Suzanne Afchain is a graduate student pursuing her MBA in Process Improvement. She is from the island New Caledonia, and transferred to Nova Southeastern University from Oklahoma Baptist. Her specialty is the backstroke.
When did you first start swimming?
“When I was six, my dad wanted me to learn how to swim. I’m from an island and I’m surrounded by water so he wanted to make sure I knew how to swim and I really liked doing it.”
What made you choose to commit to NSU?
“My previous school didn’t have the program I wanted. And I was looking at a lot of schools actually. Nova was the only one that stood out with their [academic] program and the swimming program.”
What would you say is your favorite part of swimming?
“I really like when the entire team is focusing on the same goal and then, we actually achieve it. I’m still trying to get to know all my teammates, it is a big team this year.”
How have you managed to balance sports and academics?
“I have to be really organized because I sometimes practice twice a day so with classes, you have to know what to do at what time. I try to have a schedule but it is hard sometimes because when you’re really tired but you should be doing homework so you don’t get behind but then you’re super tired so you just want to sleep.”
How did you deal with the adjustment of moving to the U.S?
“It was really hard. I came and didn’t speak English very well, so it was hard to understand what was going on around me. And then, I had to [learn American culture] so that was a hard adjustment.”
Do you have any pre-race or post-race rituals that you do?
“Personally, I like to listen to music. Before my race, I like to warm up twice. I don’t drink or eat anything special.”
What do you like to do when you’re not swimming or doing schoolwork?
“Sleep!”
What would you tell an incoming freshman who is also an athlete?
“It will go by fast. Four years went by fast. Enjoy every moment of it, even when the times are hard and you’re overwhelmed by everything, just enjoy when you can.”
What do you plan to do after graduation?
“I’ll try to get a work visa, and if I can get it and stay, I will. Otherwise I’ll go to Europe, or Australia and New Zealand.”
