Christina Sugiono Joins Student Exchange to Biola University, Keeps Academic And Swimming Life Balance

Christina Sugiono, successful student athlete of UPH

Christina Sugiono, one of the top swimming athletes in UPH Eagles join an exchange student program to one of UPH partners, Biola University on August 16, 2015. She has done some preparations start from academic, TOEFL, and asked for suggestion from an experienced person about lifestyle there. As a student athlete, she admits to receive many lessons from UPH, in academic, spiritual, and character. Sports Department and JAQ Swimming Club helped Christina grow and develop, also affected Christina?s decision for her future.

As her education foundation, UPH plays a big role in Christina?s life. ?I have been in YPPH since elementary school 2^nd grade. I know that this foundation has a good vision and mission that suit me. UPH has the academic program that I want, and UPH also provides facilities and student athlete program. I do not want to abandon my education or swimming life. So, UPH is the most suitable university for me,? the student of UPH Applied Math with Business Concentration 2013 said. According to Christina, the faculty department and sports department always support and tolerate her so that Christina can develop her academic and sport life altogether. ?UPH has a great Christian community. I grow in many aspects like academic, sport, and spiritual life,? she admitted.

Christina in JAQ swimming training

JAQ Club has also played an important role in Christina?s growth and development. The founders of JAQ have a good background education. They did not leave education or sports. ?In Indonesia, there are many athletes that abandon school or continue school but stop being an athlete. It is rare to find a student athlete with good achievement,? Christina shared her concern. JAQ develops a student athlete program, and Christina, inspired by JAQ wants to prove that being a student athlete is not impossible. It is indeed not easy to balance academic and sport (swimming) life. ?Joining JAQ enables me to continue my education and sport altogether. I learn a lot about hard work and time management,? she said.

In Sports Department, Christina learns a lot about teamwork. ?Swimming is an individual sport, but in Sport Departments, we have to help and support each other. I learn a lot from sports fellowship where the materials given are really useful in life, such as courage, teamwork, hard work, and other important values,? said Christina.

Christina wants to join student exchange to be better in academic, sport (swimming), and spiritual. At Biola University, Christina will focus in academic and be active in swimming club along with the training and competition. ?I want to prove that being a student athlete is possible. It takes sacrifice and hard work indeed. But actually we do not have to choose one of academic or non-academic life. With willingness, support, and right medium, everything is possible. I want to be a role model for other athletes. I want all the athletes to have a good education and to be equipped sufficiently after retiring from sports,? she said steadily. (nn)

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