{"id":29792,"date":"2023-07-11T11:00:14","date_gmt":"2023-07-11T11:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.slamstox.com\/?p=29792"},"modified":"2023-07-11T11:00:18","modified_gmt":"2023-07-11T11:00:18","slug":"interview-isa-leen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.slamstox.com\/en\/insights-fun-more-english\/interview-isa-leen\/","title":{"rendered":"Interview Isa Leen"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In this interview, you will learn more about the experiences of Slamstox athlete Isa Leen as a student-athlete in America! In 2021, she made the transition to the University of North Florida<\/a> and has since been a part of the university’s track & field team. Here, she combines her sports career with her studies. Want to know more? Read below!<\/p>\n\n\n

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Can you tell a bit more about yourself?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I am Isa, and my second year in America is almost over! I compete in Cross Country and Track for the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. The 3km, 5km, and 10km are my favorite distances. Before coming to America, I trained at ATR in Rotterdam and Olympus’70 in Naaldwijk. I am currently studying Psychology with a minor in Mass Communication, and I’m really enjoying it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why did you decide to study in America?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

America has a strong sports culture, and a lot of attention is given to it. It’s easier to combine school and sports here. It’s a great experience to travel for competitions and see other parts of America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do you like it at UNF and why did you choose this university?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I chose UNF because I immediately clicked with the girls on my team and my coaches. I believe that for anyone who wants to come to America, this is one of the most important things to consider. I truly believe that it doesn’t matter where you go as long as you have people around you who make you feel completely at home! Additionally, the campus is close to the beach and has beautiful running trails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is your major and what do you think of it? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I am studying Psychology with a minor in Mass Communication, and I find it incredibly fascinating! The classes at UNF are smaller, which allows you to get to know the professors well, and they are always willing to help you. Everything is in English, but you quickly pick it up!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you live on the campus? Or off campus? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the first year, I lived with my teammate in the dorms on campus. We got along really well, so living together in the same room was actually quite enjoyable! We ate at the cafeteria on campus since we didn’t have a kitchen in the dorm, but the food was always delicious. Now, I live with two teammates off-campus, and we each have our own room and a small kitchenette. I still live close to the campus, so I can easily commute to my classes and training sessions by bus or bike. I receive a scholarship from the school that covers my rent expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can you tell us a bit more on how a day as a college track & field athlete at UNF looks like? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the fall, we train at 7 a.m., and in the spring, we train at 9 a.m. Often, I visit the physiotherapist before and after training to ensure that I stay injury-free. After training, I usually go straight to my classes. I have lunch and try to work on school assignments before our strength training session at 2 p.m. After the strength training, we often have a second run of 6.5 km. By around 4 p.m., I’m usually back and I call home since there is a 6-hour time difference with the Netherlands. I catch up with my housemates and start preparing dinner. Then, it’s time to finish up some schoolwork and go to bed! If you want to see more of my days here in America, check out my YouTube channel!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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