Growing up, every kid that plays sports wants to become a pro athlete and make a career of his sport. Sometime between the age of 15-17 they have to consider whether they want to pursue a college degree before trying to go pro, or turn professional at 18 without getting an undergraduate education.
From a very young age, I started playing tennis and it quickly became my passion. I wasn't the best, but with hard work and dedication I reached the top. I represented National Men's team Greece in the Davis cup 2016 and 2017.
-Did you take into consideration any setbacks?
I turned pro when I was still in high school and, to tell you the truth, it was looking great. What I did not think about was injuries. My low back injury came and I was unable to step in the court for 5 months.
College was the hardest decision of my life. I came to Penn State in Spring 2017 without knowing how US universities function. After my first year, I realized that my bad luck with injuries made me take the best decision of my life.
I met countless people and made friends (teammates) that I will never forget. On top of that, I got an education from one of the best schools in the country. In addition, I can still turn professional upon my graduation.
For athletes, college is a very safe plan. Injuries happen to all of us. Your career can be blown up with a severe injury and you can be unemployed for the rest of your life. On the contrary, a college diploma will accompany you forever, regardless of the injuries.
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