International student Petra Duran became the topic of discussion in early April when she had to quarantine in her hometown in Spain, one of the world’s hardest-hit countries at the time.
The world was in a massive panic when the COVID-19 pandemic first broke out, and many nations locked down.
After nearly eight months, many countries reopened under substantial safeguards. However, Duran remains in Spain.
“I am still in Spain because of safety reasons and because here I can practice and compete the whole season.” Duran said.”
Fortunately, she is still healthy and focused on her passion while also exceeding in the classroom.
“I’ve actually been very good! I was able to begin practice as soon as our quarantine was over,” Duran said. “Obviously, nothing was back to normal, but at least we could go to the golf course and see people in small groups.”
When I spoke to Duran in April, we talked about her experience while being quarantined in Spain. Considering that she was one of 222 student-athletes named to the Commissioners List, we will concentrate on her academics.
Being a student-athlete isn’t for the faint of heart. Having to balance training and schoolwork while also going through a global pandemic can be very stressful, especially if you are over 4,000 miles away from your school.
“I try to always be on top of my assignments, but it’s very hard,” Duran said. “Professors are giving us a lot of homework, and exams are way harder online than in person. I’m trying my best, but it’s not easy at all.”
Making a set routine is crucial to exceed without feeling overwhelmed.
Duran has managed to make a daily routine, which has ultimately aided in her classroom performance.
“I put in practice every morning and class after lunch since I’m six hours ahead,” Duran said. “I also train two days per week, one hour each time.”
COVID-19 left seniors across the country without a proper graduation this year. After all the hard work to earn hearing their names called at graduation, the consolation reward was not the same. Virtual graduations and mailed-in diplomas were by no means similar to walking across that stage while families cheer students’ names in the stands.
In her last year as a Panther, Duran hopes that she gets to experience this.
“I really want to go back, and I hope things get as [close] to normal as possible,” Duran said. “It’s my senior year, and I would love to have a proper goodbye from Georgia State. I really miss my Panther life.”
Like any athlete passionate about their sport, Duran knows that there is nothing better than being with her teammates.
Duran is eager to get back to her Panther family and continue dominating on the field.
“Hopefully, [I will return] in January for the spring semester,” Duran said. “I can’t wait!”
