Crossing Cultures

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Maja to talk about her journey as a volleyball player and the experiences that have shaped her both on and off the court. We discuss the discipline and mindset required to compete, the importance of teamwork, and how she handles the highs and lows that come with athletics. Maja shares her favorite memories from the sport, the challenges she’s overcome, an...

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Lelia to talk about her journey as a volleyball player and everything that comes with competing at a high level. We get into the discipline, teamwork, and mindset it takes to succeed on the court, along with the challenges she’s faced along the way. Lelia shares her favorite moments, how she handles pressure, and what volleyball has taught her about confi...

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Vi, an international student-athlete from Brazil and a member of the Iowa Western women’s soccer team. We talk about her journey from home to playing abroad, the challenges of adapting to a new culture, and the dedication it takes to compete at a high level. Vi shares what soccer means to her, how she handles pressure, and the lessons the game has taught...

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Jen, to talk about her journey as an international student-athlete. We dive into what it’s like balancing college life, athletics, and being far from home while competing in a demanding sport. Jen shares the challenges she’s faced, the lessons golf has taught her about patience and discipline, and how her experiences have helped her grow both on and off t...

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Shantay, who shares her journey as a hurdler and what it’s like competing in the same sport at a high level. We talk about the discipline it takes to train, the mental strength behind every race, and how she pushes through challenges both on and off the track. Shantay opens up about her experiences, what drives her, and the lessons hurdles have taught her...

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Adam to talk all things hurdles, both on and off the track. We get into his journey as an athlete, the challenges he’s faced, and what it really takes to push through obstacles when things get tough. From training and mindset to personal growth, Adam shares what the sport has taught him and how those lessons carry into everyday life. Welcome to Season 2! 

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Sammy Diaz, an international student-athlete from Ecuador who came to the U.S. to chase her dream of competitive swimming. From childhood pools in Ecuador to collegiate competitions in the States, Sammy shares the challenges of cultural adjustment, balancing academics and athletics, and what it truly means to represent her country far from hom...

In this episode, we sit down with Koen Zandvliet, a Dutch student-athlete who made the life-changing decision to leave the Netherlands and continue his academic and athletic career in the United States. From culture shock and homesickness to unexpected joys, new opportunities, and the realities of competing far from home, this conversation gives listeners an honest, unfiltered look at what it real...

This episode explores Liv's remarkable journey as a golf student-athlete from the United Kingdom who left home to pursue collegiate athletics in the United States. Through honest reflection and vivid storytelling, she shares how she navigated cultural differences, adjusted to the intensity of American college sports, and balanced the demands of academics and competition. From early memories on UK...

In this episode, Host Mariana Guerrero sits down with Onye Onovo, an international student-athlete who shares what it’s really like to move across the world to join a college swim team. From cultural adjustments to intense training schedules, she opens up about the highs, challenges, and surprises of balancing academics, athletics, and life far from home. We talk about her journey to the United St...

In this episode of Crossing Cultures, hosts Mariana Guerrero and Natasha Lynch sit down with Rajay Hemmings, an international student-athlete on the Iowa Western throwing team. From growing up abroad to finding success in discus and shot put, Rajay shares what it’s like to compete far from home, balance academics and athletics, and build a new life in a different culture. Welcome to Episode 5!

In this episode, we sit down with two talented Scottish golfers who traded the rolling greens of Scotland for new challenges in the United States. They share what it’s like moving across the world to pursue their athletic dreams, discussing culture shock, adapting to new courses, and how the game of golf connects people no matter where they’re from. Welcome to Episode 4! 

From Australia to Texas, Charlize Goody shares the real story behind being an D1 international student-athlete. New country, new challenges, and a whole lot of growth. Welcome to Episode 3! 

Leaving home is never easy, but doing it together makes all the difference. In this very heartfelt conversation with my sister Marcela, we talk about adapting to life in the U.S., missing family, and finding pieces of home in unexpected places. It’s an honest look at the challenges and joys of building a life abroad as sisters. Welcome to Episode 2! 

Leaving home isn’t easy, especially when everything feels unfamiliar. In this first episode, I chat with my friend Natasha Lynch about our experiences as international students in the U.S. We talk about the culture shocks that made us laugh, the moments that made us grow, and what we’ve learned about finding our place far from home. Welcome to Crossing Cultures!