Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Photo by: Michael Black
Ryan Reed Educates Salukis on Substance Abuse
01/16/2019 | 3:18:00 | General
CARBONDALE, Ill - Saluki student-athletes gathered in the SIU Arena Sunday evening as part of their spring orientation. Students were recognized for their academic achievements in the 2018 fall semester. Director of Athletics Jerry Kill congratulated the group on its community service and outlined his expectations for the second semester.
"Being an athlete is a privilege, it's not a right," said Kill. "You have to sacrifice to win. It's called uncommon. You've got to be uncommon. The ones that are uncommon and can give up to get things are the ones that win championships."
Kill reminded the students that they represent Southern Illinois University on and off the field.
"Carry yourself like a champion," said Kill. "Any championship team has one thing in common: everybody gives up something to win. Be close with your team. When you do that, you win."
After Kill's remarks, public relations specialist and SIU alum Ryan Reed addressed the group with an inspiring message from his personal life.
"One of the greatest regrets in life is being what others would want you to be rather than being yourself," said Reed. "When I was a kid, I wanted to be a chemist, a doctor, a lawyer. My mother believed in me. The thing about alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs is they can destroy all of your dreams."
Reed educated the group on the effects of alcohol and marijuana.
"Be mindful of what you are doing and who you are doing it with," said Reed. "If you notice patterns in your friends start to change, that's when you step up. Be that type of active-bystander and step up for one of your teammates or your friend down the street."
In his closing remarks, Reed emphasized the importance of making the right choices and being a difference maker in the community.
"Be the change that you want to see," said Reed. "The number one tool to be successful is learning to find comfort in being uncomfortable. Live your life like that. As long as you know you're doing the right thing, feel good about yourself."
"Being an athlete is a privilege, it's not a right," said Kill. "You have to sacrifice to win. It's called uncommon. You've got to be uncommon. The ones that are uncommon and can give up to get things are the ones that win championships."
Kill reminded the students that they represent Southern Illinois University on and off the field.
"Carry yourself like a champion," said Kill. "Any championship team has one thing in common: everybody gives up something to win. Be close with your team. When you do that, you win."
After Kill's remarks, public relations specialist and SIU alum Ryan Reed addressed the group with an inspiring message from his personal life.
"One of the greatest regrets in life is being what others would want you to be rather than being yourself," said Reed. "When I was a kid, I wanted to be a chemist, a doctor, a lawyer. My mother believed in me. The thing about alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs is they can destroy all of your dreams."
Reed educated the group on the effects of alcohol and marijuana.
"Be mindful of what you are doing and who you are doing it with," said Reed. "If you notice patterns in your friends start to change, that's when you step up. Be that type of active-bystander and step up for one of your teammates or your friend down the street."
In his closing remarks, Reed emphasized the importance of making the right choices and being a difference maker in the community.
"Be the change that you want to see," said Reed. "The number one tool to be successful is learning to find comfort in being uncomfortable. Live your life like that. As long as you know you're doing the right thing, feel good about yourself."
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