D1 Athletics and Engineering with Elias

Transcript

It’s time to meet Elias from Paraguay. This mechanical engineering senior made a home away from home right here at Bradley. Luckily, BU is also home to 15 NCAA division one sports, so no matter how far away from home you find yourself, there’s always a place for you on the field. Kicking it to you, Elias.

– I played soccer since I was seven years old, it’s what brought me to the US and to Bradley University. I already knew that I wanted to study engineering when I was in high school, and even though combining engineering and sports is not easy, Bradley made it possible. Being a division one student athlete is challenging. Managing time is crucial not only to succeed in academics and sports, but also for mental, physical, and spiritual health. Training every day, traveling two days a week for games along with homework and exams and being 5,000 miles away from family is overwhelming at times. However, I come from a humble middle class, hardworking family in Paraguay and my parents always told me to strive and do my best no matter what the situation was. Our coaches do an amazing job organizing our games and training schedules so they don’t coincide with classes and we can perform in the classroom as well as on the pitch. Our athletic advisors provide support and resources so we can better manage our academic and athletic responsibilities and professors meet with us one-on-one so we can ask a specific questions and catch up with classes. While student athletes spend a lot of time in their respective sports, we are a student first. The mechanical engineering department offers many resources to the students. Last summer I was able to take an electric course where I learned about hydrogen fuel cells. I had the opportunity to work closely with one of the best professors in the department for an entire summit. Bradley not only give us the resources to grow as professionals and athletes, but also help us to see the in a new light. We get to express ourselves and be unique. We say whatever you do, be you.

– Wow Elias, juggling hydrogen fuel cells and division one sports is impressive to say the least. Glad to know you have the full support of your coaches, athletic advisors, and the state-of-the-art resources of this new Business and Engineering Convergence Center. It’s amazing, excited to see how you will change the world. Thanks again, Elias.