Christian Braswell Class of 2017
Story by Aneara Burns. Photo by scarletknights.com.
Trying to balance your life during college isn’t easy, and nobody knows this better than Christian Braswell. A star athlete and future humanitarian, Mr. Braswell and I discussed his college experience, plans for the future, and advice to students, or anyone facing life's many challenges.
Aneara: Where do you attend college, and what is your major?
Christian: I went to Temple University, and my major was human development and community engagement. Then I transferred. And now I'm currently attending Rutgers University.
Aneara: What are some of the challenges you face as a college student and athlete?
Christian: I would say the college lifestyle can get overwhelming at times. It was challenging playing football, maintaining my grades and trying to have a social life. You want to have fun, you know, going to college, and you want to give your all academically going to school. It can be really hard to find that balance. I know not everyone is religious, but personally, I think God helps me through most moments. Whether it's challenging or good, I think God knows the moments when I need help to keep pushing forward, and to keep fighting.
Aneara: What are your plans for after graduation?
Christian: I just declared for the NFL 2023 draft. But, I also want to create my own community center in the DMV area. It goes back to what I majored in back at Temple, which was grounded in human development and community. Giving back in the community, non-profit work, charitable work, and just working within the community. So, I want to have my own community center one day, or a recreational center where kids can come in, get off the streets and learn things about life. I want to give them the tools and skills to succeed in life.
Aneara: What inspired this dream of yours to have your own community center?
Christian: It was through a conversation I had with somebody when I was a student at Temple. I love working with kids, regardless if it’s football, school or whatever the situation. I just want to give my daughter and other kids everything I didn’t have, and to be able to connect with them. Somebody just gave me the idea of a community center, and I really want to do that!
Aneara: What is one life lesson that Collegiate taught you that you carried into your life after high school?
Christian: I feel like they put me in the right position to make sure I did my work when I needed to get my work done. Time management can become an issue in college, but it didn't really become an issue for me when I got to college because I already learned to get my work in a timely and efficient way in high school.
Aneara: What advice would you give to Collegiate students?
Christian: You will struggle with challenges along the way in college, and just life in general. But try to look at the positive light of things and each situation you go into. Just take each step of life at a time, literally step by step, and don't look to the past. Don't even look to the future. Just focus on where you are now and give your best, no matter what the situation is.
Aneara Burns is a sophomore at Arizona State University.