Homesick Softball Player Makes a (Home)run at Fisher

Makayla Tzul, is a dedicated sophomore majoring in criminal justice and a valuable member of the Fisher College Softball Team. 
Makayla is from Stratford, Connecticut. She chose to come to Fisher for the criminal justice program and because she wanted to play softball. 

When she first transitioned to life at Fisher, she faced significant challenges. As she reflected on her experience, she said, “I’m extremely close with my family, so moving away from them was a struggle. I get homesick very easily, and living on my own as a first-year student was very hard. The workload I encountered here at Fisher was completely different from what I experienced in high school.”

Although the initial transition was rough for Makayla, she was able to find her footing as a Falcon, finding and creating a whole other community away from home. When talking about her favorite part about Fisher, she said, “The thing I like most about Fisher College is the bonds I’ve formed. I’ve met many amazing people here at Fisher and they make being away from home a little easier.”

Some of the most meaningful connections Makayla has formed have been through softball. Since she was 9 years old, she has dedicated herself to the sport and now plays as a first baseman on the softball team at Fisher. Being part of the team has reignited her passion for the game: “Love for softball has been stronger than it’s been for a long time & they made it fun again.” This supportive community has not only provided her with a sense of belonging but also offered comfort during times when she misses her family: “Everyone was so supportive & always encouraging.”

Makayla is actively involved in several activities, including the Women’s Empowerment Club, which she describes as an opportunity that “leads to meeting more people & in turn creating stronger bonds.” Additionally, she works in the Financial Aid Department two to three times a week. 

When asked about how she manages her many responsibilities, she shares, “As a sophomore, I’ve gotten the hang of balancing my academics.” Despite her initial challenges, she has learned to navigate her commitments effectively. Her most valuable piece of advice is, “Do your schoolwork before doing anything else. If you have plans, say at 7, try and get your work done before then so you can just enjoy doing whatever you’re doing instead of worrying when you have an assignment due or a paper due.”

In her academic pursuits, Makayla excels. This semester, her favorite class is Creative Writing, in which she finds joy and fulfillment. She expresses, “It gives me a chance to express myself in ways speaking out loud could never allow me to do.” With a passion for writing that she has nurtured for years, this class is a perfect match for her talents and interests.

So, although it hasn’t been easy for her, Makayla has learned to live her best life and create a new home at Fisher away from Stratford, Connecticut. When asked about her future plans, she says she wants to graduate and then work in a national sexual violence organization. Her
reasoning as to why is, “Because I feel a deep need to help people who have gone through hard times and I know I can make a difference within that field.”