“I was looking for an option in which I could balance my student, sport and private life, so that I could dedicate enough time to education and investing in myself, while on the other hand I did not want to neglect sport. I think that I give my best and that perseverance is what describes me – anything is possible when you want it. ”
We talked to Petra Šakota, a student of Sports Management at Aspira. Find out how she balances her responsibilities, what her motivation is and where she sees herself in the future.
Good afternoon, Petra. To begin with, who is Petra Šakota and how would you describe yourself in three words?
Petra Šakota is a student, she comes from Slavonski Brod and is 18 years old. I would describe myself as a responsible, sensitive and honest person, humble and determined in achieving my goals.
You are a student of Sports Management at Aspira. What were your motives for enrolling?
That’s right, I’m a 1st year student of Sports Management. I have spent most of my life in sports and that was one of the motives for enrolling. Also, I was looking for an option in which I could balance my student, sport and private life, so that I could dedicate enough time to education and investing in myself, while on the other hand I did not want to neglect sport.
How satisfied are you so far with your studies, professors, but also with your involvement?
I am very pleased with the study, I am grateful to all the professors for their efforts and commitment to better transfer their knowledge to us and show us the right direction.
I think that I give my best and that perseverance is what describes me – anything is possible when you want it.
What would you like to do in the future?
I would like to return to my hometown, Slavonski Brod, and make some kind of investment that will provide recreation, entertainment and the opportunity to upgrade knowledge and advancement for people of all ages. I imagined it in the form of a kind of recreation centre where the young, old and children will have something for themselves.
In connection to that, where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years, I see myself similarly as I am today – still an active athlete, but also focused on building a business career.
Apart from studying, do you have any other hobbies?
As I said before, I have dedicated the vast majority of my life to sports, more specifically – basketball. I have been training basketball since the third grade of elementary school. Before moving to Split, I trained at ŽKK Brod na Savi in Slavonski Brod, and now I have moved here to ŽKK Split. I must point out that I am very pleased with the team, the coaches, the atmosphere in the club as well as the overall organization.
How much do your friends, colleagues, but also teachers at Aspira College motivate you in studying and training?
I have to admit that I do not find motivation in friends and peers, but in people who are older than me, I see a role model and support in them. Although I am young, I have been through a lot in my life, I would say that life has strengthened me and made me the person I am today. Most of my friends did not have a childhood like mine and we do not always have the same opinion, so I would say that I get motivation from some other sources.
How difficult do you think it is to reconcile sports and student obligations?
I think that it is not difficult to coordinate faculty and sports obligations – it all comes down to organization skills. I am guided by the thought that, if you want it, anything can be achieved. You need to prioritize and be persistent in achieving your goals.
Does Aspira College help you in your studies and organizing your responsibilities?
Aspira provides enough time for private life, allows you to easily reconcile all the obligations, but also often adjusts if necessary. It is super organized and the professors are very attentive.
What in your life motivated you the most to be the person you are today?
The problems that I have been encountering throughout my life have certainly imposed themselves as the biggest motivation and the biggest driver. Also, I remember two quotes that are definitely my motivation on my life journey. The first quote was said by one professor on the first day of college: “Smart people don’t finish college, but persistent ones do”, while the second quote I heard in the previous home where I lived, and that is “Bright future is for those who believe in their dreams”. I felt that they were real, true and that it really is like this. I have dedicated myself to studying and sports, I am persistent, and I believe in my dreams.
What would you say to young people who are in a situation similar as yours?
That they have to believe in themselves in order to be able to make something of themselves and their lives. Everyone has a chance, we need to grab it and make the most of it. For those who practice sports and do not know if they can balance all the obligations – good organization makes everything possible. It is necessary to dedicate ourselves to education because that will enable us to make a living in the future, but it is also important do sports as well. This is where lifelong acquaintances and experiences are gained.
Petra, thank you for your time, I hope that together with Aspira you will accomplish your dreams, I wish you a lot of success!
Thank you and best regards!