Hello ATA,

My name is Roger Chou and I am a freshman at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Now that we are heading into the seventh week of classes, I have a better understanding of Brown’s culture, community, and academic/athletic programs. I am more than happy to say that I absolutely love everything at Brown, from the stunning campus to the student/administrative body to the academic and athletic opportunities. Without a doubt, I made the perfect college choice.

The most noticeable difference from high school, and especially being a college athlete, is time. Having a heavy STEM class schedule is a greater time commitment as most of my classes are accompanied by conference or laboratory sections. I usually have classes from 9/10AM to 2PM and practice from 3/4PM to 6/7PM. If I’m not in class or studying, then I am playing tennis and vice versa. I’ve never had “free time” or a moment when there was nothing to be done. Managing your time effectively is the key to success (I learned this the hard way).

Looking back on my high school years, I wish I had learned to make more decisions by myself. It’s difficult to make your own decisions when coaches, teachers, Asian tiger parents, and peers are constantly pulling you in different directions. Being a college athlete requires a higher level of responsibility and maturity as you don’t have outside resources to help make decisions for you. At the end of the day, you and only you know what is best for yourself and it’s not your job to satisfy another person’s expectations.

ATA prepared me well for my college years. I believe the efforts of the staff and students there will continue to benefit me throughout college and throughout life. I would advise current students to keep working hard and enjoying what they do because no matter what happens during the journey, everything is going to work out.

Best wishes,

Roger.