North Carolina State University Athletics
Finding New Ways to Contribute (11/6/08)
11/6/2008 12:00:00 AM | Pack Athletics
Editor's note: Donald Bowens, a junior wide receiver on the football team, was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his lower back in the preseason and is sitting out this season in hopes of gaining a medical redshirt.
RALEIGH, N.C. A few days ago, I had the opportunity to go meet with some of the students at Kingswood Elementary School in Cary. It was my second trip to the school this fall and my third meeting with Wake County students to talk about my experiences as an NC State student-athlete. I also just recently began volunteering at Fred Combs Elementary and working with kids after school.
Since I am unable to play this season, because of a stress fracture in my lower back, I wanted to spend more time volunteering and working as much as possible on improving my academics. As student-athletes, we always have opportunities to visit with area students. There’s a sign-up sheet on the third floor of Case Athletics Center, and student-athletes who have some free time are encouraged to participate in many community outreach programs.
I know that it would have been easy to be depressed about my circumstances, having to sit out the entire season, while my team tries to improve on the field. But I’ve never been wired that way. I always think, “OK, what’s next?”
Immediately after my back problem was diagnosed, I told people that this was just a minor setback to set up a major comeback. I did a lot of praying and, because of my strong faith, I believe that everything happens for a reason.
So I decided to utilize this time to do stuff I wouldn’t normally have time for, like volunteering.
For me, being able to spend time with elementary-age students is really something special. It took me back to when I was younger and would get all excited about things. You could see in their eyes how much they loved having a college athlete on their campus and interacting with them.
I know they are excited about college football and there were lots of Wolfpack fans in the classroom. I took a little bit of grief from some Carolina fans, but overall, I could tell they were happy I came to visit them.
They were a little shy about asking questions. They asked what position I played, what my number was, where I am from. Basic information, obviously.
But it gave me a chance to talk to them about the importance of studying hard and paying attention to academics.
I know when I was growing up and going to camps or talking to athletes, they always talked about schoolwork. It was something you would hear over and over again, but it kind of went in one ear and out the other. It kind of became a clich. But that message is really important, and I use my own injury as an example.
Because I am hurt, I am using this time to focus on other things like improving my academics and volunteering. It is not a clich no matter how good of an athlete you are, you need those academics to fall back on.
Visiting a classroom was a good experience for me, as I continue to sit out this season. I hope there are more opportunities to visit with other students during my recovery time.
Donald Bowens
