What inspired you to start playing sports?

My parents believed it was important for me to learn how to swim, so swimming has been a part of my life since infancy.

Who do you owe your current success to the most?

That’s a difficult question because I can’t point to just one person. The unwavering support of my family, the patience of my coaches, and my own perseverance have all played an important role in helping me succeed.

What are your future goals in sports and beyond? (In the U.S. and afterward?)

I’m excited and curious to see what the future holds. In the long run, I see myself living in Hungary. I’d like to find a job there, settle down, and stay close to my family.

I’d also love to try triathlon. I enjoy new challenges, and I think it would suit me well because of my swimming background.

How supportive were your parents and family of your decision to study and compete in the U.S.?

My family has always encouraged me to follow my dreams. When I first told them about this opportunity, they were just as excited as I was because they knew how special it was.

Not everyone gets a chance like this in life.

What do you love most about America?

The United States is a huge and diverse country, but if I had to highlight something, it would be my university.

I love that there are so many international students here who are friendly, supportive, and close-knit. Our campus is beautiful, surrounded by nature. Life University is also one of the most respected chiropractic schools in the U.S., and as students, we’re entitled to a free chiropractic treatment every week, which I always take advantage of.

In your opinion, what are the advantages and challenges of American college life?

One of the biggest advantages is that you develop a high level of English proficiency while earning an English-language university degree. You also build meaningful friendships and gain insight into many different cultures, which helps you grow as a person and become more open-minded.

One challenge for me is that there is no public transportation nearby. Since I don’t have a car, I often have to rely on others to get around, which I don’t particularly enjoy.

Being far away from my family and friends back home is also difficult. I often struggle with homesickness.

What do you do outside of school and sports?

I enjoy spending time with my friends in my free time.

I also work at the university gym as a receptionist and as a Step Aerobics instructor.

What are your everyday life like?

Now that the swimming season is over, my schedule is a bit more relaxed.

These days, I mainly go to class, work, and spend time either at the gym or out running.

How do training sessions in the U.S. compare to those in Hungary?

We definitely swim less here, but the intensity is just as high.

There is also a much stronger emphasis on weight training, which, to be honest, isn’t my favorite part.

How is your diet in the U.S. different from what it was back home?

Since I live in a dormitory, I usually eat in the campus dining hall, where the food isn’t always the healthiest. Of course, there are healthy options if you look for them.

Back home, I eat very differently. I usually cook and bake for myself—which is something I really miss.

What has been your greatest achievement or proudest memory in swimming?

It’s hard to choose just one because I have so many memories that are close to my heart.

If I had to pick one achievement I’m most proud of, it would be finishing second in the 200-meter backstroke at the National Championship during my freshman year.

What advice would you give to young athletes who are thinking about taking this path?

Take the opportunity—you’ve been given it for a reason.

How did you manage with the language when you first arrived?

At first, I struggled quite a bit. I didn’t have the vocabulary I needed, and I couldn’t express myself the way I wanted to. After about six months, I finally started to feel confident. Even now, I learn something new every day.

Have you had the opportunity to work on campus? If so, what was your experience like?

As I mentioned earlier, I’ve been working on campus for the past three years. I really enjoy it because I get to work with people I genuinely like.

Two years ago, I also worked as a lifeguard in South Carolina. It was an incredible adventure, but I probably wouldn’t do it again.

How easy was it for you to settle in?

Anyone who knows me knows that I make friends easily, so I really can’t complain. Settling in came naturally, and it was especially easy to connect with the other international students.

Have you been able to build a network, and how important do you think networking is?

I believe building relationships is extremely important in life. In my opinion, if you establish strong connections while you’re young, you’re already setting yourself up for success. I think I’m on the right path.

In your experience, is there such a thing as the “American lifestyle” or “American feeling”? If so, how is it different from life in Hungary?

Absolutely—just as there’s a Hungarian way of life, there’s an American one too.

America was a huge culture shock for me at first, but I eventually adapted. Looking back, I don’t think it’s better or worse than Hungary—it’s simply different.

How do you think your years in the U.S. have changed you as a person?

I think my overall outlook on life has changed significantly.

My goal now is simply to live a happy, uncomplicated life. I’ve also learned that there’s no point in worrying about things that are beyond my control.

Have you ever considered staying in the U.S. after graduation, either for a few years or permanently?

Honestly, no.

I’ve loved these five years, and if I were back in high school, I wouldn’t change a single thing—I would make the exact same decision again.

But I feel that my time here has come to an end. I’m ready for new challenges, and I’m looking forward to moving to Budapest.

What do you think about the American education system? What do they do better—or differently—than in Hungary?

Unfortunately, I can’t really answer that question because I don’t have a point of comparison. I never attended university in Hungary, so I don’t have firsthand experience with the Hungarian higher education system.