Kristina Khmelevskaiai is a junior international student-athlete from Vladivostok, Russia.
Kristina is an EC tennis player pursuing a Kinesiology major, for, later on, specialize in physical therapy.
“I started playing tennis when I was ten,” explains Kristina, a member of the women’s tennis team. “Unlike other players, I always knew that I wanted to come and study in the U.S. It had always been a goal of mine,” she adds.
Half-way through her junior year, Kristina truly enjoys her role as a student-athlete. When asked about how this role affects her life, she shared that “not only it improves my personality, it also helps me overcome difficulties.”
When looking back, the Russian tennis player assures that she made the right decision. Coming to the U.S. was a big step for her, but now she continues to see the results daily, and she is very grateful for this life-changing experience.
Along with that, she encourages future international athletes that want to study in the U.S. to be familiar with English prior to starting the journey, to have an established purpose, and a strong sense of self.
After her graduation, Kristina would like to stay in the U.S. and serve as a physical therapist. Besides, her favorite life motto that keeps her going on and off the tennis court is “Remind yourself why you started. It is the best way to ensure that you keep trying.”
