Dear Northwestern,
My mom always told me that my time at Northwestern would fly on by. Every time she said this to me, I reflected on the five year journey that I was about to embark on. At that time, five years seemed as though it was going to be an eternity. But, as I sit here writing this piece, I realized that my mom was absolutely right. It seems as though just the other day, I was arriving on campus for orientation and starting fall camp for football. Just a little freshman that had no idea what was coming his way. I have learned so much at Northwestern and had so many memorable experiences, but here are some that really stick out to me.
“Trust Yourself.”
Before every game, we would hit a 2×4 that had these words on it. What does this mean? This “trust yourself” 2×4 was a reminder to have confidence in yourself because you have done all the preparation needed to be successful in the game. I think this is one of my biggest takeaways from being at Northwestern.
When I first arrived at Northwestern, I did not trust myself. I had this habit of overanalyzing things and trying to be too perfect. I was afraid to make mistakes on the field and in the classroom. I’ll never forget during my junior year when my offensive line coach, Adam Cushing, called me into his office. We had a long conversation, but I’ll sum it up for you: Just cut it loose and give it your best. Making mistakes is acceptable because that is how you learn. Hearing this was huge and I took it to heart. During fall camp that season, I “cut it loose” and trusted myself. I was able to win the job at guard and I started my first collegiate game against the University of California on the road.
The experience that I have described above has had a huge impact on my life. The mottos “Trust Yourself” and “Cut it Loose” will be things that I will use in my future. If you think about it, these mottos apply to everyday life and not just football and school. This experience has given me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone and take risk without being afraid to fail. I know that I can trust myself when I head out into the business world because Northwestern has given me all the preparation I need to be successful.
Attitude and passion.
I had no idea these qualities were so important until I came to Northwestern. Passion and a great attitude were made mandatory in all football related activities by our strength and conditioning coach Jay Hooten. At the time, I thought it was tough to bring passion to a 5:30 a.m. workout, but I am so thankful that he required this from us. Having a great attitude and bringing passion to whatever I am doing is now easy because I had to bring it every day when I was a player. It has become a habit for me. Having a great attitude and bringing passion to anything that you are doing makes life so much more enjoyable.
As I now leave Northwestern, I would like to thank everyone that has guided me while on this journey. I would like to thank my mom and dad, for all their love and support. I would like to thank all members of the Northwestern football staff and all members of the Northwestern medical and training Staff for the countless hours of work that they put in every day. Lastly, I would like to thank everyone that is involved in Northwestern athletic academic services for the countless hours of support that they give every day.
I am so honored, humbled, and proud to call myself a Northwestern Wildcat. Being a part of the Northwestern family so special, and while I have finished this chapter in my life, I look forward to using everything I have learned throughout my five years to start the next.
Thank you so much, Northwestern!
Sincerely,
Geoff Mogus, Football
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