With many things going on in the world right now, especially in Europe it is always great to reflect on my time studying abroad. As lacrosse players at Georgia Tech, experiencing the best combination of engineering and lacrosse, we are constantly encouraged by the coaches to squeeze every opportunity out of this amazing school. Study abroad programs are increasingly growing popular among the student body, and the lacrosse team is no exception. In the summer of 2015, I was fortunate to apart of the Oxford Program. We spent 5 weeks travelling throughout Europe with two of our professors, followed by a 6-week stay at Worcester College of the prestigious Oxford University in England. In 11 weeks, I experienced multiple cities spread out among 12 European countries including France, Czech Republic, Germany and Italy. Each day was an incredible opportunity to experience a variety of cultures with both old and new friends. As an out of state student I wasn't too sure on the cost of studying in another country for a whole summer and I was lucky in that I was awarded grants to achieve this is. At Tech, anything is possible if you are willing to take the time to do what it takes to be successful. For me, a 15 minute application sent me to another continent to experience a once in a life time trip.
The first week in college is a rush, particularly for an Engineering major. Settling into your dorm, rushing a fraternity, and beginning classes can create a hectic but fun few days. As I adjusted to my new college schedule, all I could focus on was that coming weekend. Not only would that Friday bring some time to relax, but it also brought with it our first Lacrosse team scrimmage. I was excited to be able to run around, blow off steam. After we finished warming up, we split up into teams and started playing. It felt great to be surrounded with my new teammates playing the game we all love. About 15 minutes into the game, I slid across the crease to prevent a goal and snapped my long pole in half. When I reached the sideline, I looked down and realized my left arm was covered in blood as the broken stick had snapped back into my arm. Coach Freeman quickly grabbed his car and we were off to the hospital for stitches. Now, not many parents ever want to get a call from the ER, from their son they dropped off at college only a week before. As I tried to explain the situation, Coach wisely grabbed the phone and reassured my parents I was fine. I can still remember Coach saying, “Don’t worry, I’ll be with him until the stitches are in and make sure he gets back to his dorm safe and sound.” The next week, the amount of support I got from my new teammates and friends was astonishing. Since that moment, I knew that Georgia Tech lacrosse was my home away from home. If you are looking for the best combination of engineering and lacrosse look at GT. Georgia Tech Lacrosse is more than a team. We are a family and I love every minute of it.
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AuthorThere is more than one author. These blogs come to you from current team members, coaches, alums etc. Archives
January 2016
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