I’m Matt Risser from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and I am currently entering my junior year at the University of Dubuque after transferring from Iowa Lakes Community College. From the very first day, I’ve loved being here. I’m majoring in criminal justice, a field where both mental and physical health play an important role. I also play baseball, which can be both mentally and physically demanding. Having ways to clear my mind and stay active has been important in balancing school, sports, and personal life. Through all of it, one message has stayed with me “You are enough.” I grew up in a traditional household where my parents always wanted the best for me, even when it meant pushing me to work hard. From a young age, I was expected to pay for what I wanted, which taught me discipline and a strong work ethic. I didn’t always understand why at the time, but now I am grateful for those lessons. They taught me the value of perseverance and how important it is to maintain my mental health when balancing long work shifts, school, and athletics. Last year, I faced challenges with my mental health. At first, I was hesitant to talk about it because of the stigma surrounding men and mental health. I didn’t want to be seen as weak or unworthy. But opening up to my roommates I met last year made a huge difference. They listened, understood, and encouraged me to keep going. Around the same time, I grew closer to God, which became the most important step in reducing stress from school and sports. My faith has since become the foundation of my life, guiding my decisions and giving me strength. Physical health has been just as important in my journey. I grew up playing multiple sports, so staying healthy was always a priority. However, when I struggled mentally, I also let my physical health decline. I ate poorly, gained weight, and became slower on the field. This eventually led to injuries, including two hamstring strains that kept me out for more than half the season. Sitting on the sidelines made me realize that only I could change my situation. The gym became a turning point. Training consistently improved both my mental and physical health, helping me build confidence and resilience. I also discovered a passion for cooking, which encouraged me to eat healthier and make better choices. Over the past four months, I’ve lost more than thirty pounds, and I feel stronger and faster than ever before. Most importantly, I’ve reduced my risk of injury and regained a sense of control over my well-being. These past few years have taught me how deeply connected mental, emotional, and physical health are, not just in sports, but in life and work as well. Sharing my story allows me to reflect on how far I’ve come, and I hope it inspires others to find healthy ways to cope with challenges. Most of all, I want others to know they should never be afraid to talk about what they’re going through, because no matter what, you are enough.
