The ISA Journal: Recent Episodes
Isabella Anes
As an international student-athlete, I have been fortunate to live life-changing experiences from an early age. Adjusting to new cultures, assuming responsibilities, communicating in another language, finding community, and overcoming adversities have left huge lessons behind, and reflecting on them has helped me to discover who I am. My goal through this podcast is to document and share more of those special moments, hoping to lift others along the way. As Hellen Keller said, “alone we can do so little, but together we can do so much.” So, join me in this journey of personal growth!
My people! We are back with another entry that spurt out of a simple conversation at work. "How did you navigate the mental side of the injuries and recoveries you went through?", he asked.
OH BOY. My immediate answer? It wasn’t easy.
Upon reflection, I summed it up in the following points: =
- PERSPECTIVE —> We are not victims. Finding ways of recognizing how this injury happened FOR me instead of TO me was key.
- VULNERABILITY AND SUPPORT —> The load of recovering is not light. Our support systems are fundamental for “broadening our shoulders.”
- GOP —> Be graceful, optimistic, and patient.
Put simply: through injury and recovery, I learned new ways of doing old things… and more.
Share this with an injured athlete and let them know that they will overcome!
Ig: @isabellaanes_
TikTok: @isabellaanes
My people!
This one is special to me—my first full season of healthy basketball is one I will treasure. God continues to prove faithful, providing through each step of the way. I am grateful for the lessons learned and experiences lived. Proud of our team, but not satisfied yet.
Excited for this off-season and what lies ahead🙏🏽
After a few too many weeks of a break, I have picked up the Mic again to share more conversations and experiences. In part 2 of this interview, Thomas Kennedy shares more of how he used adversity as fuel to become a better player, how he remained consistent and patient when pursuing his goals, and how he approached his transition into the professional world.
Please share this episode with other athletes, and let's continue to get better—TOGETHER!
If you missed it, find PART 1 of this interview HERE!
Instagram(s):
@isabellaanes_
@t_kennedy54
My people!
Today's entry comes right from my archives. Back in March of this year, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Windsor native and UWindsor alumni Thomas Kennedy to hear his story—what an inspiration. From starting playing local ball as soon as he could walk to now playing professionally in Germany and with Canada Basketball, Thomas' work ethic, drive, and dedication have been foundational for the success he has experienced throughout his [short] career. In this first episode of a two-part interview, Thomas shared why he chose to stay in Canada for his university career, how he embraced the roles he was given in various teams, the role his family played in his development, and more.
Whether you are a basketball player or not, there are tons of valuable lessons you can take out of this.
Make sure to share this with others you know would enjoy it and feel free to leave a review with what you enjoyed the most out of this!
Stay tuned for part 2 👀
Together, let's continue to grow.
Love, Izzy.
My people!
This entry is quite special. Having the courage to pursue big goals is something I admire from others around me, and that is exactly what Emmanuel Felix embodies through what she currently does. Although we recorded this close to a year ago, the message shared is still as fresh and powerful as it was at the moment. From struggling to feel belonging to gaining confidence in the midst of COVID, Em shares how navigating through these challenges has led her to become a successful student-athlete and entrepreneur.
Click on THIS LINK to check Em's work (and get yourself a pair of her amazing customs😉), and follow her on Instagram @emm.felix
Enjoy this conversation, and please share it with others!
Together, let's continue to grow.
Love, Izzy.
EPISODE 1 LINK
My people,
It feels SO good to be back! The past 8 months came full of events that have challenged me in ways I had never experienced before. A third knee injury (+ surgical intervention), a vast sense of loss of both self-value and direction, and tons of questions that stirred doubts up. However, it is only by facing adversity head-on that we learn and grow.
Trusting in God's plan and relying on the support of others has helped me to realize: our value relies on WHO WE ARE, not what we do. When things get hard, it's up to us to decide WHO WE BECOME.
In this entry, I share the 2 biggest lessons that I'll carry and embrace moving on.
Enjoy this episode and share it with those you love.
Together, let's continue to grow!
Love, Izzy.
ENTRY #5
As for many, my first year of University was quite unique and left a lot behind. From the importance of organizing my schedule (and actually learning how to establish it) to how to communicate with my professors, in this entry I summarize the 10 biggest lessons I took from my first 2 semesters at UWindsor. If you are a current or future student, I believe you’ll relate to much of this.
One year down, three more to go. Let’s keep learning and growing, together!
IG: @isabellaanes_
If you liked this episode, please leave a review below—I would love to hear from you! If you find this message helpful, share it with others on Instagram or any other platform and tag me so I can repost you.
See you at the next entry ;)
ENTRY #4
Continuing his story in part 2 of this interview, Stephan shares the influence that his upbringing has on his life nowadays. By "connecting the dots backwards," Stephan explains how and why he quit his job as a financial manager at Scotiabank to pursue his passion as a comedian.
From the importance of being present where you are, to the downside of being constantly in survival mode, to the importance of realizing what you're passionate about, the topics that Stephan touched upon will both inspire you to get uncomfortable and serve you as an invitation for reflection.
Get pen and paper out, get comfortable, and enjoy of this episode!
Liked this episode? Please leave a review below—I would love to hear from you! If you find this message helpful, share it on Instagram or any other platform and tag me so I can repost you.
ENTRY #3
From moving away from his mother at the age of 10 to embracing a journey full of physical injuries through University, Stephan Dyer shares his early journey through life and how his experiences shaped his character and personality. Now a full-time comedian and entrepreneur, Stephan's story is nothing short of compelling and inspiring. Join me in part 1 of an interview full of insights and lessons that came through big changes.
Liked this episode? Please leave a review below—I would love to hear from you! If you find this message helpful, share it on Instagram or any other platform and tag me so I can repost you.
ENTRY #2
Starting is easy. Persisting is hard. Adversity, distractions, and challenges easily divert us from the path to our goals—and I feel that has been a big theme for me lately. I hope this episode encourages you as much as it encouraged me! Stay on your path and use your why to persevere through whatever you might be facing. YOU ARE A FINISHER!
Liked this episode? Please leave a review here—I would love to hear from you! If you find this message helpful, share it on Instagram or any other platform and tag me so I can repost you.
Link to “The Next Chapter” video: https://youtu.be/lbVbAHHW90g
ENTRY #1
Getting out of our comfort zone is never easy. We are often so afraid of trying new things precisely because we don’t know what might result from them. This podcast is something I have been wanting to create since over a year ago but always felt afraid to get started. Today, that changes. Welcome to this new journey!
My name is Isabella Anes, and this is the International Student-Athlete (ISA) Journal, a space where I want to document and share experiences, thoughts, and lessons that can help us to grow and explore our potential, both in and beyond sports.
By sharing my story today, I hope to inspire you to embrace your own journey and narrate your story. Your actions have an impact on your surroundings—they truly matter.
Liked this episode? Please leave a review—I would love to hear from you! If you find this message helpful, share it with others on Instagram or any other platform and tag me so I can repost you.
See you at the next entry!