Time is precious — especially for Emma Mason.
The 19-year-old represents New Zealand in volleyball while studying medicine at the University of Otago.
So if she has any spare time, it is undoubtedly spent sleeping.
"Balancing medical school with volleyball can be challenging — especially when tests or assignments are coming up," she said.
Last year, she represented New Zealand twice in age-group competitions — once in under-19 beach volleyball, and once in under-20 indoor volleyball.
This year, she leapt at an "incredible opportunity" to compete at the open women’s level in Vietnam, with the Volley Ferns.
"Stepping on to the court wearing the New Zealand jersey is an indescribable feeling, and truly one of the greatest privileges.
"It’s surreal to think back to year 10, when my school coach asked if I wanted to represent New Zealand.
"I said, ‘Of course, but that seems unrealistic’.
"At the time, I doubted it, but that conversation lit a spark in me — it made me believe that maybe it really was possible."
Training during the university year involves going to the gym four to six mornings a week, and training with her Dunedin volleyball club team two to three evenings a week.
Her Volley Ferns commitments mean she has to attend weekend training camps in Auckland, every two months.
And since it is club season at the moment, she has three weekend tournaments coming up in Christchurch over the next few months.
"My med school classes usually run from 9am-6pm, and I schedule training sessions around that.
"Sleep is a big priority for me. I aim for at least eight hours a night because I know everything starts to fall apart without it.
"Things get more complicated when there are trips or tournaments, as medical school requires satisfactory attendance, and there’s only a limited number of labs and tutorials you can miss and still pass.
"For my recent trip to Vietnam, I was fortunate to be granted time off, but now that my attendance is near the limit, I haven’t been able to commit to any further trips for the rest of the year."
"It’s a constantly evolving field where you never stop learning and developing."
It was the same for volleyball.
"What I love most is that there’s always something new to learn and improve on, and doing it alongside such a supportive, like-minded team makes it even more rewarding.
"Before I started playing, I never imagined that you could look forward to a sports training, but volleyball changed that for me.
"What keeps me motivated is the drive to improve every day — whether that’s in my sport, academically or personally.
"I feel incredibly fortunate for the opportunities and support I’ve received over the years, so I want to make the most of them and make the people who’ve helped me proud.
"And on a lighter note, my flatmate counts on me for a ride to the gym in the mornings, which definitely helps me get out of bed on those extra cold days."
