3 Golden Tips from 2X-Olympian-Turned-Admissions-Advisor Cindy Overland

Since July 24th much of the world has been in the thrilling grasp of the 2024 summer Olympics. With 337 of Canada’s finest competing, and as of the halfway point already bringing home 16 medals, we cannot help but feel that swell of national pride.

But beyond bragging rights, we’re drawn to these summer Olympics because sport at this level, spanning countries and cultures, allows us to be witness to the determination and stamina of competitive athletes across the globe; and this stirs something within us. Whether we’re weekend golfers, die-hard runners, or we bring our game by serving on the job and in our homes, the lessons those elite athletes have learned and live by, pertain to our lofty dreams and daily aspirations.

And who better to deliver insight on how lessons gleaned by Olympians can fuel the goals of those aspiring to greatness in their careers, in their lives, than … our very own Cindy Overland – national and world speed skating champion and two-time Olympic athlete turned admissions advisor for Anderson College!

Cindy is a valued member of our team and brings her all to the workplace everyday, for every student who crosses her path. We have much to learn from her, and as such we asked her to share some insights. These are the gems she delivered.

3 Golden Tips from 2 X Olympian, now Anderson Admissions Advisor, Cindy Overland

1. One Day at a Time; Do Not Lose Sight of the Task at Hand.

As an athlete it is tough not to focus on race day and what that day will hold. With the nerves that come with the title of the Olympic Games and the anticipation and excitement the whole experience holds, we can often look too far ahead and jump the necessary steps needed to get to race day. Each day leading up to race day is important; no days can be missed or skipped; no practice can be forgotten about, and each day is important for various reasons. If each day is executed as planned, the desired result will happen.

For our students, each day of their program is important. No days can be missed. Each day holds significance and importance, whether the students are in class, in the clinic, in labs or on a field trip. It’s all a part of the process and the plan. If we do not put the work in today, tomorrow and the next day, the end result will not be what we desire it to be.

Focus on just one day at a time and give that day, that task, your all.

2. Trust Yourself, the Coach/Teacher and Most of All Trust the Process.

A huge part of my Olympic journey was based on this very tip. For me it was years – 20+ years – of trusting myself, several coaches along the way and trusting the process that was put in place. This takes time but is key. The coach is in place for a reason; they are the expert; I’m not, so I must, implicitly trust them! We are our own worst critic; we are hard on ourselves by nature and it’s easy to doubt ourselves versus believe in ourselves. We are far more capable than we think we are. It’s a beautiful self-development process if we allow ourselves to open up to it. The coach to athlete relationship is a thing of beauty; it is one of the most important relationships to date in my life. For our students the relationship they have with their instructors is a very close one, or at least we hope, and aspire, to make it a close one. A great coach/teacher can impact and change lives.

My hope is that our students, first and foremost learn to trust themselves. They often come from situations that are unfavourable and difficult. Such as, arriving from a different country, English being their second language, having withdrawn from high school for different life reasons. Many of our students might be at a slight disadvantage. We have the opportunity and the ability to help them believe and trust in themselves. It’s up to us to help them trust in themselves and in turn learn to trust our process.

You have what it takes to succeed; trust that. Go for it and know that we feel it’s our privilege to support you every step along the road to your “gold”.

3. Enjoy All the Moments Both Big and Small.

It’s very easy to forget what it really takes for an athlete to get to the Olympics. For some of us, it’s taken nearly a lifetime, years of hard work, difficult decisions to leave families behind, relocate to different provinces, friendships and relationships put on hold and all of our focus placed on one, two or three races in our life. I’m sure many athletes competing in Olympics 2024 can relate. It’s easy to forget to have fun, to stop and take it all in; we often forget to smell the roses along the way. Once we arrive at the Olympics, the work is done. Now it’s time to enjoy. Nothing will be gained but a lot can be lost if we take it all too seriously. This is huge; it is crucial to stop and enjoy all the moments.

Undoubtedly, our students can wholeheartedly relate to this too. If our students only focus on straight A’s, putting too much pressure on themselves to excel on a daily basis, a lot will be lost in the process. This is not sustainable, and it will not be fun. Balance is key, in all we do in life, whether it’s sports, academics, music etc. if we do not enjoy the small things and celebrate both the big and small aspects of life, we will find ourselves asking if the sacrifice was worth it.

I don’t often bring up the fact that I have a prior life in high-level sport but when I do I find the students are very receptive and attentive. It’s easy to draw parallels between sport and academics. I often give little pep talks to the students who I recognize need it; I know it helps them. I especially love seeing them put my words to good use. Graduation day is a favourite of mine; it’s the day we celebrate all their hard work and accomplishment. A day a lot of them didn’t think would arrive, but it does and the cheers from our Anderson family and their loved ones would rival the celebration experienced in any Olympic stadium the world over.

Take time to pause along the adventure, to reflect on the grand and minute details of a day, so you don’t ever miss the magic.
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As students, launching into your first or next run-for-the-gold career, you are all medal winners to us! Everyday we’re privy to the courage, perseverance and dedication you bring to your studies, your families and your future.

With these reminders from Cindy, of the Olympic lessons you can apply to your own life, you can have that edge to not only achieve your academic goals, but experience a life of genuine, enriching quality.
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If you’ve not yet taken the leap toward that first or second career that’s calling and are still determining what program may align with your interests, take our “Anderson College Career Training Readiness Quiz”.

But when you’re ready to consider that next-level career, you can explore our 30+ leading-edge programs in healthcare, business, technology and so much more, or book a virtual appointment to speak with an admissions advisor like Cindy, and let’s get you started!

Want to learn more about Cindy – check out our popular blog post – From 2X Olympian to Inspiring College Students – an Interview with Cindy Overland.