FROM THE EDITORS
For better or worse, risk and reward shape what it means to live every action we take carries the possibility of gain or loss.
The risks we take can be financial, social or spiritual, and even when a reward follows, it may not be equal to what we risked. Still, despite uncertainty, we have the freedom to take chances in hopes they lead to something meaningful
The aim of this magazine is to explore the many forms of risk and reward whether through sports gambling or through engaging in social causes with the intention of bettering our world. We hope these articles compel you to not only think about the consequences of your actions but to take chances
It may sound contradictory to urge you to both think carefully and take risks, but the reality is that nothing in life comes without a cost Your efforts may not unfold as planned but you’ll never know unless
Isabela Placencia
RCU
ALUM’S
Cover Design by Hannah
Traczynski
WISDOM:
EDITORS
ISABELA PLACENCIA
Content
HANNAH TRACZYNSKI
Content Team
JAMES SAXINGER
Podcast Team
ALLISON SCOTT
Social Media & Promotions
OLIVIA DUFFY
Visual Team
Seraphina Dumitrescu
Isabelle Goike
Jordan Look
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RCU Students Share Their Current
Low-Key Panic
College life is full of risk — worrying about grades and finances — which is balanced by reward new classes and friends, learning and growing, and preparing for the future. This all comes with its fair share of quiet worries. Between classes, friendships, and future plans, small concerns can spiral into full-blown overthinking sessions
We asked some RCU students to share the thoughts living rent-free in their heads from everyday stress to those “it’s probably fine…right?” moments that seem to pop up every week. The students were asked in February, and here’s what they had to say about their latest low-key panic.
Tryce Davis Freshman Marketing Major
Something I’m feeling anxious or uncertain about is the balance of a student athlete at the collegiate level This means battling both elite academic and athletic competition 24/7! High school didn't prepare me for the world I currently face.”
Esteban Arango Suarez Senior Accounting & Financial Planning Major
Desiree Perez Sophomore English Major
I keep telling myself that I’m fine about this summer break, but I’m actually really nervous I’m finally going to get my driver license, and I’m honestly really scared I know it’s probably silly, but it’s hard not to feel anxious about something you’re unfamiliar with.”
Work after graduation, visa status and whether I will stay in the country Having to potentially move back if I don't get a job and having to move back to my home place. Or if I get a job and have to find a place to stay here in the U S Quite a few things I’m feeling anxious about and these are the anxieties of being a graduate AND international student.”
I have two
medical capstone projects, and I’m dramatically overthinking my grades
I am nervous about graduating, but because this is my last semester, my grades matter even more. I don't want to fail ”
Nilla K. Kanjoma
I’m not really
person, and I put all my trust in God and the path he’s put me on, so that gives me a reason to not really be anxious about anything.”
Jack Gunn
Sophomore
Cybersecurity Major
If this girl likes
I’m anxious about feeling like I am always on a time crunch for everything I’m also worried about procrastinating things I need to get done because I have been consumed with stress from other aspects in life.” me or not I’m sure I could relate to a lot of people here, but when you’re constantly thinking about if a girl likes you, you get really anxious ”
Major Thomas Spires Freshman Christian Formation Major
Kayvon Justice Junior pre-physical therapy major
My brain is dramatically overthinking my money management. I always worry about whether I'm making enough, saving enough, spending too much, or where I’m spending it.”
Andi Braggs Biology Major
I've been worrying about how to pay for my sports equipment in Track and Field I have to buy a new shot put to be able to compete I don't have any way to pay for it right now, so that's causing me some stress.”
HANNAH TRACZYNSKI Editor
Is Becomin
If you’ve watched any football, basketball, baseball or hockey game recently, you’ve probably noticed something different The commercials aren’t just about cars or food anymore; they’re about odds boosts, bonus bets and same-game parlays
Even during time-outs or halftime, analysts reference betting lines like it’s just another stat Sports betting isn’t separate from sports anymore; it’s built into the experience.
As Dr Dave Hutson, chair of the Department of Sport Studies, said, “Now it’s everywhere. You can’t watch a game without seeing odds, betting lines or promotions; it’s become part of the experience.”
