My name Zachary Cline. I am twenty-one years old, a member of the University of Dubuque’s hockey team, and I have begun my studies in business administration. In 2022, I got the presidential awards for community service and Spanish as a foreign language after graduating with high honors from L’Anse Creuse High School North. Hockey was my first love from the time my parents taught me how to skate when I was two years old. Since I have played the game for nineteen years, I can honestly say that it has improved my life in every way and served as both a motivator for me to maintain my physical and mental well-being and the greatest instrument for my mental health. Playing on the ice has been the best release I have ever experienced, regardless of how busy I am with job, school, or personal relationships. People close to me have experienced mental health issues, and I will always be grateful to hockey for supporting me in overcoming these challenges. Everyone is impacted by mental health. I urge everyone to let others and themselves be open, at ease, and vulnerable to confront the issues that we all face. This is encouraged by the wonderful community at the University of Dubuque, and I am extremely fortunate to be surrounded by the students, faculty, and coaches who support me at every turn. I urge everyone to prioritize their physical and emotional well-being and to let people around them support them in leading good lives.
