In My Own Words: Hannah Colvin

As we move forward through this current period of uncertainty, Wright State Athletics has continued to live our P.S.A. model and transform the lives of our student-athletes: First, as People; Second, as Students; and Third, as Athletes. With those principles in mind, we have opened the floor to our student-athletes, and our Raiders have opened up and written first-hand accounts of how their daily lives have changed in this new series "In My Own Words."

This letter is from Hannah Colvin, a senior on the volleyball team and the 2019-20 vice president of internal operations for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).

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The coronavirus has caused individuals around the world to change their everyday routine, urging individuals to stay home and closing all non-essential businesses. Being a former student-athlete and a college student, this has caused many changes to my everyday life.

I finished my last volleyball season in the fall, and I truly got to experience and be a part of a team that made history and had the best season in program history. I cannot imagine what it would have been like if the virus had cancelled our season. Even though this did not affect me as an athlete, I ached for those who were having their seasons cancelled, especially for seniors who were not sure if they had played their last game and did not get to experience their senior season. From what I know, I believe that the NCAA is going to give all of the individuals that lost a season because of the virus another year of eligibility, which is the right decision. I believe it is going to work out for all of the student-athletes, but I am sure it has been extremely hard and an adjustment for all of those who were affected by this.

I have been home for the past couple months, and it has been nice to see my family and my pets. However, I feel like my last semester of undergrad was taken away from me. During this time, I would have had my first semester of college without volleyball, and I wish that I got to experience that and make memories with my friends. My graduation has also been postponed, and that made me sad because while I will still get my diploma and graduate, I am missing that experience and a celebration of what I have accomplished as a student at Wright State.

My classes have gone well. It was an adjustment at first, especially because as a senior, a few of my classes were more hands on, and some of my classes are not really able to be taught remotely. So, in a way I am feeling that I am not getting as much out of my classes as I would have if I completed them in person. However, my professors have all been amazing, understanding, and doing their best to make sure that we are getting the most we can out of our classes with this adjustment. I was already taking three online classes, and I love online classes in general. I have also taken several online classes throughout my four years, and I am able to manage my time and make sure that I am keeping up with my work when taking online classes. So, this wasn't a huge adjustment for me. However, I know that some students do not like online classes, struggle to complete their assignments, and have problems managing their time with online work. I am still at home in Kentucky, and plan on being here for a little while until things get less crazy.

I think that the biggest adjustment for me is trying to keep a schedule, be active, and find things to do. I only have mandatory online class on Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. until 12:20 p.m. I am not used to having nothing to do. Going from being a student-athlete with a constant schedule with class, weights, practice, conditioning, etc. to not having any schedule has been a huge transition. I have been trying to get a workout in every day and have been doing Orange Theory Fitness at home workouts that they have been posting online. I also try to go on walks or run on the treadmill in order to stay active and stay in shape. I have been doing my classes, playing board games with my family, binge watching shows, etc. during my free time. My sleep schedule is crazy. I have been going to bed from 2-4 a.m. and sleeping in every day. I miss having a set schedule with things to do.

This has given me the opportunity to think about all of the things that I am grateful for and all of the blessings that I have in my life. I am thankful for my family and friends. I am thankful for all of the athletic department at Wright State and everything that they are doing for their student-athletes. I am thankful that I still have access to an education. I am thankful for my professors who have been so understanding and caring during this adjustment. I am thankful that I am healthy and safe. I am thankful for my dad and all other healthcare workers that are working long-hours each and every day in order to care for those who have the virus and to prevent the spread. During this time, I have been given the chance to realize all of the blessings that I have and that what I am facing is so minor compared to what others are going through. It has taught me to be grateful every day, enjoy every moment, and hug the people I love a little tighter each day!

Stay healthy and safe!

Sincerely,
Hannah Colvin

Players Mentioned

Hannah Colvin

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