Be a positive role model as an Australian International student – You are an ambassador for all Australian students overseas when you are at college. Australian students are known for their friendly and generous spirit and are welcomed overseas, and we want to keep it that way. So, your attitude and actions don’t just effect you but the way all Aussies are represented at colleges everywhere. Coaches and fellow team mates will want to help you out as much as possible if you maintain the integrity and high standard of character that fellow Australian athletes have set before you.
Maturity – Being in a foreign country can be very daunting. It may be your first time living out of home so you will be making decisions for yourself without the watchful eyes of your parents. You must keep in mind, that all actions have consequences and you must be able to make informed
mature decisions on your own, to prove to your coach you are a responsible member of the team. At college you will be treated like the adult you are but having a sense of entitlement without earning it will not be tolerated. It’s a great feeling knowing you are able to make decisions on your own, and to also learn from your mistakes. Remember, there is always guidance in the form of coaches, teachers and senior athletes to look up to and ask advice from.
Honesty – You must always be truthful with your team, coach and in your studies. Trust is hard to earn, and easily lost. Sometimes it is a lot harder to tell the truth than it seems to cover it up, such as a injury which may prevent you from playing an important game. However, not being truthful will always damage your reputation much more than missing out on a game and of course carries more significant penalties.
Self-Sufficient and reliable– College is a completely different lifestyle than living at home, for most student athletes this will be the first time away from mum and dad. You have to be prepared to clean your own clothes, cook, and be reliable. This includes taking yourself to early morning classes and training without the help of a wakeup call from mum and dad. No one will be telling you to go to bed early, but in order to train, study and succeed you need to be able to stick to a routine and be able to monitor it yourself.
Ambitious and competitive – As a competitive athlete, you have to believe in your ability to succeed, Stephen Hoare; former Australian NBL player said, “The biggest thing I find that separates people at a top level is confidence, you have to believe that you are good enough and you are on the right track.” Confidence, ambition and that competitive spirit will separate mediocre athletes from great athletes and make the difference between making the starting team and not.