Photo by: Dartmouth
PEAK Magazine Feature: A Day in the Life of Ameliija Swaffer-Selff
4/27/2021 1:21:00 PM | Women's Tennis, Athletics, Peak Performance
The women's tennis freshman talks about her journey to Hanover
Ameliija Swaffer-Selff's 'arrival' at Dartmouth happened in the most unconventional way – at home in her childhood bedroom back in Moura, Australia, a day's drive shy of 10,000 miles from campus. After enduring a fall at home, managing a 15-hour time difference and a remote integration into Ivy League academics, Swaffer-Selff finally found herself in Hanover for the winter term, grateful for the opportunity to finally experience some semblance of life as a college student.
"The hardest part of the fall was the crazy hours," said Swaffer-Selff. "Academically, I found a way to make it work. The tennis aspect wasn't ideal, but I was able to keep my normal routine. Being tired from the time difference of classes added an unexpected element, though."
Overcoming those challenges prepared Swaffer-Selff well for the hurdles she would face in her journey to Hanover. Shortly before her planned flight to the US, Australia shut its borders and she was unable to get a visa. Fortunately, the state borders opened; however, by early January they were shut again so she made the decision to leave in late November and was fortunate to travel before the second shutdown.
"I was excited to finally be heading to Dartmouth, but saying goodbye and leaving home so quickly was really hard," said Swaffer-Selff. "While I was on the plane to Brisbane, the flight attendant announced that the borders were closing, which basically meant we couldn't go back. At that point, it really hit me that I was heading to someplace new and didn't know when I would next be able to see my family."
Swaffer-Selff spent the first few nights in a hotel before transitioning into residential life, knowing she was here indefinitely given the restrictions back home. The decision to come to campus included a bit of a risk, given that she was not guaranteed housing for the spring, but has felt well supported by the Office of Residential Life and DP2 since settling on campus.
Since arriving, Swaffer-Selff has settled into a routine that includes on-line classes, more traditional training and immersion into a campus environment that was so appealing during the recruiting process. While her time at Dartmouth has been short of normal, it does provide a glimpse into how special the experience will be.
"It has been fun so far, in the sense of being around and getting to know people," said Swaffer-Selff.
Despite there only being four women's tennis players on campus during winter term, Swaffer-Selff has quickly discovered a sense of community.
"It was easier to connect and make friends than I expected. As I've gotten to know people and walk around campus, it's comforting to see people I know, and it shows how welcoming it is at Dartmouth."
Following the initial quarantine period, Swaffer-Selff started to find her groove with campus life. In addition to her online class schedule, she has been able to hit a few hours a day, lift five days a week and has been engaging in team and DP2 programming as much as possible. The biggest adjustment? Playing tennis indoors, which simply does not happen in Australia.
A typical day for Swaffer-Selff includes a morning lift from 9-10 a.m., followed by classes until noon, a quick bite for lunch, then studying for a couple of hours before heading into the Boss Tennis Center for practice from 3-5 p.m., another meal on campus, more studying and a bit of intra-dorm socializing. And, when possible, a call home to connect with family.
"The timing makes it hard," said Swaffer-Selff. "It's also weird when we talk because we are not at the same point in our days, regardless of when we talk. Calling regularly has allowed me to stay connected and for my parents to know I'm okay, which has allowed me to avoid being homesick."
Hopeful to head home this summer, Swaffer-Selff is also displaying maturity beyond her years by exploring potential backup plans around internships or research opportunities in the US. All of this while anxiously waiting for her chance to begin her collegiate tennis career.
"Tennis has been going quite well," said Swaffer-Selff. "I was initially worried about being able to juggle everything, but the coaching staff, my teammates and all the support I've received has been amazing."
"The hardest part of the fall was the crazy hours," said Swaffer-Selff. "Academically, I found a way to make it work. The tennis aspect wasn't ideal, but I was able to keep my normal routine. Being tired from the time difference of classes added an unexpected element, though."
Overcoming those challenges prepared Swaffer-Selff well for the hurdles she would face in her journey to Hanover. Shortly before her planned flight to the US, Australia shut its borders and she was unable to get a visa. Fortunately, the state borders opened; however, by early January they were shut again so she made the decision to leave in late November and was fortunate to travel before the second shutdown.
"I was excited to finally be heading to Dartmouth, but saying goodbye and leaving home so quickly was really hard," said Swaffer-Selff. "While I was on the plane to Brisbane, the flight attendant announced that the borders were closing, which basically meant we couldn't go back. At that point, it really hit me that I was heading to someplace new and didn't know when I would next be able to see my family."
Swaffer-Selff spent the first few nights in a hotel before transitioning into residential life, knowing she was here indefinitely given the restrictions back home. The decision to come to campus included a bit of a risk, given that she was not guaranteed housing for the spring, but has felt well supported by the Office of Residential Life and DP2 since settling on campus.
Since arriving, Swaffer-Selff has settled into a routine that includes on-line classes, more traditional training and immersion into a campus environment that was so appealing during the recruiting process. While her time at Dartmouth has been short of normal, it does provide a glimpse into how special the experience will be.
"It has been fun so far, in the sense of being around and getting to know people," said Swaffer-Selff.
Despite there only being four women's tennis players on campus during winter term, Swaffer-Selff has quickly discovered a sense of community.
"It was easier to connect and make friends than I expected. As I've gotten to know people and walk around campus, it's comforting to see people I know, and it shows how welcoming it is at Dartmouth."
Following the initial quarantine period, Swaffer-Selff started to find her groove with campus life. In addition to her online class schedule, she has been able to hit a few hours a day, lift five days a week and has been engaging in team and DP2 programming as much as possible. The biggest adjustment? Playing tennis indoors, which simply does not happen in Australia.
A typical day for Swaffer-Selff includes a morning lift from 9-10 a.m., followed by classes until noon, a quick bite for lunch, then studying for a couple of hours before heading into the Boss Tennis Center for practice from 3-5 p.m., another meal on campus, more studying and a bit of intra-dorm socializing. And, when possible, a call home to connect with family.
"The timing makes it hard," said Swaffer-Selff. "It's also weird when we talk because we are not at the same point in our days, regardless of when we talk. Calling regularly has allowed me to stay connected and for my parents to know I'm okay, which has allowed me to avoid being homesick."
Hopeful to head home this summer, Swaffer-Selff is also displaying maturity beyond her years by exploring potential backup plans around internships or research opportunities in the US. All of this while anxiously waiting for her chance to begin her collegiate tennis career.
"Tennis has been going quite well," said Swaffer-Selff. "I was initially worried about being able to juggle everything, but the coaching staff, my teammates and all the support I've received has been amazing."
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Tennis
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