It’s almost like a rite of passage for a mother to cry when sending their child off to their first day at primary school. Seven years later and a couple of feet taller, the same process is repeated when mothers enrol their pre-teen in high school. Usually the next tear-fuelled event is when the child leaves the nest and moves out into the real world, aspirations in tow.
But for Nikki Marshall, she is not only watching her eldest son, Alex, leave their Melbourne family home in pursuit or his dreams, she is encouraging him to journey to the other side of the world alone to capture a unique opportunity for the next four years.
Despite admitting the difficulty, Nikki wishes the best for her son, who departed for the US in early August heading to Upstate New York to play baseball and chase a degree in the engineering field.
“The time is right, it’s time for him to almost be forced into adulthood,” Nikki jokes.
“I think it’s all about living your dream and taking the opportunities that come, when they come. It’s great for him to be able to make the most out of that. It’s a young boy’s dream, that’s what his life will be based around. He has got to study but it’s all about baseball,” Nikki said.
Alex will take his baseball passion back to where it all began, in the United States. Venturing to America for the first time as a pre-teen, Alex first fell in love with the sport after attending an L.A. Dodgers game and proceeding to attend games in every State they visited. Since his trip and another visit to the US later down the track, Alex’s life has revolved around baseball.
“He has been to the states twice, we took him when he was about 11 and that’s when he got into baseball. We went to LA Dodgers games and every city we visited we went to a baseball game. When we came back to Australia the first thing he did was sign up to a baseball club. It’s like a full cycle!” Nikki noted.
A three-month stint in Europe last year and a year of University study will help Alex in preparation for this giant leap, Nikki says. Not concerned by his ability to complete his studies, Nikki is completely supportive of Alex’s decision. Although she and her eight-year-old daughter will miss Alex terribly, they value the benefits he will gain from this experience.
“Personally I think he will gain a sense of independence and relying on yourself, I think it’s a really important thing for everyone to have. Confidence as well. Confidence to know you can do it, to know that he can do anything he sets his mind to.
“The benefits would be having those experiences. That’s how we learn about life, by doing. It goes back to more than just sporting achievements. If you don’t do it then you might always regret not doing it. Give it a go and don’t have any regrets. These opportunities don’t come up that often so when they do grab it with both hands!” Nikki advised.
Nikki’s mind was set at ease and her nerves were alleviated slightly when Alex was able to connect with his roommate/teammate before leaving Australia. Nikki credits the personal support and care of the college for her peace of mind and Alex’s security.
“The college has really worked hard at matching people up. They’re the same age, their physical characteristics are quite similar, so I was really pleased with that process,” Nikki noted.
With a few family friends residing in the area close to SUNY Canton, where Alex will be studying, Nikki is comforted knowing her son has contacts and resources around him on the other side of the world.
Nikki sees the value in this experience and encourages future parents and their children to consider this pathway to college in the US.
“It’s about what you put into it, so I just say make the most of it!” She said.