In His Own Words ... A Postcard from Shawn Naim

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Redshirt freshman Shawn Naim (Brecksville, Ohio) is a wide receiver for the Zips' football team. While he redshirted last season, he played on special teams in three games. Naim is studying biology.

First off, are you and your family doing well?
My family and I are great. We are enjoying being able to spend more time together.

Where are you currently?
Akron.

Talk about the importance of having your family around.
It was great to be able to spend so much time with my family. Being in school and playing a sport is very time consuming, and it is very difficult to make time to talk to family, let alone see them in person. Over these past few months, I am grateful to have been able to see my family so often and have all of us under the same roof again for a while.

Describe what it has means to be a Zip.
Being a Zip means taking advantage of your situation regardless of what it is. It is important to always be looking for ways to better yourself even if the circumstances are not ideal.

How are you feeling knowing that you'll be back on campus soon?
I am really excited to see everyone again and get back to work.

What is daily life like knowing that you have been expected to stay inside?
It can be tough being inside when you run out of things to do in your house, but it is important to be creative and find ways to get through the day and be productive.

What are some of the things you have been doing lately to maintain and/or build your fitness for the anticipated return of sports this fall?
A friend of mine is letting me use his gym for strength and conditioning training. In addition, I have been spending a lot of time outside doing running and other types of field work to keep me in shape.

Favorite summertime activities?
Going to the lake, bonfires, fishing.

What are some shows or movies that you have enjoyed watching while in quarantine?
How I Met Your Mother, The Office, Last Chance U, Grown Ups

What was your favorite class you took this past year or during your time at Akron (feel free to name instructor)?
Principles of Biology II lab with Dr. Ashley Ramer

Discuss your communication with your teammates around the world and back here in Ohio during this time.
We have been on the app "house party" with all our coaches and teammates to stay in contact with each other.

Is there a lesson that you have learned during quarantine that will help you as we move forward towards the new normal with the return of classes and sports?
Do not take being outside for granted and always take advantage of your situation, whatever it is, to the best of your ability.

The University of Akron Athletics

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