Push Forward by Letting Go
In both her sport and education, Cheyenne Durand describes herself in one word: Dedicated. A sophomore from Tampa Bay, Florida, Cheyenne provided the flag football team with a driven protector when she joined the squad.
“I’m very dedicated to my sport and education. I want to someday be a part of the Child Services Program and work with kids as a social worker. I want to help individuals who can’t help themselves.”
In her pursuit of social services, Cheyenne reflects on her experiences growing up and the circumstances she’s witnessed. She wants to be a relatable presence for kids who have to use these services for help and be the help they need.
“A lot of kids go through challenges, and they have no one to speak to and feel like adults don’t listen to them. I want to be an adult that understands. I’ve learned that adults who relate to the situation can help you as much as you want to be helped. I’d rather the children that go through the system and have to deal with social services have me as an outlet to all of this, so they can have a space for everything they’re going through.”
Having played flag football throughout high school, Cheyenne has developed a passion for the sport. However, where she’s most invested in the sport is her relationship with her teammates. They are a family above anything else.
“We’re sisters by chance, friends by choice. That’s how I like to think of my team. We have to have each other’s back and be a family. We’re sisters on the field and off the field. We don’t all have to be friends, but we’re still sisters, no matter what. While we have our ups and downs, in the end, we still come together and play the sport that we love. It’s all for one, one for all.”
On her team, Cheyenne adopts a protective role. She constantly looks out for her teammates, whether on or off the field. In many ways, Cheyenne sees this as translating into her future in social services.
“I always think of it as each kid has their own personality, their own whole person, because they’re unique. No one is the same, so being on this team helps me see that there’s more than one personality, and it helps me learn how you have to treat each person. In sports and academics, everything helps me understand you can’t treat everyone equally. You have to have a specific relationship with each different person. When I work with these kids through social services, I will be able to understand each of them individually and their different personalities.”
Whether it is a teammate or one of her future kids in social services, Cheyenne wants to be a protective and guiding presence helping them move forward. She wants to teach them to take circumstances, no matter how challenging and find ways to create something positive out of it.
“I will always say everyone goes through a problem–but overcoming it has to be like a bow and arrow. That arrow, the bad situation or anything making a negative impact on your life, will keep pulling you back until it’s time to let it go. When it does, all that energy should return to the positive. You push forward when you let go.”
Cheyenne Durand is a sophomore sociology and psychology major from Tampa Bay, FL. To share your story or nominate a friend, email social@midlandu.edu or post using #FacesofMidland.