BETTING ON SPORTS USED TO BE ILLEGAL
What many people don’t realize is how recent this shift actually is. For years, sports betting was illegal across most of the United States. Hutson said, “Sports betting was illegal at the federal level, and the government used a mix of laws like wire fraud
to enforce that ” In 1992, restricted sports gambling to only a handful of states, with Nevada serving as the primary place where it was broadly permitted
Everything changed in 2018 when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Murphy v NCAA, a landmark case that changed sports betting laws across the country, giving states the power to decide for themselves “Once that decision came down, it was like a domino effect; state after state started legalizing sports betting,” Hutson said
MICHIGAN LEGALIZES SPORTS BETTING
Michigan launched online sports betting in early 2021, and since then, it has grown fast. In 2025, the industry took in $3.8 billion in Michigan, according to the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
For college students, this shift feels even more obvious. Betting apps are easy to download, simple to use, and constantly advertised A 2023 NCAA survey found that 58% of 18- to 22-year-olds have participated in sports betting, with even higher numbers among students living on campus
Hutson points out that today’s betting is different from the past because “you’re not
Dr Dave Hutson
just placing one bet before a game, you can keep betting throughout the entire game ” That constant access makes it much easier to get pulled in. It’s not hard to see why it appeals to students Betting can make a game more exciting, even if it’s just $5 or $10. It’s also social friends compare bets, talk about spreads, and celebrate wins together. It can feel like just another part of sports culture.
SPORTS BETTING IS NOW 24/7
But that’s also where some concerns come in A BBC Reel feature described sports gambling as being “everywhere,” raising questions about how constant exposure might affect people long-term When betting companies sponsor teams and appear in every commercial break, it starts to feel less like gambling and more like part of game.
to the JAMA Health Forum. Studies show it activates the brain’s reward system in similar ways to drugs or alcohol. “You win once or twice and start thinking you’re good at it, that’s when it can turn into a problem,” Hutson said.
The effect on the integrity of sports is also concerning. Gambling has historically been associated with scandals in which players or teams were allegedly influenced to change outcomes.
For college students, especially, that can be risky Most students are already dealing with financial stress because they are balancing tuition, rent and other expenses Even small bets can turn into real losses over time Hutson warns: “You can lose a lot of money in a hurry, especially if you don’t set limits ”
“Sports are entertaining because we don’t know the outcome. If that outcome is being influenced by money, it creates a serious ethical problem,” Hutson said. If that unpredictability disappears, it changes what sports are supposed to be
Another big difference today is how fast everything happens Instead of placing one bet before a game, people can now place dozens during it on plays, players or even the next possession That constant interaction increases how often people bet and how much they spend.
ANOTHER TROUBLING ADDICTION
Researchers report that gambling can become an addiction, according
Sports betting also impacts college athletes. The NCAA has reported that athletes are facing more harassment from bettors upset about outcomes. When money is involved, reactions can become more intense, which adds pressure to athletes who are still just students.
At the same time, not everyone who bets has a problem. For many people, it’s just entertainment. The bigger issue is how it’s being used and how easy it is to access
Setting limits and knowing when to stop can make a big difference “Legally, students are allowed to bet if it’s permitted in their state, but that doesn’t mean it’s always a good decision,” Hutson said
As sports betting continues to grow, it’s becoming harder to separate it from sports altogether. For our generation, betting apps are just another app on our phones. But that convenience comes with responsibility It’s
worth asking: are we watching for the love of the game, or just for the payout?
From To Michigan Thailand ONE ALUM’S JOURNEY TO THE PEACE CORPS
For Holly Lingenfelter, who graduated from RCU in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication, a career shift led her from Michigan to a life-changing opportunity thousands of miles from home.
Today, she serves as a volunteer with the Peace Corps in northeastern Thailand, working with youth, schools and local government partners to support community programs and cultural exchange.
Before joining the Peace Corps, Lingenfelter spent eight years in the corporate world as a brand experience marketing manager at a Detroit-based company
CHANGING PERSPECTIVE
The Covid-19 pandemic shifted her perspective on life, especially on what she values. “I began feeling drawn toward more meaningful, service-oriented work I had already been volunteering at two Michigan hospitals, supporting hospice pati facilitating children’s grief suppor programs,” she said.
When she was in high school, Ling first heard about the Peace Corps government agency that deploys “to promote world peace and frie through community-based develo intercultural understanding,” acco website
Thus, she turned to the Peace Corps, and while navigating the lengthy application process, she traveled abroad, including backpacking through Europe and spending a month in India. She also worked at a remote backcountry lodge in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee, living in the mountains with limited cell service and electricity
“That experience helped prepare me for the simplicity and unpredictability that can come with Peace Corps service,” she said Peace Corps is a 27-month commitment: three months of in-country training followed by two years of service in the host community.
