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Success Stories
SJC Senior is Committed to Excellence On and Off the Field
Nathaniel King hails from London, England, quite a distance from Rensselaer, Indiana. King began his collegiate career at St. Mary's College in Surrey, London, pursuing a degree in Human Biology and Sport Science. After a time, however, King decided to continue his education in the United States. "I decided to attend college in the USA because I was excited by the opportunity and challenge of becoming a successful student-athlete abroad, but most of all, I was motivated by my desire to build myself a promising career in a foreign country," King said. A small, Catholic, liberal arts college in rural Indiana may seem like an unlikely choice for a transfer student from England, but for King, the choice made perfect sense. "I decided to come to SJC because it was similar to my previous college in that it was a small, private institution accredited with a quality Education Program. Also, the overall support from individual members of the SJC community helped make my decision easier," he said.
After becoming a full-time student at SJC in 2004 pursuing a degree in Physical Education and minors in Biology and Early Childhood Education, King wasted no time in working to achieve his goal of being a successful student-athlete. In addition to his studies, he serves as a student ambassador with the Office of Admissions, volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, and serves the student body as a peer advisor for the Career Development Center. "When participating in these activities, I am involved in leading and being a good role model, representing the core values of SJC, helping and advising students and volunteering my time to help build a better environment for unfortunate members of society," King said.
King's leadership and success also extends to the soccer field. He served as captain of the SJC men's soccer team and was recently honored with a place on the All-Great Lakes Valley Conference Soccer team. To qualify for a spot on the All-Great Lakes Valley Conference team, an athlete must demonstrate excellence in work ethic, character, citizenship, and skill. This background of excellence and exemplary leadership, both on and off the field, will be invaluable to King in the career he wishes to pursue. "I hope to pursue a professional soccer career, either in the USA, South America, or Europe, or become a physical educator or professional soccer coach. I also plan to travel, improve my language skills, and obtain a teaching internship at Culver Academy, with the intention to progress onto a coaching role within an international sports academy for elite athletes," King said.
King believes that the combination of his athleticism, his studies, and his extracurricular activities will help him achieve his career goals. "I believe my involvement and experiences in both the internal and external aspects of college life have helped me develop an 'all around-ness' to my abilities which will contribute to my flexibility as a future educator or coach."
