Dear Assumption Greyhounds,
Thank you for joining us tonight! We, your alumni mentors, are thrilled to have the opportunity to share our stories and share our perspective with you. We are all so proud to support you on and off the field. I know the mentor group is thrilled to be with you and hopefully will help each and every one of you along on your journey to success. It is our hope that in sharing our life-lessons we can effect your lives in a positive and helpful manner.
Not too long ago, we walked in the March for Christian Athletes, prayed in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, competed on the fields, survived and thrived in the classrooms. Each of us were in your shoes and had the opportunity to sit where you are sitting today, however, we may not have had this terrific opportunity to hear from alumni mentors.
I can confidently say that most our hopes and dreams that you have, and we certainly had similar questions that you do. We all welcome this opportunity to share something with you about life, careers and the REAL world that we wish someone had shared with us while we were at Assumption, in hopes that our advice makes a positive difference in your lives.
Each and every day you step out on the pitch to prepare for the next fitness test, the next training session, the next match or the next championship; all this is a step towards life. The skills and characteristics that you develop here at Assumption will serve you well on your journey. Preparation is the key to life. Being prepared to face adversity, being prepared to succeed and being prepared for change are just a few of the twists and turns life will throw your way. You have the chance to actively participate and contribute to your growth as a player and person. I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity and commit to making this a key moment in your preparation.
Here’s looking forward to an exciting, enjoyable and impactful event. Wishing you all, mentors, guests and players, a brilliant future ahead!
Thank you for your attention and as always….GO HOUNDS!!!
Joao (John) Barata ’00Jason Weinheimer
Year of Graduation: 2002
Major: Accounting
Minor: Psychology
Additional Education: MBA from UConn - 2013
Current Title: Director, Finance & Operations
Current Employer: Pacific Resources
for Education & Learning
Current Industry: Education Policy & Cultural Preservation
Josh Cole
Year of Graduation: 2004
Major: Psychology
Current Title: Assistant Director of Athletics and Fitness
Current Employer: Quinsigamond
Community College
Current Industry: Higher Education
Jay Freitas
Year of Graduation: 2003
Major: Marketing
Minor: Finance
Additional Education after Bachelors: N/A
Current Title: President & COO
Current Employer: 24 Restore NE
Current Industry: Disaster Restoration
Bryan VanAlstine
Year of Graduation: 2006
Major: Marketing
Current Title: Regional Sales Manager
Current Employer: Stryker
Current Industry: Medical Device
Sales
Bryan VanAlstine ‘06
Jay Freitas ‘03
Jason Weinheimer '02
Josh Cole ‘04
What do you wish you had known as a Freshman or first-year?
JF: I wish I had really recognized how lucky and privileged I was to be a college student athlete on such a great team with such great teammates I didn’t have that type of self-awareness or maturity at the time in my life. I also wish I knew how much my college experiences would shape my life and who I am today.
BV: Embrace the experience of being a student athlete and enjoy all four years This is most likely the highest level of your career and enjoy every aspect.
JW: As a first year, know that you are now responsible, almost entirely, for your own timing, effort and dedication to yourself, your education, and your sport. Surround yourself with good teammates, roommates and friends that will help you stay the course, with good fun along the way. But other adults aren’t going to be knocking on your doors in the morning to wake you up, sitting you down to study and complete your assignments, nor be there all the time to enforce your diet, extra-curriculars and the like It’s on you.
JC: There is a mental, emotional, and physical adjustment period. Trust the process and trust that you are here for a reason.
What strategies helped you to succeed as a student-athlete?
JF: Unlike the other guys on this panel, I wasn’t very good or skillful, so I had to rely on athleticism, toughness and pure hustle to get on the field. I took pride on trying to outwork the others and utilize my competitive nature to succeed on the team and in the classroom. I also felt a tremendous responsibility and loyalty to not let the team down or be a burden, so I really focused on doing everything I could to be a great teammate and contributor.
BV: Discipline - There is plenty of time for the social activities and all that comes with those Focus on your health and performance while in season. Kept close group of teammates that shared in these values.
JW: for me, thankfully, I was able to stay out of trouble (for the most part). But regarding class, I always had the mindset that if I was going to sit in class, I might as well pay attention and do well, and I had the knack for learning. and really wanted to continue playing at a high level.
JC: Discipline, with the goal of having a work ethic that made the people around me better.
If you could go back and change anything, what would you change?
BV: I was focused a lot on my playing time and being a part of a team sometimes means others should play for the best results against certain opponents
JC: In a time where responsibilities are relatively minimal, I would have spent more time traveling/ experiencing new things. I would have put myself out there more without the fear of failure.
JF: I would’ve probably taken the opportunity a little more seriously, and also try to recognize that those 4 years in school go by really quickly. I wouldn’t have taken this opportunity, the teams I played on or my teammates for granted us much, and would’ve tried to appreciate the entire experience a little more than I did at the time. I would’ve stopped and smelled the roses a bit.
JW: Overall, my commitment level to truly striving to be the best on field. I know I was good – but internally and with regards to the real fine details, I was a bit loose and fast. I definitely did a bit too much of everything NOT compatible with top performances coming into Sophomore year. Absolutely learned that lesson the hard way Turned that around with a great performance my Junior year – but I know I could have been better with diet, focus and attitude that would have delivered better results for my own ‘stats’ but most importantly for the team.
JF: Appreciate the moment, enjoy every minute of it (even the shittiest of training sessions) because it’ll all be over soon, and you’ll be an old guy like me before you know it. Maximize your college experience, have as much fun (responsibly) as you can and while you can. Lastly, don’t fret or be anxious about getting into the work force, it’ll all work itself out. Use the valuable lessons and tools you’ve adopted (competitiveness, loyalty, drive, hard work, team focus, toughness etc.) as a student-athlete at Assumption and apply them to whatever the future may hold, you’ll be successful and immediately differentiate yourself in anything you do.
JC: “Don't take life seriously because you can't come out of it alive.” Warren Miller and to live by the saying " This too shall pass " . Know that there will be highs and lows in life that will go by I also recommend finding a passion, to crave discomfort, and to play the longevity game early.
BV: Relationships are key! - At the end of the day you will work for different companies etc. but your relationships will be what you have in the end. Relationships I made at Assumption helped me get my first job and have continued to support me 18 years later. Don't let anything get in the way of staying connected!
What advice would you give to our graduating seniors as they embark on the next steps of their lives?
JW: Absolutely first thing that I learned in the hardest of ways – take care of your body. I got a great job out of AC in accounting with PwC, a real career starter even though I did not really know what I wanted in a career, so I went all in to living the good life, but I pretty much gave up on working out, running, and eating healthy
As for other aspects – take care of your mind and spirit, take up a hobby or 2 you might not have done before, and don’t be afraid to learn from others, seek a mentor, and change jobs or careers if you feel the need I don’t ‘love’ accounting, and still talk about stepping away, but I’ve found an industry in International Education & Cultural Exchange that really speaks to my heart and allows me to see the world on the company dime. That is fulfilling and pays the bills, although takes me away from my family at times but I get to return home & share the journey with them.
We cannot thank you enough for your willingness to share your time, perspective and advice with us here tonight. We are humbled by your selflessness and inspired by your example, and we look forward to hopefully staying connected with you, and perhaps following your lead by participating in this event someday as mentors. For now, we thank you and look forward to honoring the legacy that you have all built.