Part of the Pack
When he was exploring colleges, Bradyn Heiss chose Midland because he knew it was the right fit. He loved the atmosphere after visiting and was drawn to the success of the tennis team. Once he got to campus, he instantly found a family and support system to guide him through his college experience.
Most of Bradyn’s life has been a solo trip. While his parents were there to guide him, choosing his own path and deciding what to do with his future was kind of up to him. And he’s done pretty well so far, working to get his pharmacy technician’s license and striving to get better at tennis every single day.
“Thankfully, I have not had to do it by myself because I had coaches and teachers there to help me, even my family. I attribute all of my success to them because, without them, I would not be here. Ever since I got to Midland, I finally had people to help guide me through the process. My life story went from being a lone wolf, to being a part of the pack.”
Since he arrived on campus, Bradyn has gotten involved by being a member of the Warrior tennis team and joining Kappa Phi fraternity. When he’s not in class, Bradyn likes to play video games, watch professional tennis, and research theories about Marvel movies. You might even catch him singing to relieve all the stress college life brings.
“I participated in fine arts and enjoy singing. I loved the arts, choir, and was part of the speech team in high school. I still enjoy singing, it relieves all the stress I have on my shoulders.”
Something Bradyn is most proud of during his time at Midland is growing from being a shy, reserved person to putting himself out there and being outgoing. And a lot of that stems from overcoming the obstacle of constantly trying to please people. He continues to focus on his grades, hard work, and connections, because that’s what makes your future bright. Building bridges with people that have done what you want to do, and acting upon it.
“The main thing in college for me was to focus on myself and academics, and once I figured that out, it turned out for the best.”
To Bradyn, being a Warrior means being engaged, having an insatiable drive, and a winning attitude. Nothing comes easy in life, so having a can-do attitude goes a long way. And he hopes that mentality stays with him after he graduates and embarks on a new journey to (hopefully) attend UNMC pharmacy school and become a pharmacist.
The best piece of advice Bradyn has ever received is from his dad to “always be mentally strong.” There’s nothing worse than being down on yourself and that’s something he struggles with. But once he learned to be more confident, it was easy from there. A piece of advice he’d give an incoming freshman is to not be scared, get out there, and be involved. Being involved builds connections that you have forever. Being involved in college is what cultivates a community and builds lifelong friendships.
Bradyn Heiss is a sophomore Biology major and Chemistry minor from York, Nebraska. To share your story or nominate a friend, email social@midlandu.edu or post using #FacesofMidland.
