For track and field star, Natasha Fitzpatrick, heading to college in the US as a student-athlete was a no-brainer, as it combined her two passions; sport and travel in one realistic and valuable opportunity.
Her brief time at Southern Connecticut State University has already seen her learn some key lessons as a student-athlete, particularly about how to balance the two successfully.
The student-athlete title
Natasha wears her title as a student-athlete proudly and looks forward to continuing to develop in the years to come at SCSU.
“In order to be a student athlete you have to be doing well academically so you can compete, so I personally see it as a title of aiming for academic excellence as well as always wanting to compete to the best of your ability.
“I definitely combine the two titles when introducing myself, as I am honoured to be recognised as one!” Natasha said.
Since her entry to the US college system in 2015, Natasha has proved herself as both a student and an athlete, studying public health and earning a variety of accolades on the track.
“I chose this major as it’s a degree needed all over the world and something I can travel with while improving the lifestyles of many people across the world.
While in athletics;
“Last cross country I received an all-region and All Northeast 10 at the conference. In outdoors I broke the school record in the 3000m steeple chase, qualifying for the conference meet. I also set personal records last year in the indoor and outdoor seasons over the mile and 3000m, and season bests in the 1500m. The achievements last year have made me excited for the upcoming seasons this year!” Natasha said enthusiastically.
Appreciating the opportunity
Having achieved so much in such a short time at college, Natasha is setting herself up for a successful future ahead, a pathway she values very highly.
“It’s an experience you get in a totally different country where the lifestyle, schooling, competition and even food is all different.
“It’s an opportunity that changes how you view the world, as everyone does things differently. The whole experience has made me appreciate my sport as well as my love to travel, both of which I hope to forever continue to do,” the grateful athlete said.
Studying public health and hoping to continue into a graduate program in epidemiology, Natasha’s future as an academic is looking promising. As for her love of travel, she has been fortunate enough to use her passion for sport and position at SCSU to explore some of what America has to offer, the student-athlete title proving its full potential.
“I chose this pathway as I really wanted to travel, and thought there was no better way than combining it with study and competing in a sport I love to do.
“I’ve been able to travel the whole New England area with the athletics team, but also made weekend trips to Boston, New York and Washington DC. During the summer I also ventured over to the west coast of the US including Hawaii which was another amazing experience,” Natasha said.
Balancing a demanding lifestyle
While Natasha thrives as a student-athlete, she admits it’s not without a touch of hard work and self-discipline that this successful balance is achieved.
It’s no secret that a student-athlete schedule can be demanding, but Natasha believes that by learning to prioritise and sometimes sacrifice, anyone can strike a winning balance between sport and study to achieve great results in both.
“It’s a very demanding lifestyle, trying to fit in training, school, homework and I also have an on-campus job. However, I try and stay in a weekly routine so I always have time to get homework done without losing sleep.
“I enjoy having teachers who understand the lifestyle of a student-athlete and respect the effort you put into academic work, as they are the ones most approachable and helpful when the work load becomes too much,” Natasha noted.
Natasha admitted that striking this balance between elite sport and full-time tertiary study can be the difference between a successful and happy college experience and an overwhelming one. Having achieved this balance, Natasha appreciates the fact that her lifestyle and schedule allows her time to do things for herself and enjoy being a foreign visitor in America.
“There are definitely a few moments where something has to be given up and you have to remember you are a student first, but most of the time my schedule works and I can still enjoy traveling and adventures on weekends,” she said.
Natasha’s tips
With plenty of exciting times ahead, Natasha encourages other young people who have a passion for sport and travel, but still value education to consider the chance to pave a future for themselves as a US college student-athlete.
“Take on the new challenges in training, which may mean you have to learn to lift, but the coaches are highly qualified over here and know what they are doing.
“My biggest advice would be to definitely take on the opportunity. You get to train with people every day who are just as enthusiastic about your chosen sport as you are, which helps you get through all the sessions the coaches throw at you. It’s definitely a period where you take your sport and academics seriously, but that’s not to say you don’t get to have any enjoyment as you get to see a whole new country and lifestyle,” Natasha said.