I can honestly say that this was one of the best experiences of my life. The trip itself was amazing but the people I met along that way just made it that extra bit more special. For me living with other athletes and coaches made it so much easier to settle in as we were all going through the same emotions of nervousness and excitement. All of the rowing coaches at my placement were nothing but welcoming from day one and they helped me settle into my new way of life really quickly. I had the opportunity to coach all year levels at the high school which allowed me to build strong relationships with all of the girls on the rowing team. My favourite part about my placement, although challenging, was all the races I go to, I really made me feel part of the team and valued as a coach. I was also able to do more exploring of Australia such a going so Sydney for New Years, visiting Adelaide, going down the Great Ocean Road with other members of Sport Lived and my final trip was to Mt Oberon with one of my friends from my coaching placement. Kathy and Karen were nothing but lovely from our first day in Melbourne and I really miss our little catch ups. I can honestly say that I’ve made life long friends and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Thank you so much to Sport Lived for such an amazing trip!