SMALL MOMENTS, BIG IMPACT
Lingenfelter is a Youth in Development volunteer, serving across several schools in her rural Thai community. Peace Corps
volunteers are not sent to communities to “fix” problems, she said. Instead, they work alongside local partners to support projects that communities already care about In her village, that often includes youth programs, English practice, leadership activities and collaboration with teachers and local organizations.
Sometimes the impact is simple “It might be encouraging a student to speak English, organizing a volleyball game or teaching yoga at the local elderly school,” she said Other times, the work involves larger community events and initiatives.
“The most important thing is the relationships built between people from different cultures,” she said “I play volleyball with students, cook Thai dishes with my host mom, and spend time with families in the village A simple walk to the market can turn into dinner at someone’s home or flying kites in the rice fields with my students.”
Living abroad comes with a unique responsibility. “In my village, I’m not always known as a Peace Corps volunteer I’m often just known as ‘the American,’ ” she said. For many people in her community, she may be the only American they have ever met. “That means how I behave and interact can shape their perceptions of Americans.”
Global news and media also influence those perceptions. Sometimes, community members react to U S political events they see reported in the news “My role isn’t to promote my political beliefs,” Lingenfelter said “It’s about building relationships, sharing experiences, and encouraging openness to different viewpoints. At the same time, I’m learning just as much from the people around me This experience is truly a two-way cultural exchange.”
The experience, she said, has shown her the importance of separating people from politics. “One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that people are not the same as governments. At the end of the day, it’s about people, relationships and the communities we build together”
A DIFFERENT VIEW OF THE WORLD
Living in Thailand has reshaped how Lingenfelter views daily life and community. “It has helped me realize there are many different ways to live a meaningful life,” she said. She has come to appreciate the strong sense of community in her village, where neighbors regularly share meals and support one another.
“At the same time, it’s reminded me that people around the w than different No ma people care about fa and opportunities for she said
TRAVEL BEYOND YOUR OWN COUNTRY
Lingenfelter encourages both those living in the U.S. and in Thailand to travel. “If I could change one thing about both American and Thai cultures, it would be encouraging more people to travel beyond their own country. Not just for leisure or tourism, but for cultural exchange, exploration and personal growth. Traveling allows people to see the world through different perspectives, challenge their assumptions, and develop a deeper understanding of others.”
Lingenfelter shared this quote from TS Eliot: “We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and for the first time.” She said t experiences other countries the more in love she falls wit world and her home back in
SHARING STORIES, BUILDIN UNDERSTANDING
Communication and media s important role for Peace Cor Lingenfelter said she shares understanding, and connect across cultures. Peace Corps participate in interviews, arti media or local media to help understand the Corps.
LASTING CONNECTIONS
Lingenfelter encourages others to consider serving “Peace Corps service isn’t always easy. It requires patience, flexibility and a willingness to be uncomfortable sometimes. But it’s one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have. When k together across derstanding and something the world can ”
OPINION
A Quiet Campus in a LoudWorld: Our Missing Voice on Justice
ISABELA PLACENCIA Editor
Unlike other universities, Rocheste Christian University lacks visible student activism on campus, which surprises me, as Jesus compelled h followers to advocate for the marginalized It seems we are only advocating for ourselves
Initially, I noticed the lack of student activism in April 2024 when students at Columbia University, an Ivy League university in New York City, formed the Gaza Solidarity Encampment The point of the encampment was to pressure Columbia University into calling an end to the ongoing genocide against
Columbia University Encampment
Palestinians in Gaza and to divest from Israel.
By April 29, over 100 tents were set up
Columbia University students were willingly jeopardizing their futures to advocate for people they’ve never met all in the name of justice. The police arrested over 100 demonstrators, students were suspended and Columbia canceled its commencement ceremony, according to a 2024 timeline in the Associated Press Despite the risks, the Columbia students inspired students nationwide, which led to over 2,500 arrests.
During this time, I could not help but notice that RCU was not among those colleges speaking out This surprised me, considering we’re a Christian liberal arts college grounded
in the teachings of Jesus, according to the RCU website To be frank, I’m an atheist who appreciates what Jesus is supposed to represent: compassion for the oppressed. What troubles me is that neither my peers nor Chapel reflect all the teachings of Jesus.
Stefan Jeremiah/AP
Omar Al-Qattaa, 2026
LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF
To me, it seems Chapel leaves out most of what Jesus preached and instead is geared toward self-help If we actually cared, then most of us would advocate for Palestinians, immigrants, the poor and whoever else is needlessly suffering
The golden rule in Matthew 22:39 reads: “Love your neighbor as yourself” I don’t think Jesus was solely referring to the people residing in your neighbor or, let alone, your nation No, Jesus loved everybody and commanded us to take care of each other.
