of Character award and a Most Valuable Ram honor for women’s soccer. She’s also on two other sports teams at BC: track and women’s tennis where she earned a Most Improved Player award. While playing more than one sport in college is not an easy feat, Schweers balances her time and duties well.
“Farah is well-driven, competitive, and compassionate,” said Sam Dickens, track teammate and best friend.
“I am equally impressed with her character and personality traits,” added Dr. Farmer. “She is so optimistic and inspiring to be around. Honesty and integrity come natural to her so she is the kind of friend one would hope to find and would treasure if you were lucky enough to find.”
Even though Schweers misses her family and the culture of Germany, she plans to stay in America after graduating from Bluefield College to pursue a career as a police officer.