My story
My name is Simisola Balogun, and I’m currently a student at the University of Maryland, where I balance my life as both a student and an athlete. I’m happy to say that I run track for UMD’s track team, which has been an experience that has not only sharpened my physical abilities but also taught me discipline, perseverance, and the importance of mental toughness.
As the daughter of Nigerian parents, my heritage is a central part of who I am. Growing up with a strong cultural foundation has instilled in me values of resilience, hard work, and family, all of which continue to guide me in both my academic and athletic journey.
Our history
Right now, I’m just focused on growing on the track, in school, and as a person. I know the work I’m putting in now is setting me up for where I want to be in the future, and I’m excited for the journey ahead.Academically, I’m pursuing a Biology major, with the long-term goal of becoming a dentist. I’ve always been drawn to the sciences, and dentistry stands out to me as a career where I can combine my passion for healthcare with my desire to make a direct and positive impact in people’s lives. The journey isn’t easy balancing labs, lectures, and practice but I know all the work we put in today will be worth it in the end.
My motivation
One of my biggest sources of inspiration is my family. My parents’ dedication and sacrifices remind me why I push myself every day. They’ve shown me what it means to work hard, stay consistent, and never lose sight of your values. Being Nigerian adds another layer to that inspiration our culture is built on resilience, strength, and community, and those qualities are what drive me in school, on the track, and in life.
I also get inspired by the people around me. My teammates motivate me daily. When I see them giving their all at practice, it reminds me that I can do the same. Inspiration doesn’t always have to come from big, flashy wins it’s often in the little moments, like someone pushing through a hard workout or studying late at night for an exam.
My media related interests
Lately, I’ve been really interested in how media affects the way we see ourselves and the world. Media is everywhere on our phones, in the news, in music and movies and it definitely plays a role in how people think and act. I notice it especially with social media, where so much of what we see can impact confidence, trends, and even how we connect with each other.
By the end of the semester, I want to learn more about a few things I’m curious about: how social media affects self-image and confidence for young people, and athletes plus how media representation shapes the way minority groups are seen, how athletes can use media to build their brand, and how new technology like AI is changing media. These are all things I notice in everyday life, and I’d like to understand them better.
For me, studying media feels important because it helps explain why people act or think the way they do. I want to see how media connects to culture, identity, and the choices we make, and I think learning more about it will help me look at the world with a different perspective.
Another thing I want to reflect on is how media is changing so quickly. Technology has made it easier for anyone to create content and share their voice, which is powerful, but it also comes with challenges. Misinformation spreads fast, and it can be hard to know what’s real and what’s not. I think understanding how media works on both the positive and negative side is important, because it gives us tools to use it in a healthier and smarter way.
Overall, I see studying media as more than just analyzing TV shows or social platforms—it’s about understanding influence. The more I learn, the better I’ll be at recognizing how media affects me, my peers, and society as a whole. It’s something I want to carry with me beyond this class, because media will only continue to grow and shape the way we experience the world.
Questions
One question I have is how social media affects mental health and self-image, especially for young people and college students who are constantly online. I also wonder about the role of representation how race, gender, and culture are portrayed in media, and how that shapes the way people see themselves or how they are perceived by others.
Another area I’d like to learn about is how athletes and public figures use media to build their personal brand and connect with fans. Since I run track, it interests me to see how sports and media overlap, and how athletes use their platforms beyond just competing. Finally, I want to understand how media is changing with new technology, like AI, and what responsibilities media platforms have when it comes to preventing misinformation. These questions are important to me because they connect both to my personal experiences and the larger world we’re all living in
photo credit ; Simisola balogun.
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