For those born in America, we have certain privileges that we barely think about. We don’t have to worry about our houses or schools blowing up in airstrikes, but the reality of bombs is very real for people living in Iran, Lebanon, Gaza and occupied Palestine, due to America’s and Israel’s joint imperial aggression.
SUFFERING AROUND THE WORLD
According to an article by Mohammad Mansour’s on Aljazeera on Feb. 18, the minimum death toll of Israel's bombardment on Gaza has exceeded 75,000. I say “minimum” because the mentioned toll excludes deaths from starvation, disease and collapse of Gaza’s health system.
Civilians across occupied Palestine in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are suffering due to Israel’s genocidal policies against Palestinians. The U.S shares some responsibility as we enable Israel’s aggression through economic, political and military support.
Sometimes America joins in on the bombing, too. On Feb. 28, America jointly launched airstrikes on Iran, killing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. The airstrikes struck a girl’s elementary school in southern Iran and killed over 160 children, according to a Reuters’ article on March 2
The Ayatollah and his regime have long been accused of human rights abuses against their own people, but bombing Iran’s citizens does not help them. It is apparent that our military aggression is putting ordinary people in harm's way. I write “our” because these airstrikes are being funded with “our” tax dollars
As a consequence, civilians living in Israel and countries in the Persian Gulf, such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan are also in danger As taxpayers, we share some culpability for the unrest in the Middle East, which makes our voices relevant.
SUFFERING IN THE UNITED STATES
Many people have come to America in hopes of a better life, only to be brutalized and forced into inhumane detention facilities The United Nations’ High Commissioner Volker Türk has expressed concerns that U S government
Amirhossein Khorgooei, 2026
Iran
officials are using scapegoating tactics that are exposing “migrants and refugees to xenophobic hostility and abuse,” according to a Jan. 23 United Nations article. Türk has cited unlawful arrests and over 30 deaths reported in detention facilities.
Sen Jon Ossoff, Democrat from Georgia, said his office has received over 500 reports of human rights abuses, including reports of overcrowding, unsanitary living conditions, inadequate food and water, and physical and sexual abuse, according to an August 2025 article in The BMJ, a peer-reviewed journal
Despite President Donald Trump’s claims, this is not about national security, and the Department of Homeland Security is not going after the “worst of the worst.” Notably, fewer than 14% of the 400,000 arrested immigrants had prior convictions for violent offenses, according to a Feb. 9 article by CBS News.
The hyperbolic language used by the president and his officials referring to immigrants as “garbage and imbred savages” and their immigration as an “invasion” speaks to the xenophobic hostility Türk was talking about
I don’t think Jesus would use such hateful language against people seeking his help.
A significant number of people residing in America are without homes, face food insecurity, and cannot afford medical care; it seems the administration only cares about spending billions of dollars on weapons that leave a trail of destruction
According to a March 13 report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the Iran war cost $11.3 billion by day 6 and $16.5 billion by day 12. And the cost keeps escalating According to an Associated Press article on March 19, the Pentagon is seeking $200 billion in additional funds for the Iran war
I believe Jesus would want us to put America’s immense wealth toward people experiencing poverty.
Time shows that speaking out for people comes with great risks. Still, change does not come overnight and is worth fighting for For example, racists hated civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. They faced multiple arrests, with Mandela spending 27 years in prison for fighting South Africa's apartheid. Many nonviolent protests led by King were met with violent resistance from racist opponents, including attacks by police dogs and the use of firehoses.
HELPING OTHERS DESPITE RISKS
Jesus compels his followers to help others, regardless of the risks He demonstrated this wish through the Parable of the Good Samaritan In Luke 10, Jesus tells a story about a Jewish man traveling to Jericho who was attacked and left for dead by robbers Two religious people pass him — despite also being Jewish A Samaritan took pity and helped the man even though Samaritans and Jews were in conflict
The point is that the Samaritan helped the man because it was the right thing to do; it didn’t matter that he hailed from a different group. Let’s follow his lead. Let’s be that good Samaritan by publicly advocating for the oppressed and suffering
RCU should use Chapel as a platform to spread this message As individuals, we can write letters to government officials, spread awareness on social media, and support human rights organizations
I call on the RCU community to raise your voices and to help others even those who look or believe differently than you do.
