Imagine being separated from home by immense bodies of water. Then combine this with a hectic class schedule, a busy social life, and an active member of a thriving and demanding athletic team.

This is a reality for two international student-athletes at N.C. Central University.

DaSilva and Wright are both members of the Lady Eagles volleyball team.

Although the student-athletes face their respective obstacles with school, they are determined to adapt to their environment.

“It’s difficult to adjust, and if you don’t have your mind set toward your goal, you might quit,” said mass communication senior Anielle DaSilva.

“Sometimes it’s not what you want, but you have to be strong.”

DaSilva is a native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and has been playing volleyball since she was 12.

She believed it was natural for her to continue her volleyball career in college.

However, when she was in her senior year of high school, she was faced with a dilemma. She had to choose between working and attending school or pursuing a professional volleyball career without education.

“When you are 15, of course you want to turn pro, but I couldn’t combine a pro career and school,” said DaSilva.

“I turned down the pro opportunity to come to the United States to become a student-athlete,” she said.

DaSilva spent two years in Dallas, TX and also attended Louisiana Tech for one year.

When she arrived in the U.S., she could only speak Portuguese and Spanish. In order for DaSilva to maintain her eligibility, she had to learn English.

Georgette Crawford-Crooks, NCCU head volleyball coach, saw DaSilva play and made it clear that she wanted to recruit her.

After taking some time to consider, she decided it would be in her best interest to transfer to NCCU.

“I had no trouble getting along with the teammates,” said DaSilva.

DaSilva admits that she misses her family, the Brazilian food, and the hot weather. She is only given the opportunity to go home for the summer and Christmas holiday.

The school administration is very helpful for international student athletes. Team coaches and International Services help athletes around and offer tutors if assistance is needed.  Also, athletes are required to attend between 8 and 12 hours of study hall a week.

Kai Wright, a physical education junior, is a native of Old Harbour, Jamaica who came to the U.S. to pursue better opportunities.

Wright has played volleyball for seven years.

Before transferring to NCCU in 2006, she attended J.C. Foster College in Spanishtown, Jamaica. Wright said that she misses her family, friends and her culture.

“I have some people I can talk to, but I miss my mother the most because I’m a mama’s girl,” Wright said.

“My mother is happy for me to be here because she feels there are more opportunities here than in Jamaica.”

Wright said that people here are nicer than in Jamaica.

“I’m naturally shy but people have been so nice; it’s helped me learn how to communicate and interact with people better.”

At the same time, Wright feels the pressures of school and being away from home.“It’s really hard to be an international student. You can’t get a job off campus, so it’s hard to get money,” Wright said.

“My family helps sometimes, but I come from a different culture; once you’re 18, you fend for yourself.”

Academically, Wright manages to remain a scholastic achiever by doing work before due dates, using a planner, and following class syllabi.

“I have study hall and international student services provides tutors,” said Wright.

DaSilva and Wright are proud of their accomplishments thus far.

Both look forward to mentoring future international student-athletes.

“Being an international student athlete is challenging,” said DaSilva.

Yet, the student-athletes agree that dedication to their work has helped ease some of their emotional concerns.

“It helps when we keep our minds busy so that we don’t miss family as much.”

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