I am currently a sophomore at the University of Dubuque. I am studying Finance and Accounting, and I am also participating on the football team. I am from Mount Vernon, Iowa, where I graduated from Mount Vernon High School. I was heavily involved in FCA, football, basketball, and golf. Over the last few years, particularly after coming to college last year, I have learned the importance of taking care of both my physical and mental health. I have struggled with physical and mental health in the past and being able to know when you need help is a real skill you need to have. Since last year, I have seen a huge improvement in my mental and physical health. Physically, our strength staff, trainers, and coaches do a great job of getting us ready for Saturdays. Our football coaches have provided resources for us to learn how to self-regulate and to visualize what success will look like. Also, having teammates to lean on when you are going through mental struggles is huge. I encourage others to have support systems that will challenge you to improve yourself and they will be there to provide support and encouragement when needed. College athletics is the real deal. It can be super demanding physically and mentally. Being able to check yourself to know if you are doing well or not is critical. I am extremely grateful for Spartans Supporting Physical and Emotional Health, supporting student athletes, and giving us the resources to succeed. I’m excited for all other opportunities in the future.