Navigating life as a college student isn’t easy Between academics, sports, work and soci life, finding balance can feel overwhelming There’s constant pressure to have your life figured out — when in reality, most of us don’t. As I finish my final semester at RCU, I’ve started to feel a bit of a “quarter-life crisis,” and I know I’m not alone. There’s so much life ahead, and that can feel both exciting and intimidating.
Finding Clarity, Purpose and Growth in the Unknown
CYRUS WATKINS Intern
So I decided to ask RCU faculty and staff people who have been in our shoes for real, lived wisdom Each of them shared moments where they had a clear goal in mind, yet life unfolded differently than they expected. From not landing a job to facing unexpected health challenges, their stories reminded me that life rarely follows a straight path
Warrior Wisdom helps us learn from others’ experiences and carry that wisdom with us as we step into what comes next.
LIFE WON’T GO ACCORDING TO PLAN. THAT’S OK.
We can map out our lives as carefully as we want, but our journeys rarely unfold the way we expect. Again and again, I heard stories of missed opportunities, unexpected detours and challenges that changed everything.
going to go the way will, but there’s so much beauty if you embrace the process,” said Dr. Rebekah Pinchback, dean of the School of Business and Technology It’s easy to become attached to one outcome and believe it’s the only path to success But that tunnel vision can blind us to other opportunities. When plans fall apart, it isn’t failure it’s often redirection
As Dr Jerrica Pitzen, director of the master’s in Clinical Psychology, said when she learned she didn’t get into Yale U “Plan B is sometimes just good if not better.” Yo might not get into the graduate program you want or land the job you expected, but those moments open new door
Hardship, it turns out, is o of the most honest teach we'll ever have. After sup his wife through a life-thr surgery, Dr. Klint Pleasan basketball coach, said, "W going well, you don't learn much but when things get hard, you have to reflect that painful experience made us better people."
Dr. Jerrica Pitzen
Pinchback
t doesn’t mean hallenges are easy. They can feel overwhelming, confusing and painful. But many of those experiences become turning points Pinchback reflected on being placed on academic probation her first year of college amily struggles “It was ugh that hardship to get where I m at it brought me here where I'm meant to be.”
Growth takes time. It requires patience, selfawareness and grace Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” Consider asking, “What is this teaching me?” This shift in perspective can change everything
LET GO & BE PRESENT
Once we accept that hardship is part of life, the next step is to stop fighting what we can’t control. We often try to control ything our future, elationships, careers — but that pursuit usually creates more tension than clarity. “You’re going to be a lot happier if you accept that there are things outside your control,” easant said. We can y control our mindset, hen we focus on those, m unnecessary
Dr. David Brackney, dean of the School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences, put it simply: “Do what you’re called to do today, and watch for doors to open.”
That mindset requires presence something that doesn’t come easily in a fast-paced, digital world. With digital technology always at our fingertips, we are supposedly more connected than ever before, yet in many
ways, we feel more disconnected It's hard to be present when we are constantly plugged in and stimulated There are endless ways to distract ourselves, making it harder and harder to sit with what's going on inside us.
Avoiding that inner work only creates more tension over time tension that eventually shows up outwardly in our lives. Our generation is increasingly immersed in the online world, and we are seeing rising levels of anxiety and depressio
Finding stillness throu reflection, prayer, journaling or simply unplugging creates space to think and grow, which can make a real difference fo our well-being "We nee space to think, breathe, and reflect. That's where heal That's where creat Pinchback said. Mindfuln not be as exciting as scr or playing video games, but they create the stillness we often don't realize we need
Being present also changes how we show up for others. Giving someone your full attention is one of the simplest and most meaningful ways to show care In a world full of distractions, presence is powerful.
PURPOSE ISN’T WHAT YOU THINK
It's often in stillness that purpose begins to take shape. Purpose isn't something we suddenly arrive at it develops through noticing. “Callings come in seasons,” Pinchback said, while Pitzen noted that “your purpose shifts over time.” We aren’t expected to have everything figured out right away
Often, purpose is less about the distant future and more about what’s in front of you right now. “Your purpose is not for your whole life but for the moment,” said Alex Link, admissions recruiter and a 2018 RCU alumnus.
Dr. Klint Pleasant
Dr. David Brackney
Dr. Rebekah
Dr Keith Huey, director of church relations, echoed that idea: “What can you do right now that makes the world better?” Sometimes the the next good thing.
t the same time, it’s easy to get caught up in comparison and pressure to succeed.
