Friday, January 6, 2023
Part of a regular series.
Throughout the year, GNACsports.com uses this space to profile conference student-athletes who are members of their respective institutions’ Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). In addition to providing feedback on the student-athlete experience, conference and institutional SAAC members also offer input on the rules, regulations and policies that affect student-athletes’ lives on NCAA member institution campuses.
Name: Kennedy Juranek
Sport: Volleyball
Institution: Montana State Billings
Year: Junior
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Wilsonville, Oregon
Why did you choose to attend MSUB?: I chose to go to Montana State Billings because of the beauty of the land surrounding the campus. Being in Billings allows us to be close to many different hiking and beautiful places to travel to. We are an hour from Red Lodge which offers skiing, hiking spots and drives through the beautiful Beartooth Mountains. We are also less than a three-hour drive from Yellowstone! Escaping into nature is something I will never take for granted!
I also chose Montana State Billings because of the perfect size of the campus. Because we are smaller, it allows us to know most people on campus. No matter where you go, you will always have a friendly face welcoming you! The athletic community is like family. I have made many friendships that will last a lifetime.
What is your favorite class you have taken in college and why?: My favorite class has been my literature class for kindergarten to eighth grade. My professor for this class is amazing and is someone that has become a mentor for me. We learn about the different approaches that we can take to teach students of all ages and learning types. Because of this class, I can confidently teach my students who might need extra help with reading and I can pick out books that my students will love and cherish that can be taught important valuable lessons.
Who is your favorite professor so far and why?: My favorite professor is Lynette Schwalbe. I would rate her 1,000 out of 10 because not only is she helpful as I find my way through my education program but she is extremely personable. She knows when I have bad days and is here to help me through them. She always is an email away for me when I need her, whether that is for my education or for me personally!
How many years were you involved in SAAC?: This is my first year.
What made you want to be involved in SAAC?: I want to make a difference. I want SAAC to continue to grow for the rest of the time that I can be involved in it. I want to help my university and its athletes, whether that is growing through social media, helping the captains and leaders grow within their teams or helping athletes mentally. Being a student-athlete carries so much more weight to its name than most people think. Not only are we expected to perform well on the court, field, or track, but we are expected to carry exceptional grades. That puts much weight on our shoulders and can put so much stress on the athlete. I've experienced it myself. I want to bring awareness to that and help others who might be struggling.
How do you feel participating in SAAC will help you in life after you graduate?: SAAC offers so many important tools that I can keep in my tool belt for life. It has already taught me how to become a better leader. Although this is my first year, I am excited to grow as a human being. I am longing for an opportunity in SAAC to offer me the position to help others when I become a teacher. I have to lead a classroom of 20 kids and SAAC will put me in the position to do this.