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My name’s Christopher-James Maurice Tolbert or as everyone calls me, CJ. I attended Hernando High School in Brooksville, Florida. I am beginning my junior year at the University of Dubuque where I’ve been blessed to be the starting right tackle on the football team for the past two seasons. It took a while to create a good mental space for myself after first arriving in Dubuque, because it’s nothing like Florida and that’s all I ever knew before Dubuque. Over the years I’ve learned to find the many joys of being here in a historic and meaningful place. The brothers I’ve built from the team, friends from outside sports, as well as the many great people on staff here and the support system I’ve built. When you first get here it can be a lot; especially mentally, but there are so many outlets if you need an ear to listen. There are many programs to visit if you’re mentally or spiritually drained. I now feel confident being far away from home because I’m back with my boys and coaches. I have a really awesome support system that helps me in my darkest times. Your mental health is really important and should always be a number one priority as a college student athlete because the stresses of life, sports, and academics can get to all of us. Know that you’re not alone and have a whole campus and community you can rely on. I’ve had such an amazing experience here I influenced my little cousin and some old high school teammates to attend the University of Dubuque. Where I’m from it’s hard to make it out our area as young colored men so when they see an older influence doing something positive they want to follow that path and build a path for themselves. Being here at UD has changed me as a man and made me a better person and has prepared me for life beyond college and I’m excited for the future experiences and the rest of my time here at UD!
