Completed Event: General versus Arizona on January 18, 2002
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General
vs Arizona
Utah Graduation Stories
4/27/2020 1:38 PM | General, Men's Swimming & Diving, Lacrosse
Featuring the stories of some of this year's senior class! Note: Terrell Burgess graduated from the U in 2019 but is a 2020 graduate of the Ute Academy.Â
KIANA MOORE | FAIRFIELD, CALIFORNIA | SOCIOLOGY | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Why did you choose the University of Utah?
KIANA MOORE | FAIRFIELD, CALIFORNIA | SOCIOLOGY | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Why did you choose the University of Utah?
I chose the University of Utah because of how familiar I was with the coaching staff and how exceptional the student-athlete support is. As soon as I stepped on campus it felt like a family atmosphere. A place that could be my home away from home.
What's your favorite memory as an athlete for Utah?
My favorite memory as an athlete would be beating Stanford at home my junior year. That was one of the most exhilarating moments in my life so far.
What's your favorite non-sports memory at Utah?
I cannot pinpoint an exact non-sports memory at Utah but I could say every time I had my teammates over my apartment to barbeque and swim would be the best memories I have had that are not sports related. Being a student athlete is not all about going to practice, playing games, and going to school. It's about having fun, developing friendships around campus, and ultimately just enjoying the experience.
What has it been like finishing your degree during a pandemic?Â
Although this has been a tough time, I have really taken the advantage of how much time I have had on my hands. I was able to study for hours without any interruptions and really hone in on finishing this semester strong.
What are your career goals?
My career goal is to receive my Master's degree in Urban and Regional Development and to also receive a top security clearance for a respective government job opportunity.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Although I am taking this process day by day I hope to see myself working in a respective government agency excelling in the position that I am in.
What piece of advice would you give to graduating high school seniors?
My advice to graduating seniors would be strive for more and never settle for less. Know that nothing will ever come easy or be handed to you. There will be obstacles that will deter you from success but you must continue to work through them and see it through. When it is all said and done and you walk across that stage receiving your degree, you will see that it was all worth it in the end. Most of all, good luck!
MATTEO SOGNE | MODENA, ITALYÂ | MATHEMATICS AND ECONOMICS | SWIMMING
Why did you choose the University of Utah?
Because of the amazing coaching staff, teammates, facilities as well as amazing academics. The location was a big factor too, Salt Lake City is an amazing big, little city where life fits me perfectly.Â
What's your favorite memory as an athlete for Utah?
Individually, taking sixth at the Pac-12 Championships my freshman year was probably the highest point of my career, as a team beating USC at home twice in a row was GREAT.Â
What's your favorite non-sports memory at Utah?
I don't have a precise moment in mind as a favorite memory outside of sports, but everyone here at Utah helped me to live in a dream for four years, so I think my favorite non-sports memory here at Utah was just the last four years. If I had a time machine I'd definitely go back to August 18th 2016, when I started college to live all of this again.Â
What has it been like finishing your degree during a pandemic?Â
It has been definitely challenging, especially since I got to see both sides of the problem, given this semester I'm also helping to teach Calculus 1. I think the University made amazing adjustments in a very short time to help students stay safe and at the same time get the best quality of learning, so the change wasn't too stressful, at least for me. I'm extremely thankful for all the support systems we have here at Utah, between amazing coaches and an outstanding psychology team that is helping all of us during this challenging transition. I would also like to mention my teammates, because I haven't spent a day without a call or some text messages just to "hangout" on Zoom or FaceTime.Â
What are your career goals?
Until a month ago, I was planning on opening a small business with my family and then in a couple of years go back to school to get a Ph.D. in mathematics, but given the actual situation I am not too sure about the next chapter. I'm probably going take some time to figure out the situation and then go from there.Â
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Probably back in school to study to get my Ph.D. and then maybe try to become a university professor.Â
What piece of advice would you give to graduating high school seniors?
Enjoy every day of your college career, because four years go by really quick, and they're probably gonna be the best years of your life thus far. You're gonna meet amazing people and you're gonna learn a lot from each one of them. Don't be afraid of change, college is the time to get better, so ask all the questions you have, even if they seem dumb, but that's how you learn. Don't be scared. You're building your future!Â
NICOLE GRIFFITHS | PORTLAND, OREGON | KINESIOLOGY | TRACK & FIELD
Why did you choose the University of Utah?
