June 26, 2012
Vanderbilt bowler Jessica Earnest, a three-time All-American, is representing Junior Team USA at the World Youth Championships in Bangkok, Thiland. The rising senior checks-in with VUCommodores.com about her experiences, both at the alley and away from competition. Singles competition is complete and Earnest is currently in second place of the doubles competition, with the team competition still to come.
Sawatdee Kaa! (Hello in Thai!) This is the first phrase I’ve learned to say! I’m very excited to write about my time here in Bangkok, Thailand. I bowled singles yesterday, and I have to say I have no regrets. I’m not as happy as I would like to be with where I finished, but I also realize that this is my first time bowling overseas.
I did not know what to expect coming into this tournament. It is much different than the tournament I bowled in the Dominican Republic. Hearing people speak languages other than Spanish is amazing. I love hearing the accents of all the other teams, and seeing how the other countries bowl.
Outside of bowling, I’ve got to experience the shopping of Thailand. My teammates and I decided we wanted to find the malls around our bowling center so we went on an adventure of Bangkok. The culture here is very different than America. There are people selling food on the side of the roads. The traffic is constant (even at night). There is always something going on.
As for doubles… To sum up how I am feeling about doubles right now is disappointed. Disappointed of the outcome. Kelsey and I finished seventh out of both squads. In a realistic point of view, this isn’t that bad. However, when they take the top four for the medal rounds this is absolutely heartbreaking. We both bowled extremely well, but these teams are extremely tough to beat. The cards were not in our favor, but that is life and sports.
We have a great chance at placing for team. I’m excited for this event because it is my absolute favorite. Sharing a medal with these three girls would mean everything to me. Here is to a new day, and a fresh start!
-Jessica
