We’re sure all parents or guardians have been there.

America is far away, it’s big, and it’s often going to be the first time their loved one is moving out of

home.

It’s only normal for there to be hesitancy or fear of the unknown.

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Tracey Johnston, mother of basketball athlete Dylan (QLD) admits that she experienced a lot of those common feelings.

“The only reason I hesitated was I think because he’s my son, and it’s the first time he’s been away from home, and it’s just kind of scary. The States is a big place, and it just seemed unattainable,” she reflects.

Now, Dylan has just recently begun his journey at DME Sports Academy, in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Tracey, who says now “it’s real”, doesn’t “have any reservations anymore” after seeing her son settle in with her own eyes.

“Once we were there it was becoming real, each day that passed.

“It’s been a long process but it’s become a reality. Dylan is happy there, so I’m really excited for him, and I just want the best for him,” she says.

Stay tuned for part two of our chat with Tracey, to find out all about how Dylan’s settling in and what it was like seeing this new life for her student-athlete son with her own eyes.