Swimming and Diving Spotlight with Mya Drost-Parra
Dec 18, 2019 | Women's Swimming and Diving
NEW ORLEANS - Tulane University freshman Mya Drost-Parra took some time away from her busy schedule this week to chat with TulaneGreenWave.com about life as a student-athlete and how her transition to college has been in this week's Swimming and Diving spotlight. Â
What's been the biggest transition coming to Louisiana from Colorado?
"I would say fall. It is so beautiful in Colorado, all the trees turn amazing oranges, yellows, and dark greens. Here, it feels like it's still summer and the weather is so nice, and it's snowing back home. It's definitely different."
How has it felt to have some immediate success as a freshman?
"It's amazing, it definitely shows that the program is doing wonders. I think that our success is only going to grow. Especially with the freshman class, we're looking at a really strong team. We're going to bring a lot of points to the team, and I'm really excited to be a part of that."
What made you decide to come to Tulane?
"The environment. With not only the team environment, like how fun and goofy we all are, but the environment of Tulane in itself. You walk around and people are smiling all the time, they're so proud to be here and I just wanted to be a part of that feeling."
Was going away to school something that you wanted to do?
"I knew that I would grow more if I was further away from home, instead of just staying in my comfort zone. New Orleans is the place do that, it definitely puts you outside your comfort zone."Â
What do you like most about New Orleans?
"The food! Absolutely the food. I've gone on Freret Street, and I've eaten so many places. I'm going to eat my way through New Orleans I promise."
Have you thought about what you want to do after college?
"Honestly, not yet. I know that I want to travel, and I know that I want to just help people around the world."
What's the best thing you could tell somebody about Tulane?
"I would still say the environment, the tone, the setting of the place and the academic staff is absolutely amazing. People are so willing to help and are so open to talking about their stories no matter where they're from or what background they have." Â
If you weren't a swimmer, what sport?
"I would do gymnastics, because I did that for eight years when I was younger. The problem is I hate people staring at me, and that's kind of the whole gymnastics' thing. I quit that once I got into competition, but it's a great sport."Â
Do you think being in gymnastics helps you as a swimmer?
"I think with the mental aspect, yes. Both sports drive really hard. I'm not a diver, so it doesn't help in the pool, but just building that foundation of going to sports, getting there on time, and just being there."
What do you enjoy most about swimming?
"The team, absolutely. I've never been on a team that's been so positive not only at meets but in practice. People are just smiling all the time even though we're really working our butts off here, but it's great."
What is the outdoor event of choice in Colorado?
"First, I would say skiing, but when I get tired, hammocking is so much fun. There's so many amazing pine trees and aspen trees, you can just hang a hammock and sit there with your friends for a bunch of hours."Â
What is your favorite sport to watch outside of swimming?
"I love watching the Olympics. I love seeing the elite, and any Olympic sport it's just amazing to see everyone's passion and drive, because that's something I can relate to"
What do you do outside of swimming and school?
"When I was back home, I loved to do art and pottery. I was in a studio all summer. Recently I've been volunteering at Crocker Elementary, and I love reading to little kids and teaching them how to read. It's with our leadership Tides program, and it's a great opportunity to get volunteer hours but also give back to the community with reading to little kids."
How long have you been working with pottery?
"I've being doing it since middle school. It's so amazing because I love to work on the wheel and the clay moves in a bunch of different ways, and you have to have patience and resiliency. It's a good calming way to spend my time."
So giving back and volunteering is something that excites you?
"Yes, it's really exciting. Back home I honestly didn't have much experience with volunteering, but now that I'm realizing that it's actually going to make a difference in kids' lives, I think that it's so important."
Did needing community service to graduate play a role in your decision to come here?
"Yes, I did know that. It didn't necessarily play a role, but it showed what type of people are going to be on the campus. If people are willing and ready to be a part of the community not only at Tulane, but in New Orleans, that says a lot about the character of the people.
Players Mentioned
