My name is Michael Westbrooks, and I hail from Northfield, Ohio, where I was both born and raised. I am a graduate of Nordonia High School, having received my diploma in the year 2021. Presently, I am a junior at the University of Dubuque, where I am diligently working towards a degree in Sport Management. Additionally, I contribute to the University of Dubuque’s football team as a middle linebacker. I recently made the transition from another institution that was closer to my hometown, and it was quite unexpected for me to find myself in Dubuque, Iowa.
Upon graduating from high school, I was filled with excitement about the prospect of college life and the memorable experiences I would share with new friends. Little did I realize that I would soon face challenges I had never imagined, such as grappling with depression and social anxiety. The absence of my childhood friends and the unfamiliarity of my new environment left me without the support system I had grown accustomed to at home. Consequently, I withdrew from social interactions, often wearing headphones to shield myself from others. I kept my problems and concerns bottled up inside, which gradually made me difficult to be around. This, in turn, began to affect both my academic performance and my athletic abilities on the field. It never occurred to me just how crucial it is to maintain one’s mental and physical well-being consciously and consistently.
I eventually found solace in a fellow classmate who observed the stark transformation from my formerly cheerful and vibrant self to a more somber and despondent version. Over time, with their support, I managed to regain my footing and prioritize my mental and physical health. I have since gained valuable insights from my experiences and am passionate about assisting fellow student-athletes who grapple with similar mental health challenges. I aim to be the friend who lends a hand when they feel down. I am genuinely grateful for finding a home away from home here at the University of Dubuque, surrounded by people I now consider family, especially during times when I
