The Reward is Worth the Risk
Don’t be afraid to take chances. It’s advice Kalynd Coats would offer to others, mostly because Kalynd himself wasn’t afraid to take a chance.
Growing up in Pittsburg, California, Kalynd remained on the west coast following graduation from high school, continuing his academic and football career at Saddleback Junior College in Mission Viejo, California. But when it came time to take the next step on his academic and athletic path, Kalynd took a step halfway across the country.
“I had never heard of Midland until Coach (Jeff) Jamrog contacted me, and he went out of his way to meet with me while I was at my sister’s track meet. I decided to take a chance and come here. It was a little scary, but I believe with all decisions, sometimes you have to go out on a limb and make things happen. I’ve always had God on my side and if there was ever a decision he wouldn’t want me to make, he wouldn’t let me make it. I would tell other students in my situation to not be afraid to take a risk. If you don’t, you never know what opportunities you might be missing out on.”
A junior Business Management major, Kalynd has no regrets about traveling thousands of miles from home, even during those cold Nebraska winters. “I got here in June and it was pretty warm, but then October and November came, and that took some getting used to. It’s a lot different from California because things move a lot slower, but I’ve learned to adjust and I actually like that style a little better.
“I love the atmosphere and the people at Midland. I can be walking around campus, and I’ll get the chance to stop and talk to someone and make a new friend.
As a member of the football team, Kalynd found instant rapport with many teammates who, much like him, have traveled from all over the country to be a part of a winning program. “The team had its best year in 10 years and we have even bigger goals for next season. There are four or five guys on the team I hang out with pretty much every day and I know without football, I wouldn’t even be here, or enjoying myself as much as I have.”
He also found involvement by becoming an Admissions Ambassador, something that wasn’t on his radar when the semester started. “I didn’t even know what an Ambassador was. It was during Warrior Welcome Days and I was just being myself, talking with people, and I was approached about being an Ambassador. I thought it would be a great experience for me, especially as a transfer student, to showcase what I have, and let other students know that if you’re scared or worried, Midland has a lot to offer. I’ve really enjoyed being able to answer questions from students and share with them my experiences.”
As a business management major, Kalynd already has a headstart in the business world as both his parents own and operate their own businesses. He hopes to follow in their footsteps, albeit in a different profession. “I want to open my own gym for athletes, but have it be more like a community center. It’s a place where athletes can come to get in shape, but also learn about things beyond sports. I want to show them how much there is in this world.”
Kalynd Coats is a junior Business Management major from Pittsburg, California. To share your story, or nominate a friend, email social@midlandu.edu or post using #FacesofMidland.