"You see the very best and take no joy in your own progress take joy in the little hings," Huey said
s that our value is t we achieve, but grades, popularity and success do not define who we are "When I'm on my deathbed, I'm gonna think about those I loved more than when we won a basketball game so don't build your identity on things that won't matter in the end,” Pleasant said Brackney said fulfillment isn’t found in comparison but is found in growth, relationships and meaning. “Be faithful in what you have today”
FIND YOUR PEOPLE
One of the clearest takeaways from these conversations was this: we’re not meant to do life alone Relationships add depth and meaning to everything we experience. “Connection helps you step out of your head,” Pitzen said.
You don’t need a large circle — just a few genuine, supportive people. Learn to embrace your quirks and what makes you unique. Deep relationships start with authenticity “Find your weird people,” Link said.
Vulnerability is also key. Being honest about where you are builds trust and deeper relationships “Have enough courage to say, ‘I’m not OK,’” Pinchback said
Strong relationships don’t just happen they require effort, openness and sometimes the courage to make the first move
MAKE THE MOST OF THIS SEASON
College is a unique time one that’s easy to take for granted It’s a rare opportunity to explore, take risks and discover who you are becoming “Take risks now it’s safer here than later,” Link said. Beyond academics, experiences shape us Trying new things, meeting different people and stepping outside your comfort zone all contribute to growth Pitzen said she wishes she had explored more opportunities during college.
Huey emphasized how travel and new perspectives can expand your understanding of th world — and yourself You don’t have to be perfect. goal isn’t perfection—it’s excellence,” Pinchback sa of this time Try new thing relationships and pay attention to what excites and challenges you Those experiences will shape who you become.
WARRIOR MINDSET
I started this project unsure of what I would find. While I don’t have everything figured out, I feel more grounded knowing that uncertainty is something everyone experiences even those we look up to No one has all the answers. Life won’t always go according to plan, and challenges are inevitable. But what matters is how we respond our willingness to grow, stay present, and care for others
Purpose reveals itself over time, often in small moments. Maybe the goal isn’t to have everything figured out, but to remain open to who we’re becoming.
So take a breath and ask yourself: “What’s pulling at my heart right now?”
Dr. Keith Huey
Alex Link
WARRIOR WIRE JESSICA CADMAN JESSICA CADMAN
Shares her RCU story in her own words Coming to Rochester Christian University was never in my original plans, but God had me here for a reason, and it was where I was supposed to be.
I am originally from Rochester Hills, so RCU was an option for me because it was close to home. However, it wasn’t my first choice. I committed to play lacrosse somewhere else The day I was walking across the stage for high school graduation, I got the news that their program was cut All of the dreams I had been working for were gone overnight I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I didn’t know if I even wanted to play anymore
Then, I received a direct message from Coach Kayla Parks, who was RCU’s Women’s Lacrosse coach at the time She told me I had a scholarship opportunity. I also found out RCU had the degree I had always wanted: digital marketing Having it close to home was a factor, but more than that, I felt like I had to do it. I took a leap of faith and committed. I started at RCU in the fall of 2022
Lacrosse has impacted my college years more than I thought it would The hardest part about our team was that we never had enough players. We were always shorthanded going against teams with 23+ players It was mentally draining coming from such a competitive travel program into high school. Everyone was better than us because we didn’t have enough players.
But in my junior year, we won the first game our program had ever won. Some may think that’s small, but winning that game for our
but I jumped right in because I had never done it before. Now that I am a senior, I am officially on the team Golf has taught me patience, among many other things.
I have had so many amazing professors here at RCU who have helped mold me into who I want to be. Luke Beach, Dr. Rebekah Pinchback and Kendra Corman have helped shape me not only professionally but also personally. My lacrosse coach, Coach Reba Sewell, has taught me how to be a leader on and off the field.
RCU has become my family I have never been involved in a community that cares so much about its students From my time on the athletic fields to the classroom and to Warrior Serve, I have grown as a student and an individual People here know your name and your story. They actually care about you and your success One thing college has taught me is that you never have to have it all together. We are growing and learning every single day Trying to have your whole life together when you’re between 18 and 22 is impossible and unrealistic You only bring stress to yourself and others by doing that.
To my fellow RCU student-athletes:
Playing your sport in college is such a blessing But never let it define who you are as a person. You are more than your sport or what you can do on the field
You are a leader, a student and you were put on this earth to do way more than compete
In the future, I hope to continue coaching and staying involved in athletics. As for my career, I want to find something in marketing or sales where I can use my leadership skills and love of athletics, and tie it to digital media
RCU was never my plan, but God has me right where I needed to be.
Cadman’s
