My First Semester: Deshiya Anthony
KENNESAW, Ga. | Jan 9, 2026
FLIGHT29 student Deshiya Anthony shares her experience as a new Kennesaw State student.
Tell us about yourself.
I’m from a small town in South Georgia called Blakely, GA, and I’m the middle child in my family and a first-generation college student. I graduated as the valedictorian of my high school and earned several academic honors along the way. While I take a lot of pride in my achievements, giving back and staying connected to my community have always been just as important to me. Wherever I am, I truly try to make a positive difference.
Why did you decide to study at KSU?
Coming from a small town, I wanted to attend a university that would give me access to greater opportunities in a larger city. KSU stood out to me because it offers the best of both worlds. While it is close to Atlanta and other prospering cities full of opportunity, the campus itself still feels close-knit, welcoming, and like home. That balance made my decision feel easy and exciting.
What are some of your favorite memories from your first semester?
I have a lot of memories, but my favorites from my first semester would have to include the Greek life event on Campus Green, the Homecoming Activities, and the FLIGHT Ambassador meet-and-greet trip to Beat the Bomb. Each of these experiences helped me connect with other students, get more involved on campus, and truly feel like part of the KSU community.
How did your first semester of college compare to your expectations?
I honestly wish someone had warned me just how fast everything moves once you get to college. I expected the pace to be a little slower, but there is truly always something going on here. When people say there’s always something to do on this campus, they really mean it! Overall, my first semester has exceeded my expectations, especially because I didn’t fully know what to expect coming into college.
As you adjusted to college this semester, who or what has been your greatest support at KSU?
My friends who were already at KSU have played a huge role in helping me adjust to college life. My close family back home has been an incredible source of encouragement and support as well. Whether it’s family, friends, or both, having a strong support system in college is truly essential.
Outside of class, what did you do to get involved at KSU in your first semester?
Outside of class, I made it a priority to get involved on campus. I attended the involvement fair on the campus green and signed up for several clubs that interested me. I also followed many KSU-related social media pages so I could stay up to date on upcoming events and opportunities. Doing that really helped me stay connected and engaged throughout my first semester.
What do you think about FLIGHT29 activities?
I think the FLIGHT29 activities are a great way to showcase the inclusiveness of the campus. These events truly help bring everyone together and create a sense of belonging among students. Personally, whenever I participate in FLIGHT29 activities, I feel comfortable being my authentic self, which makes the experience even more meaningful to me.
Did your college plan change at all during your first semester?
I would say my college plan did change a little during my first semester. Originally, I planned to join and be actively involved in at least two clubs. However, once I arrived on campus, everything started moving very fast, and I realized I needed to give myself time to fully adjust first. I’ve learned that it’s okay to slow down and take things one step at a time, and I fully plan to become more involved as I continue to settle in.
What was the biggest surprise/challenge you encountered in your first semester, and how did you address it?
The biggest challenge I encountered during my first semester was adjusting socially to such a large campus. Coming from a small town, it was always easy for me to make connections, so being in such a big community initially made me feel a little more introverted than I normally am. To push past that, I began intentionally attending events and putting myself in social situations, even in simple moments like starting conversations with people in the Commons while having dinner. Taking those small steps has really helped me become more comfortable and confident.
What are you looking forward to for the next few semesters?
Over the next few semesters, I’m most looking forward to traveling globally with my PEGS cohort, being a FLIGHT29 Ambassador, becoming more involved on campus, starting internships related to my career, and building meaningful connections in college that will last a lifetime. I’m excited for all the growth, experiences, and opportunities that lie ahead!
