My name is Malik Scates and I’m a senior at Dubuque University. I am a criminal justice major. I’m from Orland Park IL where I attended Carl Sandburg High School. I am also a former D1 athlete at Eastern Kentucky University. I am the youngest of 3 (2 brothers) For me this past year in my first year with Dubuque I transferred in to the school overweight and it was effecting my play style and my mental health looking at myself in the mirror wondering how and why I gained so much weight and then having to adjust my style to make sure I’m able to go 100%. So once the season ended I went straight to work. No doctors, just my knowledge and I was waking up everyday and doing some type of cardio weather that be going outside for a walk or staying inside and doing the treadmill followed by a 35 min sauna session and correcting my diet. I ended up dropping 35 pounds this off season. And I’m doing so my mental state is so much better I feel great and excited to see how I perform this season. For people reading this when your in a situation or a problem there will always be a way to figure it out. I know not all but most people that struggle with being physically active do tend to struggle mentally and that’s ok having someone to talk to and motivate you will motivate you and being honest with yourself on wanting change and going for it. That’s the importance of health and mental health.
