Miriana Dragone is not only a senior at Carlsbad High, but also an exchange student from Italy. Dragone has a passion for swimming that she decided to pursue here in the U.S.

Dragone swam competitively for many years in Italy where she had to face different challenges, such as difficult coaches and COVID-19. Despite her difficulties, she didn’t give up on her passion because she knew that she really enjoyed the sport.

“I came here and I knew that there was the aquatics class, so I started aquatics and my coach introduced me to the swim team and I was like, ‘okay let’s try it,’” Dragone said. “It’s just for fun, to meet new people, make a new experience and this is why I’m in the swim team. I tried and I’m in.”

According to Dragone, the swim training here in the U.S. is different than in Italy. The training here has more structure, which helps her to stay motivated and feel more productive. Additionally, the training is more intense, which she has to get used to.

“I’m satisfied with my work here,” Dragone said. “I really like the coaches, how they teach, everything, also the people in the team.”

However, there will definitely be challenges Dragone has to overcome. Not only does she want to improve her technique, but she also wants to do her best in competitions despite her nervousness.

“I think the only struggle is to be faster and to manage my breath better,” Dragone said. “I want to improve that, and I’m just a little bit scared for the competitions, but at the same time I’m so excited.”

Dragone believes that as an exchange student, it is important to join clubs or teams on campus. According to Dragone, these opportunities helped her to meet new people and enjoy her exchange experience as much as possible.

“It’s a good thing that will always stay with you, forever,” Dragone said.

Dragone found good friends in her aquatics class who are always supporting her, something that has helped her adjust to life at CHS. However, it was her own decision to join the swim team and she did it for herself, even though she knew there were going to be challenges.

“I wanted to do it and I had [my friends’] support, but it was my own decision,” Dragone said.

During her time on the swim team, Dragone really wants to improve her technique, her breathing and her speed. She is looking forward to the meets, and she is hoping to place high and meet new friends.

“I hope I’m going to meet new people, have a good relationship with everyone and build a lot of new adventures and experiences,” Dragone said.

Dragone’s first swim tournament is coming up soon, and she is excited to compete because it is going to be her first competition in the U.S. She is also a little nervous, because she isn’t sure how it’s going to work, but she is sure that it’s going to be an amazing experience.

“My goal is not to be the best, it’s just to give the best that I can,” Dragone said.