“My dad used to always say to me, ‘Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.’ Growing up, I found out he stole that directly from Henry Ford. But that quote gave me persistent motivation and the mentality that I still carry up to this day to be as successful as I am on the ice and in the classroom. I have found that over time, this has been a lesson I have had to learn, not just hear through my upbringing. Knowing that my mentality plays such an influential role in my everyday life, I would feel scrambled without the ability to recognize when it is taking a negative turn. This is especially key for me when it comes to hockey, and it is one of the biggest reasons I have reached the level of competition that I have. Trusting in my mind gives me the confidence to play without hesitation, and I will forever thank my dad for giving me this.
“When being asked what part of Northwoods culture I would miss the most, the first thing that came to mind is the student life. Everybody knows everybody, and there is never someone you cannot say hi to or have a conversation with, whether you are in the halls or in the living room. It is something special that I have not seen anywhere else, and I will remember it dearly after moving on from school. And most people you talk to at Northwood would say the same thing. There is such a feeling of inclusivity and an underlying understanding that you are kind to the people around you. I hope that in my following experiences, I can be a part of something with that level of valued respect again.
“If I were to advise my younger self, I would tell myself to use adversity as motivation. When I was younger, I was not the brightest and got into loads of trouble. Instead of using it to better myself, though, I felt sorry for myself, halting my maturation and ability to grow as a person. When looking back on this, I wish I had realized that there is always a way to grow, and in a positive way. I was not stuck, and all it took was me realizing the potential I had to push my motivation. I would further this advice by saying that no matter what comes your way, no matter how many times you fail, the only thing that will allow you to give up is you. Use these failures as motivation, and do not let them diminish you. Nothing is standing in your way if you believe you can obtain it.”
As told to Eliza Quackenbush ’25. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.
