Give It Your All
Some kids grow up dreaming about playing a collegiate sport and once they get to high school they just know it will happen. For senior Darlondo Hill, that wasn’t always the case. Growing up participating in wrestling and never playing football until middle school, he didn’t think he would ever play football in college.
“I grew to love the comradery of the game and it’s physicality. I was excited and shocked when I actually got the opportunity to play in college.”
Whether it’s at home, in the classroom, or on the football field, community has always been important to Darlondo. That’s why he wants to give back to his community. After graduating with his degree in Human Performance focused in Health & Physical Education, he hopes to return to Omaha to be a PE teacher and a coach.
“I want to help make an impact on the lives of children while also helping them learn how to live a healthy lifestyle.”
Although he is a member of the Midland football team, you’ll rarely find Darlondo watching sports on TV. But that is probably because he is too busy getting involved in the Black Student Union and working at the help desk. And before you thought he couldn’t get any more interesting, in his free time you can find him cooking or listening to music on his vinyl player.
Of all the things he’s gotten involved in though, his proudest accomplishment was making the Dean’s list last semester.
“I honestly never thought I would be able to get my grades that high and was shocked when I got an email saying that I made it.”
There have been a lot of obstacles that he’s encountered during his time at Midland, but like many athletes, one of the biggest ones has been the Coronavirus. “The Coronavirus is not only an obstacle itself but has created a lot of other obstacles as well. It’s hard to actually plan anything because things are constantly changing and there is always uncertainty with every situation. But I always try to find a way to get through these problems.”
Being a Warrior means so much more to Darlondo than just a logo on a T-shirt or hearing his name announced at Heedum Field. Being a Warrior means being able to battle whatever comes in front of you. Warriors are trained for adversity and when obstacles come up they don’t panic but instead find a way to conquer them.
This can also relate to competing in sports or in the classroom. When he steps onto the field to play an opponent, he is ready to give it his all with a “burn the ship’s mentality.” In the classroom he prepares to make sure he does well when it comes time to take an exam.
“My advice would be to make sure you come with a positive mindset each day and embrace your role. Things may get tough at times but you have to stay strong and never give up. If you do that then things will eventually start to get better. Just remain positive. You have to understand that everyone else is going through the same thing. And most importantly remember to have fun, time flies by fast. You want to enjoy it while it lasts.”
Darlondo Hill is a senior Health and Physical Education major from Omaha, Nebraska. To share your story or nominate a friend, email social@midlandu.edu or post using #FacesofMidland.
