My name is Ashr Harris, and I’m entering my senior year at the University of Dubuque, majoring in business management while playing baseball. Growing up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, I was always labeled as “small” or “underweight.” Instead of letting those words define me, I turned them into motivation. My dad’s reminder “While people are sleeping, you’re working” stuck with me and shaped how I approach everything in life. College baseball has tested that mindset in ways I never expected. I’ve battled through serious injuries, from taking a pitch to the face that broke my jaw to breaking my hand during the same season. Those setbacks could have sidelined me, but they only strengthened my resolve. Each comeback taught me more about discipline, grit, and patience. Qualities that go far beyond the field. What I’ve learned most is that success isn’t just about physical strength. The mental side is just as important. Staying confident through adversity, keeping faith in yourself during recovery, and finding balance between pushing forward and knowing when to rest. True growth comes from balancing both mental and physical health, because without one, the other can’t reach its full potential. As a senior, I see my journey as proof that challenges can be fuel for growth. I’ve learned the value of resilience, balance, and mental toughness, and I’m committed to promoting mental wellness for myself and others on the field, in the classroom, and beyond.
