Finding a New Identity as a Student Athlete

Throughout my entire life, most of my best friends have been from soccer. I spent so much time playing soccer growing up, and made lifelong friends doing it. Coming into college as a soccer player, I had 30 built in friends. I never really had to put myself out there to make friends. My whole identity was centered around being a student athlete and spending my time with other student athletes.

Going abroad, that all changed. I would be moving to a new country that I had never been to before with no one I knew. To add to this, I was recovering from an injury, meaning I could not play soccer while I was in Ireland. This was very scary to me. Despite my feelings of uncertainty and worry, this is why I wanted to go abroad. I recognized that this was a unique opportunity for personal growth during a crucial time in my life, as I fully transition to adulthood.

One thing that helped me make friends was the IFSA program. It was nice that there were events where I could meet new people who were in the same situation as me. Additionally, I had four roommates from IFSA. Two weeks into my time abroad, it was my 21st birthday. Before I left home, my parents made me promise them I would go celebrate my birthday. I sent a text to the group chat with my roommates explaining it was my birthday and invited them to come out with me. To most people, this would be a normal text that causes no stress. However, I was filled with uncertainty sending that text message. What if they said no? What if I don’t have a good time? Many questions like that. It turned out to be a great night with my new roommates, who became my good friends as the semester progressed.

There were plenty of moments like that during my time abroad. Little things that I had never done, challenging myself in different ways to make new friends. This has made me a much more well rounded person. I used to be so worried about life after college. What will I do when I am no longer playing soccer? How will I adapt to a new place? After my experience abroad, I am proud to say that I have become comfortable pushing myself in new social situations. Making different types of friends in new places is a crucial skill that I will carry with me for the rest of my life, and is now a part of my identity forever.

Zach Moskowitz | Oberlin College | IFSA University College Dublin Partnership | Spring 2024 | IFSA Student Marketing Correspondent