Just like any collegiate student athlete, Jonathan Curran’s time as a D1 golfer at St. Mary’s College of California brought rewarding experiences and opportunities. But it also brought mental health struggles that would change the course of his life and direction.
Beginning as a baseball player dedicated to his sport, Jonathan’s move to golf as a high school freshman was one that came with determination and dedication. His dream of playing at USD didn’t line up with his reality but without that diversion, his journey wouldn’t be the same.
As Jonathan describes his lowest point, he notes that, as student athletes, the distinction between physical pain and emotional pain is a difficult notion to overcome. The healing process he went through and continues to advocate for has become his passion as Jonathan learned along the way that “pain is happening to us instead of for us.”
Jonathan’s creation of the integral program @StoriesByStudentAthletes has given voice to hundreds of student athletes, allowing their stories to be heard while creating connection through authenticity. A recent St. Mary’s College graduate, Jonathan’s full-circle moment has landed him at his initial dream school, the University of San Diego, pursuing his doctorate. Without his own struggles, Jonathan wouldn’t have known his calling to serve the student athlete community. His drive and determination are immense and his leadership and advocacy are unmatched as he reminds us that we all, in the end, have a choice to look at our pain as a gift.
Everyone has a story, and every story matters!
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