Being an International Student on a D1 Sports Team

As an incoming international student, I had no idea what to expect when I uprooted my life in Scotland to come to America. I mean none. Having come from a sporty family, the chance to take my passion for field hockey to an even larger stage and use it to gain a great education at the same time was an amazing opportunity that I had to take.

Everyone leaves high school thinking that they know it all, they've seen it all and can handle anything; I was no different. However, after leaving the continent and stepping on to the field as a Division 1 Student Athlete for the first time, I was 100% proven wrong. From day one, I started to realize that the transition was going to be the hardest that I have ever had to make.

What began as fear of the unknown quickly became the most important life lesson that I've learnt so far.

What I can say is that this year has been the most exciting of my life — I've cried through tough preseason sessions, celebrated last–minute wins and reached a CAA championship. And the best part? There were 20 of my friends and teammates, with me every step of the way. While I had waited for the dreaded, "Get on the line," what instead I found were coaches with a genuine interest in our wellbeing and a passion for our sport. Whilst I expected our four senior captains to lead with critique and pressure, instead they were incredibly kind and welcoming.

It's true, hard work has taken on a whole new meaning for me since I arrived at university. But if asked if I could go back and reconsider my decision, I wouldn't hesitate to choose Drexel every time.

What began as fear of the unknown quickly became the most important life lesson that I've learnt so far. There is nothing that you can't achieve if you surround yourself with good people. Lean on your teammates, your coaches and your peers that have been in the same position. There is nothing wrong with being scared to take on something new, or something that seems too hard for you to handle. The best things in life will challenge you — be ready to step up.

"Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." — A. A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh