It’s always good to hear how our NSR athletes are feeling both here in Australia and over in the States. It is especially helpful so that future students can understand that they are not alone in this journey and that there are students out there sharing the very same worries and aspirations before getting on that flight.
After speaking with NSR soccer athlete Jordan Whitchurch (NSW), we decided he was a great person to resonate with students about his thoughts on leaving Australia.
Jordan is now almost 20 years old and a typical teenager when it comes to playing his PlayStation or watching TV series (Breaking Bad at the moment). He has been playing football for almost 15 years and now doing all he can to prepare for his next big adventure by undertaking a certificate IV in Fitness and training for soccer.
Like a lot of our NSR athletes still in the land down under, most of you are mostly worried about moving away from your family and friends; Jordan is with you all there. He has begun preparing himself by downloading his means of communication like “Skype” and “Viber” and ensuring he has full contact with his family and friends when need be.Knowing that the opportunity of travel and training that NSR offers provides more pros than cons, Jordan has started to feel excited and cannot wait to have his first white Christmas that he keeps hearing all our NSR athletes rave about.
Many of our athletes are anxious about what their competition will be like in another country, but like Jordan, most of you cannot wait to get there to ACTUALLY find out. Jordan’s plan of attack is to assess his competition before the game by doing a bit of research on the players, find out their weakness’s and become a stronger player. The main reason Jordan says he accepted his offer was because he is so passionate about his beloved sport, but also getting to travel and walk away with a strong college education as a back-up is where he felt like he couldn’t say no. “This opportunity gives you more than just the aspect of sport, more than an education and more than a tourist experience. It’s all of the above”. Jordan also wants to study to become a nutritionist for athletes and what better experience do you have than being one yourself?
“For me, it’s about always experiencing something different and I can’t wait!”
We know that it may seem nerve racking at the thought of leaving behind family, friends and even our beloved Vegemite,but we also know that you will have the time of your life!