The Thoughts of our Community

Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Joy is a 20-year-old junior student at Belmont Abbey College pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Great Books and Pre-law. She currently works as a hostess at the White Water Center and participates on the Cheerleading team at BAC. When she isn’t studying or working, she enjoys taking up hobbies such as painting, playing guitar, thrifting, and taking care of her three cats. Joy is on track to take the LSAT exam in August with hopes of enrolling in Law school after she completes her undergraduate program. 

Ellie is a 22-year-old student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is pursuing a degree in Psychology with plans to graduate in May of 2025. She is originally from the small town of Bowling Green, Ohio, where her family still resides today. Ellie works as a bartender and nanny in the Charlotte area. Working as a nanny has allowed her to follow through with her passion and gain experience in working with children as she hopes to one day earn her Master’s Degree to fulfill her career dreams of becoming a Pediatric Occupational Therapist. 

Katie Kubec is a 21-year-old student-athlete at Belmont Abbey College where she is an active member of the women’s golf team. Originally from Hendersonville, North Carolina, Katie is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with the hopes of becoming a physician's assistant. When she is not studying, Katie volunteers as a front desk assistant at a local hospital near her college. Katie’s story can help others see the value in persistent hard work and deliberate decision-making for the betterment of herself and her future goals. 

Jose is a 21-year-old student-athlete at Belmont Abbey College. He is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management with plans to graduate in 2026. When he isn’t studying, Jose balances the athletic expectations of the men’s basketball team. Originally born and raised in the Philippines, Jose moved to Los Angeles, California when he was 17. His hobbies include going on adventures, reading, and having meaningful conversations with his peers. 

Kaylee is a 22-year-old young adult from Graham, North Carolina. She works as a manager of a family-owned restaurant called The Verdict on the Square, located in downtown Graham. Kaylee’s journey speaks volumes on what it takes to live a successful and independent life while also balancing triumphs related to mental health challenges. Through her hard work, motivation, and uplifting attitude, Kaylee has built within her a strong work ethic to take on any problems that come her way.

Brent is a 21-year-old young adult from Mebane, North Carolina. He works as a customer service representative at a textile plant called Elevate Textiles located in Burlington, North Carolina. When he is not working at his job, Brent spends much of his free time focusing on his fitness at the gym and fixing up cars. Brent’s mental health journey started during his teenage years and since then, his experiences show the meaning behind having true strength to prosper through challenges, coming out on the other side as a more open-minded individual with goals and aspirations to follow down a path of success. 

Jaden is a 22-year-old student-athlete from Atlanta, Georgia. He currently plays for the Belmont Abbey men’s tennis team while pursuing his Master’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. In the midst of balancing athletic and academic expectations, Jaden works as a tennis coach, does landscaping, and works in a restaurant. His hobbies include maintaining his physic by playing other sports such as basketball and pickleball, reading, and playing video games. Jaden’s story and mental health perspectives help capture the essence of discipline, drive, and having what it takes to push through unexpected challenges. 

Ceci is a 21-year-old student-athlete from Santiago, Chile. She is a junior pursuing a degree in Business at Belmont Abbey College. She is an active member of the women’s field hockey team which she described as bringing her many opportunities to travel and meet new friends. Ceci’s story is a testament to her strength and powerful commitment to fulfilling her goals in life. Having a natural strong will, Ceci has been able to accomplish many achievements and continue striving towards her passion of building her future career in the United States. 

Christian is a 23-year-old student-athlete at Belmont Abbey College. He is a member of the Belmont Abbey men’s soccer team and is set to graduate this May with a degree in Accounting. Christian’s journey has been inspired by his passion for the game of soccer and the deep connection he holds with his family and community. In many ways, soccer has given him numerous opportunities to grow as a strong-minded individual on and off the field. Christian mentioned that he chose the current team he plays for based on the growing opportunities the program offered. 

Alyssa is a 19-year-old student at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Originally from Graham, Alyssa is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Finance intending to become a financial advisor for an investment company called Edward Jones. She enjoys taking care of her four pets, hanging out with friends, spending time on the beach, and traveling to different vacation spots. Alyssa’s mental health journey inspires others to push through different challenges with grace and never lose focus on the bright future ahead. 

Justin is a 22-year-old, junior student-athlete at Belmont Abbey College, a Division II school located near Charlotte, North Carolina. He is currently studying Sports Management while balancing the expectations of Collegiate basketball. Originally from Houston, Texas, Justin just recently moved to San Antonio where his family resides while he is attending school for most of the academic year. Justin’s story is rooted deeply in family, African American culture, and his ever-growing love for the game of basketball. 

William is a 22-year-old college athlete, at Belmont Abbey College. Originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, William is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management with plans to graduate this May. Mental health struggles, particularly among athletes, are a significant concern to William as he has experienced his own set of challenges. Societal expectations often pressure men to suppress their emotions, leading to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Open communication, a supportive environment, and positive daily habits are crucial for managing mental health challenges.