Women's Basketball Summer Insider: Pam Herrera

Women's Basketball | 7/1/2016 8:00:00 AM

Q: Your senior basketball season at Bel Air High School did not go as expected. How has overcoming an injury made you stronger as a player and as a person?
 
A: "I would've never imagined sitting out my whole senior year, let alone facing the obstacle of recovering and rehabbing from an ACL injury.  Although it was frustrating to sit on the bench my last year of high school, I actually learned how to appreciate it, as I was able to get a better perspective of the game.  I was not only able to help out and encourage my teammates from the sideline, I also was able to improve my game and become a better player by actually being able to read the court differently, and learn many new different things by just getting to know the game more by increasing my basketball IQ."
 
 
Q: How did ACU's School of Nursing help you decide to become a Wildcat?
 
A: "My high school had a medical program, where students that took advantage of this opportunity were able to learn and experience many different health professions/ career options in the medical field.  Ever since I was a freshman, I knew that I wanted to be a registered nurse (RN). That was my motivation and has always been my career goal.  However, my senior year I decided to be apart of the pharmaceutical program, therefore I would be able to get a broader view on all the different medications, and increase my knowledge in them, which will only benefit me in the future.  On my visit to ACU, I walked through the nursing building and talked to the instructors, as they seemed very excited to have many students interested in this profession.  One thing that stood out to me was as a student-athlete is they would be able to work with my schedule and I would be getting a lot of 1-on-1 instruction and hands on training. That is what made this nursing program very unique."
 
Q: You've been a DI student-athlete for one month. What have some of the challenges been so far and how have you learned to manage your time?
 
A: "Being a Division I student-athlete for a month has been a very tough transition.  Being six hours away from home and starting the next chapter of my life in a totally different environment has been very challenging.  However, I've realized that the only way I will be successful is by staying focused, being independent, working hard, time management, and having faith. 
 
"I'm learning how to manage my time wisely and taking advantage of any opportunity given to me; whether its doing my homework, studying, sleeping, eating, showering, or putting extra hours in the gym.  I'm glad I chose to come to ACU, everyone is so supportive and I know they will help me accomplish my goals. All it took was adapting to change and staying positive."
 
 
Q: Can you tell us about your first visit with the folks at Disability Resources, Inc. this week?
 
A: "Today was my first visit with the folks at the Disability Resource Center, and I enjoyed it very much.  Everyone there is so bright and kind, and I know the folks there will definitely impact my life greatly.  I can't wait to go back and visit with them, so I will be able to continue building new relationships and impact their life as well."
 
 
Q: You're headed back to El Paso next week after finishing up summer classes. What will you do with your time at home?
 
A: "I'm pretty excited to go back home to El Paso to see and spend some time with my mom, my little sister Vanessa, and my dog that's a Siberian husky, named Milo.  Family is one of the most important things to me, and I plan to spend as much time with them this summer before it ends. 
 
"One of my favorite things to do in El Paso, is drive up to the mountains to an area called Scenic Drive where you go late at night and just watch all the lights glow up over the city from one of the highest points. 
 
"However, going back home is no vacation either.  I know I have to keep working hard and stay in shape, as I will be in the gym working on my game in order to continue improving as a player.  I know when we come back it's not going to be easy, workouts and practice will only become more challenging as we begin to approach season."  
 

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