My American Adventure: More Than Just Medals

Megan

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Some trips change your life.

Last summer, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to the United States and compete in the Junior Olympics in Des Moines, Iowa. As a swimmer, I was excited about the competition, but I had no idea that the experience would become so much more than a swimming event.

A Dream Come True

Swimming has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. Early mornings, long training sessions, setting goals, and always trying to improve. When I was given the chance to compete in the United States, it felt like a dream becoming reality.

Traveling overseas as an athlete was exciting, but it was also a little intimidating. I was about to step far outside my comfort zone, meet new people, and experience a completely different culture.

Looking back now, I am so glad I did.

A Week I Will Never Forget

During the Junior Olympics, I had the opportunity to swim for MidMoUnited from Missouri.

The competition was incredible, and I was proud to achieve results that I will always remember:

🥇 3 Individual Gold Medals🥇 3 Relay Gold Medals🥈 1 Relay Silver Medal

Winning medals was amazing, especially after all the hard work that goes into training every day.

But when people ask me about my favorite part of the trip, my answer is usually not about the medals.

The People Made the Difference

What made this journey truly special were the friendships I made along the way.

Through swimming, I met athletes, coaches, and families who welcomed me with open arms. Even though we came from different countries and backgrounds, we shared the same passion for swimming and supporting each other.

Some of those friendships have continued long after the competition ended. We still keep in touch, and I am incredibly grateful to have people in my life who live thousands of miles away but feel like close friends.

Those memories mean more to me than anything I brought home in my suitcase.

Learning About America

One thing I enjoyed most was talking with my American friends about their schools, daily lives, future plans, and experiences growing up in the United States.

The more I learned, the more curious I became.

What would it be like to attend an American high school?

What would it be like to live in a different culture for a year?

Could I combine my education and swimming in the United States one day?

These questions stayed with me long after I returned home to the Netherlands.

The Next Chapter

Because of this experience, I am now exploring an exciting new opportunity.

In February 2027, I hope to travel to Missouri for the first time. The goal is not to compete, but to spend time with my friends, swim together again, and experience everyday American life.

I am also hoping to visit a local high school to learn what life is really like as an American student.

This visit will help me answer an important question:

Should I complete my final year of school in the Netherlands, or would a Senior Year in the United States be the right next step for me?

Looking Toward the Future

My dream goes beyond swimming.

I am interested in studying areas such as Exercise Science, Sports Science, or Movement Science, and I hope to one day combine my education with collegiate swimming.

A Senior Year in America could help me discover which colleges and universities might be the best fit for my future goals.

For now, I am taking things one step at a time, staying focused on school, continuing to train, and working hard toward whatever opportunities may come next.

What I Learned

This journey taught me that some of the biggest opportunities in life begin with one small step outside your comfort zone.

It taught me the value of friendship, courage, teamwork, and believing in yourself.

I am incredibly grateful to everyone who supported me along the way. Without that support, none of these experiences would have been possible.

The medals are proudly displayed at home.

But the friendships, memories, and experiences will stay with me forever.

And who knows?

Maybe this American adventure is only just beginning.

Megan Snoek 🏊‍♀️🇳🇱🇺🇸

"The medals are a reminder of what I achieved. The friendships are a reminder of why I loved every moment."

Some trips change your life.

Last summer, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to the United States and compete in the Junior Olympics in Des Moines, Iowa. As a swimmer, I was excited about the competition, but I had no idea that the experience would become so much more than a swimming event.

A Dream Come True

Swimming has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. Early mornings, long training sessions, setting goals, and always trying to improve. When I was given the chance to compete in the United States, it felt like a dream becoming reality.

Traveling overseas as an athlete was exciting, but it was also a little intimidating. I was about to step far outside my comfort zone, meet new people, and experience a completely different culture.

Looking back now, I am so glad I did.

A Week I Will Never Forget

During the Junior Olympics, I had the opportunity to swim for MidMoUnited from Missouri.

The competition was incredible, and I was proud to achieve results that I will always remember:

🥇 3 Individual Gold Medals🥇 3 Relay Gold Medals🥈 1 Relay Silver Medal

Winning medals was amazing, especially after all the hard work that goes into training every day.

But when people ask me about my favorite part of the trip, my answer is usually not about the medals.

The People Made the Difference

What made this journey truly special were the friendships I made along the way.

Through swimming, I met athletes, coaches, and families who welcomed me with open arms. Even though we came from different countries and backgrounds, we shared the same passion for swimming and supporting each other.

Some of those friendships have continued long after the competition ended. We still keep in touch, and I am incredibly grateful to have people in my life who live thousands of miles away but feel like close friends.

Those memories mean more to me than anything I brought home in my suitcase.

Learning About America

One thing I enjoyed most was talking with my American friends about their schools, daily lives, future plans, and experiences growing up in the United States.

The more I learned, the more curious I became.

What would it be like to attend an American high school?

What would it be like to live in a different culture for a year?

Could I combine my education and swimming in the United States one day?

These questions stayed with me long after I returned home to the Netherlands.

The Next Chapter

Because of this experience, I am now exploring an exciting new opportunity.

In February 2027, I hope to travel to Missouri for the first time. The goal is not to compete, but to spend time with my friends, swim together again, and experience everyday American life.

I am also hoping to visit a local high school to learn what life is really like as an American student.

This visit will help me answer an important question:

Should I complete my final year of school in the Netherlands, or would a Senior Year in the United States be the right next step for me?

Looking Toward the Future

My dream goes beyond swimming.

I am interested in studying areas such as Exercise Science, Sports Science, or Movement Science, and I hope to one day combine my education with collegiate swimming.

A Senior Year in America could help me discover which colleges and universities might be the best fit for my future goals.

For now, I am taking things one step at a time, staying focused on school, continuing to train, and working hard toward whatever opportunities may come next.

What I Learned

This journey taught me that some of the biggest opportunities in life begin with one small step outside your comfort zone.

It taught me the value of friendship, courage, teamwork, and believing in yourself.

I am incredibly grateful to everyone who supported me along the way. Without that support, none of these experiences would have been possible.

The medals are proudly displayed at home.

But the friendships, memories, and experiences will stay with me forever.

And who knows?

Maybe this American adventure is only just beginning.

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