1. How hard has it been adjusting to the Serbian community?
It’s been an experience, to say the least. The language barrier has been one of the most difficult aspects. If we don’t have someone to translate for us, it is a struggle for sure. For example, we sat down in Millennium (the casino) and ordered some tea. The waitress had never heard Americans speak before and she was so taken back after we ordered all she said was, “yooooooooo” with the deer in headlights look, and then walked off. Later our usual waitress brought over the tea we normally drink. Every day is something new and interesting that requires some adapting.
2. Why do you like football?
I love the family atmosphere you create once you become a team. You will do anything and everything for the person next to you. I have made best friends and great connections over the years through football. I love game planning and outsmarting the other team. I personally love the feeling of a team looking up to you to take them to a championship. I love having all the pressure on me when the game is on the line. Football brought me four thousand miles away from home. I don’t like football, I love football.
3. What is the most surprising difference between life in Serbia and life in the States?
I would have the say the readiness of everyday items. Everything in my town closes around 10 pm. Some stuff stays open like the night clubs, bars, and a few restaurants. In America, we can go get food 24/7. My town does not have a single delivery service. They also don’t have American chips, cookies, or other junk foods. They have their own brand of those things. It’s still surreal to me that they don’t have a Dunkin Donuts on every corner. I would also kill for a Mountain Dew and Cheetos right now. The biggest difference other than the language is the food.
4. What is the one thing you wish you could “do-over”?
I don’t have a single regret because it’s all part of God’s plan. If I had the chance of a do over I would go back to high school and do my homework and study more. I would actually care about getting good grades to go to the college I wanted to attend. I went to UNCP where all of my friends went, but honestly I didn’t want to go there. I settled. It all worked out in the end because I moved to Wilmington a year later like I wanted to do from the start.
5. How do you just leave everything you know and start something in a new place?
It’s something I have always wanted to do: break away from the everyday routine and follow my dream of traveling the world and playing sports. I am living my dream and making memories in the process and I couldn’t ask for anything better. It’s tough missing home and my family and friends, but you guys still love me right?
6. How do you feel about Michael Sam speaking out and telling everyone that he is gay right before the draft?
Personally, I do not care. I don’t think the sexual orientation of a player affects his abilities on the football field. Unfortunately, with the world we live in, I think that it will make him fall in the draft a few spots just because of locker room issues. I have had a gay player on my football team before and he was one of the top players. You would be surprised by how many gay athletes we have in all sports but will not come out because of our critical society.
7. Can you get American TV shows in Serbia?
We get almost all the new shows but not until 2 or 3 am my time. I am 6 hours ahead, so I stay up late to watch everything. I have about 10 American channels with Serbian subtitles. The only problem is I can’t watch college basketball because we don’t have ESPN. It’s tough not being able to watch the Tarheels!
Fishstrong!
Trever
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