When I heard that Sports Link was bringing back “Transatlantic Storytelling” for the spring of 2024, I had mixed emotions.
On one hand, a life-changing opportunity (that I didn’t know would be “life-changing” at first) was right in front of me, and I was ecstatic. But, on the other hand, I sort of shrugged the idea off.
I didn’t know if being chosen to go across the world was possible, and the concept of “study abroad” seemed intimidating. Was I really interested in learning a whole new culture?
However, when Alex Kartman approached me with the idea of producing a show to help fund the trip for “One Ball State Day” last year, everything became clear. Not only did I become invested in learning about what the group did in 2020, but I also learned about the stories of past subjects like Will Godwin and Sam Gordon. I was sucked in. I said, “Man, I really want to be a part of that.”
Now, don’t get me wrong. When I found out in mid-November that I had been chosen to take part in “Transatlantic Storytelling 2024,” I was beyond excited. But I had my doubts. As someone who had never been to Europe, I was nervous.
Will I be safe in a completely new country? Am I going to be able to pull my weight for the project? How will I adjust to this new culture? What if something bad happens? What if I don’t like it?
All of these questions raced through my mind, and getting on that bus to fly over 3,800 miles was intimidating, especially as someone who deals with extreme anxiety.
But, when our final plane touched down on the runway of Cardiff International Airport, I got my first dose of Welsh fish and chips and immersed myself in the streets of downtown Cardiff; all the nerves were lost.
And, yes, while the extreme jet lag and fatigue played a large part in my calmness, I still felt at ease due to how vibrant and friendly the city felt. Everywhere we went, people were smiling, shops were bustling, and streets were full of positive energy despite the constant rain. I was hooked.
This trip was eye-opening for me, both literally and figuratively.
First of all, we got to see some incredible places. From the jaw-dropping view of the Worm’s Head at the Gower Peninsula to the thousands of years of history atop Norman Keep at Cardiff Castle to even getting the behind-the-scenes at BBC Wales, the amount of history that the United Kingdom has is astounding.
Seeing it firsthand, especially as an American, was something I never thought I would get to do.
Secondly, the culture shock of being across the world was a massive adjustment for me. Things like the vocabulary of the language, getting used to cars on the left side of the street, and even how people went about their everyday lives was a complete 180 for me.
Observing this new culture made me feel out of place at times. But once settled in, I enjoyed immersing myself in the daily ways of the Welsh, and my eyes opened to a whole new way of living I may never get to experience again.
However, the one thing about this experience that opened my eyes the most was the people.
Getting to know my counterparts at the Cardiff Met Sport TV program was something I’ll forever cherish. Joe Towns, his entire staff, and his students could not have been more welcoming to us, and working closely with them was fantastic.
Not only did I get to learn the sport of rugby in a span of three hours thanks to Steff and Spencer, but I got to host “Up the Archer” with my new buddy Rhys, hop on a cricket vs. baseball podcast, interact with a ton of Welsh athletes, and even meet an Olympic Gold Medalist.
To experience this trip, specifically with these peers in Sports Link, was indescribable. Our moments and memories on this trip have solidified relationships that will last a lifetime.
Oh, and I can’t forget one of my favorite parts of the trip: meeting our feature subject, Bhavya Doshi. Bhavya’s journey to Wales through cricket is inspiring, and his infectious personality, combined with his love of sport and life, made working with him a joy.
As someone who used to be a closed-minded baseball fan who was not interested at all in cricket, he opened my eyes to a whole new sport and culture, and getting to know him over 10 days showed me there is so much more out there. His story is one I can’t wait for you to see in our World Premiere June 13. His friendship is now one I will appreciate for the rest of my life.
As I sit here and write this, weeks after the trip’s conclusion, I find myself asking questions again, but not like what I had before.
Why did I ever question wanting to go? What else can I find in my camera roll from this trip? How are our mates across the pond doing today? When can we do it again?
When I look back, I have no regrets. I grew so much, not only as a professional but also as a human being.
I opened my eyes. I smiled. I let the nerves go. Eventually, I was able to dive into a whole new way of life and gain perspective on the world I wouldn’t have had if I hadn’t embarked on this journey. This experience truly changed my life, thanks to a shared love of sport and media.
Some say this trip was exciting. Unforgettable. Incredible. I’d like to add this phrase: Once in a lifetime.