Crossing Cultures

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

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!