Kansas State University
My time at K-State has been filled with experiences that have challenged me in ways I had never expected, both good and the bad. It is here that I was able to grow as an athlete, student, friend, sister, daughter and most importantly as a human being.
Kansas State has led me to pursuing a career that I am passionate about, as well as giving me a strong foundation to continue once I leave this university and continue on to graduate school and life after.
Student Athlete Mental Health Mentorship
This mentorship started in December of 2021 when myself and two other students studying Psychology reached out to Dr. Anne Weese about starting a group revolving around athletics and mental health. Dr. Weese is the Director of Mental Wellness and Sport Psychology for K-State Athletics.
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In this group we meet on a one-to-two time a month basis, where we discuss what's currently happening in the Big 12 Conference relating to mental health practices and rules, as well as common issues athletes face and how to navigate them. We dig into current research in the field to see what can be applicable to K-State's athletes. During October we put on events for football players in correspondence to College Football Mental Health Week, as well as during semester finals weeks as a way of getting relaxation/stress relieving practices, study tips, and overall health awareness to the athletes. Currently, we're putting togther an event with a guest speaker to come and speak to the coaches, support staff and athletes relating to mental health, specifically from an athletes perspective.
TRACK & FIELD
From May of 2019 until February of 2020 I trained and competed for the Kansas State Women's Track Team as a thrower. My events included weight and hammer throw, as well as shot put. Being given the opportunity to throw at K-State was a dream come true and a decision I have never regretted. The people, skills and lessons learned throughout my time on the team are invaluable in my life and academic/career path.
The time I spent on the track team was limited, but still very illuminating for my personal, career and athletic growth.
My reasons for leaving the team when I did were personal. At this point in my life, I was struggling with my mental health as a college athlete. With the help of K-State's sport psychologist and my coach, I decided the best thing for me was to retire and focus on school and myself.
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It is because of my time spent as a college athlete struggling with mental health and the pressures of athletics, that I realized I wanted to pursue a career as a sports psychologist and therapist for college and professional athletes.
KAWSE
Kansas Advancement of Women in Science and Engineering
Through this organization, I have been surrounded by women who have empowered myself and a multitude of other women in STEM majors and careers to feel confident in their interests and work in academia.
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There are four programs within KAWSE. The programs are tailored to different ages of women for their needs and opporuntities. SUCCEED is the program I am apart of, as well as many othe K-State undergraduate and graduate students. I have received the opportunity to connect with female professionals in STEM, participate in professional development workshops, and developing skills and confidence to support other women in STEM.