What I Wish I Knew Before my Student-Athlete Journey
Advice from a D1 Swimmer for International Student-Athletes
Helena Robla, Division I swimmer and journalism student at Northern Arizona University, shares the lessons she learned over the past four years. Whether you’re prepping for your 大学スポーツ journey or already living it, her insights might save you some headaches (and maybe even make your experience a little smoother).
Last month I had my last college dual meet. It feels unreal to think that it has been almost four years since I first came to the United States. I have learned a lot since then, and although this is part of the journey, there are a few things I would tell my younger self if I had the chance. Here are some things I wish I had known before starting my college journey.
Make connections with athletes from other sports
It’s easy to stick with your own team, but branching out and making friends with athletes from other sports can be incredibly beneficial. They understand the demands of being a student-athlete, but they come from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Interacting with athletes outside of your sport can help you see challenges from a new angle, learn different approaches to training and time management, and even form friendships that extend beyond athletics. The student-athlete community is tight-knit, and you may be surprised at how much you can learn from those who compete in completely different disciplines. You’ll also make some great friends!
Be honest with your coaches
Your coaches are there to guide and support you, but the most important thing to remember is that no one knows you better than you do. If something doesn’t feel right—whether it has to do with training, recovery needs, or mental well-being—let them know. Communication です key に any アスリート-coach relationship, 、および being open について あなたの struggles or concerns will 助けて them tailor their guidance へ fit あなたの 必要. Coaches appreciate honesty そして effort, 、および 彼らは want あなた へ succeed just as much as あなた do. Trust and respect their experience but また trust yourself.
Build relationships with your professors
It may seem intimidating at first, しかし getting へ know あなたの professors can make a big difference に あなたの 学術的 experience. Introduce yourself on その first day of class そして let them know そのこと あなた are a 学生アスリート – and そのこと あなた あれ from another country. Not only will this 助けて them understand あなたの situation, しかし it will また make it easier へ communicate if あなた ever need へ miss class due へ competition or training. Even if あなたの campus seems huge, chances are あなた will have その same professors のため more than one class. Building a good relationship early on can lead へ more engaging class discussions, better 学術的 support, 、および even potential mentorship. You never know いつ あなた might need a letter of recommendation, キャリア advice, or guidance beyond その classroom.
Use the resources on campus
They あれ there のため a reason! Whether it’s tutoring centers, writing labs, 学術的 advisors, or mental health services, there です so much support available へ 助けて あなた succeed. As a 学生アスリート, balancing 陸上競技 そして academics can be overwhelming, 、および taking advantage of these resources can 助けて ease その burden. Many campuses また オファー specialized support のため 国際的 学生, including cultural organizations, language assistance, 、および networking opportunities. Finding a community どこ あなた feel understood そして supported can make その transition へ 大学 life much smoother.
Ask for help
Being a student is challenging. Being an athlete adds another layer of difficulty. Being away from home can make it even harder. There will be times when it feels overwhelming, but the most important thing to remember is that you don’t have to do it alone. There are so many people who are willing to help you with anything you might be going through, big or small –teammates, coaches, advisors, friends, professors– but they won’t know you need help unless you ask. Whether you’re struggling with homesickness, academics, mental health, or balancing responsibilities, reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. You’re surrounded by people who care about you and want to see you succeed, so don’t hesitate to lean on them when you need to.
Being a student-athlete in college will shape you in ways you can’t yet imagine. The lessons you learn will stay with you long after your last competition. Enjoy the ride, because it goes by faster than you think!
Do you want to get a sports scholarship at an American university? Keystone Sports will help you make your college athlete dreams a reality. Complete our free assessment form and we’ll get back to you!
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