How My Experience with Mental Health Has Influenced My Beliefs, Relationships, and Career Aspirations
Mental health has played a significant role in shaping my beliefs, strengthening my relationships, and guiding my career aspirations. Like many young athletes, I have faced challenges that tested my mental resilience—whether it was dealing with hearing loss, managing juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, or handling the pressures of academics and sports. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the importance of mental health, not only in personal success but also in building strong, supportive communities.
One of the biggest ways mental health has influenced me is by reinforcing my faith and belief in perseverance. When I faced setbacks—whether due to injuries, exhaustion, or self-doubt—I learned to lean on my faith in God for strength. I have come to believe that mental health is not just about avoiding struggles but about **finding ways to overcome them with faith, resilience, and support.** The Bible teaches about endurance and overcoming adversity, and I have found that those lessons apply directly to mental well-being.
I have also come to believe that mental health is just as important as physical health, especially in sports. Many athletes are trained to push through pain, but few are taught how to manage stress, anxiety, and emotional struggles. My experiences have made me a strong advocate for breaking the stigma around mental health in athletics and encouraging open conversations about emotional well-being.
My own struggles with mental health have deepened my empathy for others. I have learned that you never truly know what someone is going through, and a small act of kindness or support can make a huge difference. Because of this, I have made it a priority to be there for my teammates, friends, and younger athletes who might be struggling.
On my football team, I have seen firsthand how the pressure to perform can affect players’ confidence and mental state. Some of my teammates have turned to unhealthy coping mechanisms, like vaping or reckless behavior, to deal with stress. Instead of judging, I have tried to be someone they can talk to, encouraging them to focus on better ways to handle pressure.
My relationships with my family and mentors have also grown stronger because of my understanding of mental health. My grandfather’s experiences in war, including the trauma he endured, have taught me that mental health challenges don’t always fade over time—they need to be addressed, talked about, and supported. His story has motivated me to be someone who listens, supports, and encourages others through their struggles.
My experiences with mental health have had a direct impact on my career goals. I plan to attend Temple University’s Sport Management program because I want to make a difference in how mental health is addressed in sports. Too often, athletes at all levels—high school, college, and even professional—are expected to be mentally tough without being given the tools to build mental resilience.
In my future career, I want to develop programs within sports organizations that focus on mental wellness, leadership, and personal development. I envision working with coaches and athletes to ensure that mental health is treated as an essential part of performance, just like physical training. Whether it’s through mentorship programs, workshops, or integrating mental health education into sports training, I want to help athletes build confidence, manage stress, and develop skills that will serve them beyond their playing careers.
Another goal of mine is to advocate for faith-based support systems in sports. Faith has played a huge role in my own mental well-being, and I believe it can help others as well. Whether it’s through team prayer groups, faith-based mentorship, or simply encouraging athletes to find strength in their beliefs, I want to ensure that players have access to the emotional and spiritual support they need.
My journey with mental health has shaped me into the person I am today. It has reinforced my belief in perseverance, strengthened my relationships through empathy and support, and guided my career aspirations toward making a real impact in the sports world. I want to be a leader who not only understands the business of sports but also prioritizes the well-being of athletes, ensuring that they have the tools, support, and encouragement to succeed both on and off the field.