- Let’s start with what your dreams were like when you were younger. Did you imagine yourself being connected with sport in your career, and how did you join the path of becoming a part of the athletic community?
- Growing up, I was the kind of kid that had dreams that changed with every season. It wasnt a shock being connected with the athletic community as I was engaged with sports organizations in my country from a young age.
- For the past few years, you have seen incredible changes to sports due to the COVID pandemic, so what were your personal thoughts on your career path in sports during this season?
- COVID had brought some pretty devastating times for countries all over the world, rendering athletes of their normalcy. Personally speaking, I was in the midst of graduation and like any other student I was also under great pressure thinking about my career. However, that was also the time I applied for DTM so it was a huge solace for me. Just thinking about the opportunities and the knowledge gave me hope and motivation. I was able to critically identify a lot of areas for change and development in my association and since I come from an administration background it fueled my desire to pursue Masters at DTM.
- Despite everything that has happened thus far, you joined the DTM program. What were your initial hopes when joining the program, and how did they falter when you faced visa issues, delaying your entry into Korea?
- DTM is definitely a huge driving force of motivation in my career path. I was so excited to join talented students from all over the world. But reality did come crashing down on me as I had to pursue my classes remotely. Honestly speaking it was devastating, but the DTM staff and my classmates were a huge help. I couldn’t have gotten this far without them. The whole ordeal taught me a great deal about patience and perseverance.
- How is your experience thus far with online classes? I am pretty sure that you feel a little disconnected from the program and other batchmates. What improvements do you seek to help you better feel connected?
- Well, I was the only one studying remotely and there were days I felt isolated. I mean it’s understandable that you can’t be included in almost every class activity but still, I was very thankful that at least I was able to attend the classes.
- How is daily life for you?
- The time difference for me was 3 hours 15 minutes, so my day was basically waking up at 5 am for classes. In my spare time, I do volunteering with clubs that I was previously acquainted with or try to finish up my assignments.
- What do you love most about this experience, and what is the most difficult part for you?
- The thing I loved the most was that I got lots of love, care, and attention from my professors and classmates. It was very sweet. Everyone was extremely helpful at every step of the way.
- The most difficult part was trying to catch up with the class, at the beginning it was very difficult to just hear the professor since I attended live classes, there were some technical difficulties but there would always be someone to help, either Tae Hoon or my classmates so it wasn’t that bad.
- What are your current and future plans?
- My current plans include finishing up my Masters with good grades and absorbing as much knowledge and experience as I can.
- As for my future plans I wish you contribute towards NESPO (Nepal Sports Research and Promotion Foundation) an organization from my country which focuses on grassroot development of athletes based on scientific research.
- Do you have anything else you want to say?
- DTM provides an experience of a lifetime and I feel eternally grateful to be a part of this program. Now I’m looking forward to meet my peers and enjoy this experience in person.
Written by Manshi Chand (Nepal, 10th batch)
