Blog #1: Living Away from Home.
Hey Guys,
Being a former NSR prospect and having graduated from college in the USA, I feel that I may be able to share some advice for those teenagers looking to make that first big move across the pond. My name is Dana Tamos and I was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia before spending 4 years in America while completing my Uni degree and playing college soccer. Since graduating I have returned to Melbourne and love to share my stories and experiences with prospective student-athletes. The biggest fear that families have with allowing their child to leave for the USA is it is the first time living away from home.
Moving away from home for the first time can be daunting. Cooking, cleaning, washing, all things mum has taken care of up until now becomes a responsibility you take on. Setting an alarm and waking up for school without mum pulling you out of bed becomes harder, but the independence and pride far out weights the feelings of nervousness and worry that are present at the start. I left Australia at the age of 18 and traveled to America by myself, meeting coach on the other side before beginning the most exciting journey of my life.
For myself and many other first year student-athletes, going to college in America is or will be the first time living away from families, gaining a sense of self and learning to do those everyday things without the guidance from your parents.
Was it scary, yes.
Was I nervous, yes.
Would I do it again, YES!
The great thing about college is that there are different living arrangements and you are able to move between them through your college years. I started off living on campus with my roommate from Texas who was another soccer girl. Living with one roommate allowed me to have enough time and space to myself when it was needed, but I always knew that she was never far away and we were able to build a uniquely special relationship over the years.
While living on campus everything is in close proximity and looking after yourself isn’t as scary. The cafeteria was a short walk away for all your meals, I was able to wake up 10 minutes before class started and wander across to the classroom and still be there before most students and the laundry facilities were right downstairs.
After 2 years of on campus living, my roommate and myself decided we wanted to rent an apartment together which allowed us more freedom, space and independence. Living off campus is much like living on campus but just gives you a little more power to decide on the simple things like what to eat and when to eat. Having space away from the school and the craziness of all the students was much more relaxing and gave me more time to focus on what I needed and wanted. We were able to cook dinners that we wanted and could eat at whatever times our hearts (and stomachs) desired. When it came to homework I found it a lot easier to stay on top of everything because there weren’t as many distractions and I had more time to complete assignments.
Was living on campus better than living off campus?
Each has their perks but the space and freedom of off campus certainly stood out for me. Many international and domestic college students enjoy the off campus option more as they are able to live with a group of friends, save on costs, and grow a better sense of independence.
I remember the first time I came home after finishing college mum found me doing housework without asking and she nearly fainted! Normally she leaves reminders and calls 3 times a day to be sure that everything gets completed, but after learning how to look after yourself (and finding the start button on the washing machine) it becomes second nature.
Living away from home may seem like a drain since you now have to wash your clothes and make the bed, but trust me, the perks by far make it worth it. You complete things on your own time, have friends over whenever you want, go to bed at some ungodly hour if you choose (although morning practice might be rough on little sleep) and even use the snooze button as many times as you want. Being able to manage your time, decide when to do homework or even what to eat for dinner allows you to make decisions on your own and gain a whole lot of confidence along the way.
Moving out of home at 18, 19 or even 20 years old may seem like a scary thought to many people, but when you see the young adult that emerges from the other side you know that it was well worth it.
Living away from home was a huge growth period in my college life, but there are many more things that accompany the transition from teenager to young adult. Stay tuned for my next blog for more inside scoop on first time international travel.
Cya soon guys!