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#SomeoneToListen Archive
JaeLynn Ellison
William Jewell
Assistant Athletics Director for Communication
As an SID, my whole world, my schedule every single week, revolves around my student-athletes, so to suddenly go from preparing for 41 home games to nothing for the rest of the semester was a gut punch.
Having been a college athlete, I remember the final months of my senior year very well. After this initial shock, my heart immediately sank for my seniors. To work your whole life and reach that milestone year only to have it gone in a moment, breaks my heart for them, and knowing there is nothing you can say to heal that pain hurts just as much.
We all have a new normal, whether it be online classes or working from home. I have made this adjustment just like everyone else but this is an unprecedented time for our generation. Our parents and grandparents don't have the answers for how to navigate this event, so as someone who has relied heavily on the guidance of my family that can be nerve-racking.
I live alone, in a large city, with a four-hour drive between me and my closest family. This has personally been the hardest part, but I am doing my best to embrace this time of solidarity. Normally I work 60-80 hours a week with no more than a handful of days off until graduation, but now I have been gifted some time to slow down, reset, create new and better habits in my daily life.
While this time isn't something any of us asked for or even want, it is an opportunity to take a breath and remember what's important so that when this is over and we return to the office, the scorer's table, or the press box, we won't take for granted those days.
The days we're up before dawn to get to the stadium to set up for a home football game or the nights spent working until 3 a.m. to wrap up a basketball doubleheader and prep for the next can be hard, but I can't wait until I get to do it again.
Are you a student-athlete, coach, administrator or a part of the athletics support staff on campus, and want to share your story during these challenging times? We are Somone To Listen. CLICK HERE to submit your story today. We would love to hear from all of you!