All Cyclone student-athletes have to talk with Athletics academic advisor, Agnes Dziemian, who has been at the college since 2015. For the last few years, she has not only worked with the students academically but also supported any Cyclone sporting event she could attend. Get to know Agnes.

What is your general background?
I was born in the beautiful city of Zakopane, Poland. I have two brothers, and I'm "the only girl in the middle." My parents moved our family to Chicago when I was 14. I started my freshman year without knowing any English. The first year was tough – huge adjustment, learning a new language, adjusting to a new environment, new culture, new school and missing my old friends. I have been married for 18 years to my husband Algis. We have two daughters; Olivia is 15 and Viktoria is 12. Both of them play basketball and volleyball.

What is your sports background?
My biggest love was playing volleyball, but I also played handball (popular in Europe) and tennis until a knee injury. I was a runner, more for fun, but I also competed in short distances.

What is your primary role with the student-athletes?
Ha! That's actually not an easy question. I am an academic advisor, however, I always say that I am whatever or whomever the students need me to be any given day. Sometimes I do academic advising; sometimes I'm a mom, a friend, someone who can listen to whatever they are struggling with or in some cases even lend them my gym shoes if they are a size 10 or 10.5. I'm in the office three times a week (well, sometimes more) but I always tell them I'm just an email away if they need anything. My family says I don't know how to turn off even when I'm on vacation, but the truth is I consider my student-athletes my family as well. I always joke around saying that I have two kids at home and about 200 at Moraine Valley. I try to attend as many games/competitions as possible and come to the office on the weekend or evening when coaches have a new recruit or a student needs help. I believe in building relationships. I want my students to feel comfortable with me and reach out whenever they need support. The more I know about them and their goals the better I can help them achieve those goals.

What is your favorite part of the job?
My students. I love seeing how they grow and mature over the few years they are with us. When they first come to my orientation, many of them look scared, lost, and there are those few who look like they just don't care. I love seeing how their mentality changes over time, how they realize that even though college gives them more freedom, it also comes with more responsibilities. They start to realize that it's not always easy, but as long as they put in the work, they will see a great reward on the other end. They are starting to see that they can become whoever they want to be as long as they stay on the right path and work toward their dreams. So, I guess my favorite part of my job is seeing my students overcome obstacles and difficult life situations and achieving their dreams. Calls (even at 4 a.m.), emails and visits from former students who are in grad school or in the working world are something that warms my heart. I love seeing where they are and what is happening in their lives.

What is your least favorite part of the job?
Seeing students quit school. It happens for many different reasons. The hardest is probably when they truly want to continue their education but they cannot afford it, or when their parents get sick and they have to step in and work so they can help the younger siblings.

What is some advice you want to emphasize to current students and those moving on?
Stay on the PATH that leads to the future you want to have.
Go to class!
Don't let obstacles hold you back.
It's never too late – but time is still moving fast.
Be confident, but also be humble and remember your roots.
Education is a lot more than a game.
Never give up.

What is your favorite sport to watch?
I love so many, but basketball and volleyball are my two top ones. We are the crazy family that will drive or fly to another state just to watch a game.

What was your very first job?
I used to clean offices while I was in high school— going to bed just pass midnight and getting up for school in the morning. I have a huge respect for all custodians and service people.

Achievement you are most proud of.
My family. They are my everything. Also, moving from Poland, learning English and completing my education at DePaul University.

What's one item on your bucket list?
Taking a one-year trip around the world.

Your life philosophy.
Smile more often, and be kind. Help others – you never know when you will need help. Enjoy the small things in life.

What actor would play you in a movie?
I'm not sure, but if you ask Bill Finn [athletics director], he will tell you that I am like Brittany Wagner from "Last Chance U."

Your biggest pet peeve.
I can't relax unless everything is in order/the right place. Also, loud people on an airplane drive me crazy.

Who is your hero/idol?
My dad, 100%. I miss him every day.

Best advice you have received.
Do what you love, not what you're told to love.