At UB, she found what she was looking for — and something she wasn’t

Grace Aderibigbe came to UB with a deep interest in all things law and politics, a love for psychology, and every intention of joining the lacrosse club.

Though the first two passions have played out as expected — she’s now in her junior year as a political science major with a minor in psychology and an eye on law school — that third one got replaced by something completely unanticipated.

Attending Campus Fest as a new first-year student, Aderibigbe was making her way toward the lacrosse club table when something stopped her.

“I hear someone screaming, ‘Hey, you in the pink sweater!’ And I was like, oh my gosh, I really hope they’re not talking to me,” she recalls.

They were — and they were trying to sell her on the Ultimate Frisbee club.

“I was like, ‘Is this the thing you do with a dog? I'm so confused.’”

Despite her unfamiliarity, she accepted their invitation and gave it a try.

“I had never seen anything like it,” she says of that first practice. “It’s basically soccer with a disc, but it was just so fun, and I love anything that makes me sweat. And I met so many people, and everyone there was just so nice. Everyone wanted to talk; everybody wanted to hang out after practice. It was such an easy way to make friends.”

Aderibigbe was drawn to UB for its vast size, so being able to form bonds so quickly was another welcome surprise.

“When I saw UB and how big it was and heard that there were 30,000 students, I was like, oh my gosh, this is the place for me,” says Aderibigbe. “And then just two months after I got here, I had made so many friends, and I was close with my professors, and I was talking to everyone. I was like, wow, this might be a big place, but there’s a niche for everyone.”

Now, she’s captain of the women’s Ultimate Frisbee team — and the one representing at Campus Fest.

“And I do the same thing,” she says. “I pick out people that I see walking, and I’m like, ‘Come over here,’ just to make it more personal. I’m like, ‘You look like someone who would really love this club. Just come to a practice. You don't have to say a word, but if you do end up loving it, stay with us!’”