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 home. Welcome to Episode 9!

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 really means to start over in a new country. We talk about the challenges international athletes face, the differences in sports culture, the friendships formed along the way, and the personal growth that comes with taking such a big leap. Welcome to Episode 8!

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 courses to the challenges and breakthroughs of adapting to a new country, this episode offers an insightful look at resilience, growth, and the pursuit of opportunity. Welcome to Episode 7!

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 States, how she found her place on the team, and the support systems that helped her adapt along the way. Dive in to hear how strength, determination, and community shaped Onye's journey. Welcome to Episode 6!

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!