My name is Erik Anda, I am a freshman here at the University of Dubuque. I was born and raised in Andover Minnesota where I graduated from Coon Rapids High School In 2023. Here at Dubuque, I am pursuing a major in Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology. I am also fortunate enough to be on the football team and play linebacker. My mental health was never something that I considered important. It wasn’t until my senior year of high school that I started to struggle with my mental health. The stress of growing up and taking the next steps in my academic and athletic career started to weigh on me. I was overwhelmed with stress and anxiety. I felt like I had no one to talk to or rely on. But what I found is that the game of football really helped me through these struggles. Whenever I have a stressful day, as soon as I put on my helmet everything goes away which is what makes the game so beautiful. You are surrounded by people who care for you and want to see you succeed and I have found that same help and support here at UD. I believe our physical and mental health are the two of the most important things needed to maintain a healthy life. Yet we often overlook mental health and especially athlete’s mental health. I hope over the next four years I can not only grow as an athlete and student but as a person. I hope to become a leader within the school and be someone that others can look up to and feel comfortable talking to if they are in need. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help.
