My name is Tatum Levendahl and I’m from Saint Joseph, Missouri. I’m a junior at the University of Dubuque and a member of the women’s wrestling team, the Franzen Biodiversity Fellowship, CREATE, Jazz Band, and Earth Advocates Club. All these groups contribute to my overall health and enjoyment of the things that I love. Being involved in so many activities, though, has taught me a great deal about managing the balance between school and personal life. College has been overwhelming for me at many points, but utilizing the skills I’ve learned from wrestling, such as resilience, adaptability, and hard work, has given me the tools to manage the numerous activities I participate in. Over the last year, I’ve developed a lot in my approach to taking care of myself mentally. I’ve had to adapt my mental state at times, be patient, and remain strong in tough situations. This development has truly made a difference in my everyday life for the better, and I feel as though I am a better athlete, friend, peer, and student to those around me. I want to encourage others to gain awareness of when they may be struggling and be proactive in caring for themselves. It’s often difficult to take the time to slow down when so much is happening in our lives, but it is crucially important to make it a priority for your well-being.
