As an admissions counselor I've fielded a lot of questions and concerns from parents and students about the town of Bradford. Despite not living in Bradford anymore *(lived here for 20 years), I always respond with a simple "it's awesome". And not only do they think I'm joking it takes a minute for them to believe me that it's true. It's a small, blue collar, hard working community. And for that I and you should appreciate everything it has to offer. If you are a student at UPB have you ever been to the Marilla Bridges Trail, taken a walk down Main St. to admire the beautiful architecture, checked out the Bradford Little Theatre, watch a game at UPB, or shop and eat locally? If not, you're missing out. There's some great new and old locally owned restaurants in Bradford that will blow you away. Don't let the small, welcoming, and very interesting town of Bradford slip past you. Experience everything Bradford and the surrounding communities have to offer. I know when I talk to parents and students it's straight from the hip without any fillers. Sure Bradford isn't a city and UPB isn't on tv every weekend, but I do tell them that it's an awesome place to be. And be you, and be happy, and be known, and be innovative, and be a free thinker, and be awesome. And the cool thing about your life, right now as you read this, is that you can change it at any moment. Think about that for a second. You own your life, and posses the ability to change the course at any time. Make it happen. The worst thing a student or anyone can do is complain about what it's not instead of enjoying what it is. UPB is a great place to meet some pretty cool people, and really do whatever you want to do, and take on whatever you want to take on.
I was waiting at the Buffalo International Airport picking up some students the other day, and at the bar waiting for her flight was one of our current students. So I sat down (red bull for me) and wanted to get her opinion of the campus and the town. We shared somewhat the same sentiments towards the campus and the community. But one thing that stuck out was all of her experience before graduation. She has interned with quite a few prominent companies in her field. I thought that was pretty cool.
My unsolicited advice to UPB students or whoever wants to read it:
- Surround yourself with positive people
- If you're bored all the time then you're probably lazy. Don't be lazy.
- Try anything once (within reason), but give it a shot
- Don't think that you're entitled to anything....work hard and play hard...good things will happen
- If you train, train with a buddy...it helps a lot
- Hold yourself accountable....if you screwed up just admit it. Then let things fall where they may
- Don't blame others for what you can control
- Again, if you train, lift heavy shit up and put it down. Start small and make progress
- Set attainable goals
- Set lofty goals
- Be a go getter
- Surround yourself with positive people (it's that important I needed to repeat it)
- Wait to get into a relationship....seriously though, wait at least year please
- Go to class.....unless it's Opening Day in the big leagues then you stay in your room and watch every inning
- Let the important people in your life know that they are important
- Do be you...100% of the time. Nobody likes fake and it sure as hell can't be fun for you
- Stay the hell away from the Smith Machine (check out the 10 reasons why)
- Never create a nickname for yourself
- Give back
- Be nice to everyone...simple enough right?
- Live simple
- Pray to whoever you pray to, but pray and reflect
- Remember that excitement you had for everything....yeah that one...bottle it and never lose it
- Live with enthusiasm, passion, and love
- Beep at the guitar player by Pizza Hut and show him that you appreciate what he does
- Respect everybody
- Pick your shoulders up when you walk....remember life is good, better, or getting better
We've become pretty attached to the university as students and now as professionals. My wife and I met here at a bonfire up at the notorious 'baseball house', however we never held hands through campus. We both had some reputations to protect, or so we thought, or thought we thought. Never mind. But my wife is really really awesome.
This picture was posted on someone's garage on our street. Check out the message. See it? Do you see it yet? Do you see it now? Pretty awesome, right? If you want the world, your neighborhood, your business, your staff, or anything else you're a part of to be awesome then BE THE GOOD. Don't expect someone else to take it on. Be a leader, be an innovator, and start kicking ass today. I absolutely love this sign, and believe it 100%.
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So, I'm going to work for/with two of my brothers at Core Athletics. When opportunity knocks; knock the wall down and take it. I told my man JH that sometimes I wish working at UPB stunk so leaving would be easier. I'm glad it's been awesome, filled with great people, and flat out amazing students. And he's one them. I was able to train with him this morning, and it's something I know we both wish we would have taken advantage of a little more. I learn something new every time we train together.
Wear your heart on your sleeve, live simple, and keep moving forward. College is great, but believe it or not life gets better after college. Just wait, but for now enjoy every minute of everyday. What's your passion? What gets you going in the morning when your feet hit the floor? Find out who are you, and start kicking some ass.
Time to roll for now. The Hammer Mill will continue with big plans in the future. UPB students, faculty, staff, and student athletes hit me up on twitter @smann207 (old school AOL name), this blog, or smmanning18@yahoo.com to contact me.
So from our family to yours, Thank You! We'll catch ya on the flip side. And remember, BE AWESOME everyday. There's really no excuse.
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| Our family workout in Vermont. As long as they're with me life is good. |
And look at my man hit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-1dwVgziPk
