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Drew University Athletics

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Donia Abdeljabbar

 Student-Athlete Spotlight: Donia Abdelijabbar

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Sport: Women's Cross Country
Year: Junior (C'17)
Hometown/High School: Whippany, N.J./ Whippany Park
Major:
Biology

 
Why did you choose Drew University?
I chose Drew because of the setting I found it so beautiful. I also loved the social environment and how everyone is so nice on campus. Not only are the people great but there are many clubs and activities you can involve yourself in so you can feel part of a community.

What is something most people don't know about you?
I love ferocious big animals especially Tigers and Sharks. It’s a weird obsession of mine.

What is your most memorable moment as a Ranger?
My most memorable moment as a ranger was running in my first Cross Country Race as a Drew Athlete. It was the first time that I ever ran Cross Country so I was completely terrified. To my disbelief I actually managed to do pretty well and realized running in the woods and through mazes of corn was fun

How has being an athlete helped you as a student and in the classroom?
Being a student athlete has taught me how to multitask and prioritize my time. It also has helped me to relieve stress after a long day. Running cross country definitely helps when you want to think and get things off of your mind.

What is the most difficult part of your sport?
Running is all about the challenge of not psyching yourself out and reminding yourself that the course is not as hard as it seems. In my opinion I feel you can do anything in running if you convince yourself. Running is a mental sport so I would try to stay positive and always convince myself the finish line is a lot closer than it is in reality.
 
Why do you wear your jersey number?

For cross country we don’t get jersey numbers but we do get race numbers. For me each race number is unique and I wear my number proud like how I would wear my name. Each number although messily shoved away; at the end of my race I keep it in the small pocket of my backpack. They each carry a special memory about the race that I ran.

What advice do you have for a prospective Drew University student-athlete?
I would say to make sure you always enjoy yourself and never let a sport be a source for your stress but instead work as an outlet.

Why is community service important to your role as a student-athlete at Drew?
For me it feels great to do something well that can help people in our community. It also helps teach you many things about how you can greatly impact the well being of others. Showing some of your selflessness not only reflects what kind of person you are but also a Drew student athlete.

Name one obstacle or form of adversity you have had to overcome...
One obstacle that I had to overcome was balancing school work and sports.

Rapid Fire:
Color? Pink
Food? Pasta 
Restaurant? Wendys
Movie? Jurassic Park (the original, I’ve always been obsessed)
TV Show? Arrow
Musical Artist? Jhene Aiko, Drake
Athlete? Karim Benzema
Pro Team? Real Madrid
Hobbies? Drawing, Running
Most Prized Possession? My stuffed tiger
Biggest Fear? heights