I chose the University of Utah because I was impressed with the coaches and team on my recruiting visit. I loved the campus and I wanted to live in an outdoorsy city.
What's your favorite memory as an athlete for Utah?
My favorite memory as an athlete was running the 800 at a meet in California. I had already ran the 1500 earlier that day but I was so fired up and really wanted to PR. I had the perfect race, won my heat, got a new PR, and heard all my teammates screaming for me and being so excited for me.Â
What's your favorite non-sports memory at Utah?
My favorite non-sports memory is meeting some of my closest friends in my physics lab. None of us knew each other to start and but we started getting dinner together each week after lab and now I have made some incredible friends from it.
What has it been like finishing your degree during a pandemic?Â
It has been difficult finishing my degree during the pandemic. I have realized how much I value seeing all my professors and classmates in person. I didn't know when my last class or practice was going to be. It has reminded me to take advantage of every moment because you don't know when things may come to an end. However, I am very excited for the future.Â
What are your career goals?
My career goal is to become a Physical Therapist. I will be working towards my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree starting this summer. I am enrolled in a joint program at my dream school, the University of California, San Francisco/San Francisco State University.Â
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Within five years I hope to be working as a physical therapist conducting running analyses. I also plan to still complete in road and trial races, triathlons, and hopefully some other fun recreational activities I pick up along the way.Â
What piece of advice would you give to graduating high school seniors?
The one piece of advice I would give to graduating seniors is to not be too hard on yourselves. It can take time to adjust to the college lifestyle and the path you take always has ups and downs you don't expect, but the people you meet along the way help you get through it.Â
TERRELL BURGESS | SAN MARCOS, CALIFORNIA | KINESIOLOGY | FOOTBALL
Why did you choose the University of Utah?
I chose the University of Utah because it has amazing scenery and it was different than what i was used to in San Diego. Plus a great football program.
What's your favorite memory as an athlete for Utah?
Hearing the crowd go crazy after our pick 6 the first play of the game against BYU in 2016
What's your favorite non-sports memory at Utah?
Favorite non-sports memory would be having the ability to walk (for graduation)Â last May because it is one of my greatest accomplishments ever! Greatest feeling!
What has it been like participating in the Ute Academy?
Participating in Ute Academy has been great! Having the ability to have so many resources, and creating relationships with companies that people dream of working for, is an amazing feeling!Â
What are your career goals?
Honestly as for my life and career I just want to be able to make a difference in the world! Change people's lives for the better!Â
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years I see myself playing in the National Football League and also hopefully having my own foundation with the special needs community.
What piece of advice would you give to graduating high school seniors?
A piece of advice that I would give to high school seniors would be to enjoy your youth. Just because you come to college doesn't mean you have to know your future when you get there! Take a variety of classes and find out what you like to do!
AARON FJELDSTEDÂ | ALPINE, UTAH | CIVIL ENGINEERING | LACROSSE
Why did you choose the University of Utah?
I really wanted to help grow the University of Utah into a Division 1 program.
What's your favorite memory as an athlete for Utah?
I just loved going to practice everyday. The memories of grinding with the guys on the practice field or the weight room will stay with me forever.
What's your favorite non-sports memory at Utah?
Either visiting the University's nuclear reactor, or working on my senior design project with classmates I truly admire.
What has it been like finishing your degree during a pandemic?
It's been just fine! The coaches at the University of Utah push us outside of our comfort zone everyday. A global pandemic, though a little bigger, is just another obstacle in the way.
What are your career goals?
I'd love to work in the nuclear security sector.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Graduating with a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering. I've been accepted to a few graduate programs and look forward to embarking on that next phase of life.
What piece of advice would you give to graduating high school seniors?
I'd encourage high school seniors to develop self discipline during this uncertain time. Teach yourself a new skill. Wake up at the same time everyday (maybe even before 10 a.m.)!  Everyone has a valid reason right now for why they aren't progressing in their sport or their craft. Be the exception and find ways to progress your abilities when everyone else has shut down.Â
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