A PIECE OF CARLY'S STORY
Meet Carly Tice, a student athlete from Fairleigh Dickinson University! When she isn't playing soccer, she is working to grow her amazing blog. We hope you are as inspired as we are by reading more about Carly!
WHAT ARE YOU UP TO RIGHT NOW?
WHAT'S YOUR DAILY ROUTINE TYPICALLY LOOK LIKE ON A WEEKDAY?
A typical weekday as a student-athlete begins with a 7AM alarm, or earlier, depending what is on the team schedule. We either begin our day with a weight lifting session, conditioning, practice, or a combination of the three. After that I usually have classes throughout the day. Usually, I will do homework at night (or blogging) and then I’ll end the night hanging out with my friends, which usually involves getting food or watching Netflix.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE BEING A D1 ATHLETE WITH SCHOOL AND NOW YOUR BLOG?
Time management is the key. I usually do better in school when my soccer schedule is the busiest, weird right? I think this is because I only have a small period of time to complete my assignments or study so I literally cannot waste anytime; thus, I concentrate better and work more efficiently. I mentally plan my week, by hour slots, ahead of time –including naps. I have set class and practice times, which are my priority, and any extra time I have in between those I schedule for study and write/photograph for my blog. But I am in no way a perfect example. For example, I haven’t been able to blog as much in the last month because of finals, my internship, and moving. Sometimes you have to prioritize and that means certain things get put on the back burner for a little bit.
WHAT INITIALLY INSPIRED YOU TO BLOG? WAS THERE A CERTAIN EVENT/MOMENT YOU KNEW YOU WANTED TO DO IT?
There is not one eureka moment I knew I wanted to blog. My interest in it gradually grew over time. But it took me a while to finally take the leap into blogging. I was unsure and nervous about what people would think especially as an athlete. I think college-athletes sometimes carry this stigma that they can’t be stylish because of time constraints or that they ignore fashion because they must be practical. But I wanted to bridge the space between fashion and practicality. And I have received so much love and encouragement that I regret not starting earlier. Instagram was what initially inspired me to start blogging. I had no idea what a “blogger” was until I opened my Instagram account.
HOW DO YOU REPRESENT THE TRAIT ATHLETIC?
I represent the trait athletic because I am an athlete. But, to me, being athletic is more than just being able to kick a soccer ball; it is about being dedicated and working hard to align your mind, body, and soul. Sports are a craft just like perfecting a flawless bracelet, playing a sport requires practice and physical potency but you must also invest your soul and mind.
DO YOU SEE YOUR ATHLETIC PERSONALITY TRANSLATED IN THE WORK YOU ARE DOING NOW?
Having an athletic personality translates to everything I do. Right now I am working hard to improve my photographic skills with the same dedication as I worked to improve my soccer touch. Similarly, I keep a tight schedule as I did throughout the busiest soccer days to enhance my productivity, concentration, and efficiency.
HOW DO YOU MOTIVATE YOURSELF ON A DAILY BASIS TO CONTINUALLY TRAIN HARDER AND BETTER?
WHAT'S YOUR GO-TO OUTFIT FOR FEELING CONFIDENT? HOW ABOUT FOR WORKING OUT/PRACTICE?
My go-to outfit for feeling confident is anything that is comfortable and stylish. If I’m not comfortable then there is no way I can be confident, usually this outfit involves sneakers and jeans. Most girls’ favorite items to buy are purses or high heels but mine are sneakers. My sneaker collection is quite extensive but I love how they have dual purposes especially now that athleisure is having a moment. One second you could be working out with them and the next you could be wearing them to lunch with your girlfriends.
My go-to outfit for working out is anything bright! My daily wardrobe consists mostly of black and white pieces so when it comes to my work out gear I love neon colors!
ASIDE FROM BEING ATHLETIC, WHAT ARE THREE OTHER PERSONALITY TRAITS THAT DESCRIBE YOU AND HOW SO?
1) Hardworking. I try to give my best at all times whether that is in school, soccer/working-out, or blogging. If I’m not giving 100% to what I am doing then what’s the point of doing it in the first place? Go big or go home is what I like to live by. I’m intense about everything I do. That even means when I relax, I become the definition of a coach potato.
2) Loving. I love to love, I think it is the greatest thing!
3) Honest. I like to tell people how it is and not beat around the bush!
WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES AND GOALS? WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS FROM NOW?
My goal is to grow my blog into my career. I know the market is saturated with many aspiring bloggers but I hope to give people a different take on comfortable style, travel, and health. Fashion, fitness, and travel are my passions so incorporating all three things into a career is my goal.
To be honest, I don’t know where I see myself in five years. I just graduated college so I’m trying to figure out what the next step is in my near future. But I know that my priority is to experience different cultures, improve my photography, and be has fit and healthy as I can.
WHAT'S ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WISH YOU COULD GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Be more confident and do not be afraid to fail.
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Email: carly@carlytice.com