Dailan Goodman | New Mexico State Football
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Current City: Erie, PA
Undergraduate Major: Chemistry
Postgraduate Field of Study if applicable: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
What career path did you pursue after college, and how did you land there?
From an early age, I was exposed to medicine through my father. I witnessed him attend medical school, complete residency and fellowship, and work as an attending physician, sparking my interest in medicine. As I had the opportunity to shadow and gain more hands-on experience, I knew that becoming a physician was in my future. As I prepared my medical school application, my father’s alma mater, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, was one of my top choices. My father graduated from LECOM in 2009 and loved his time at the school and in the Erie community. When I received my letter of acceptance, I celebrated the opportunity to be a second-generation LECOM student and to attend such a prestigious institution.
What did being a student-athlete teach you?
Balancing school and athletics is a time-consuming occupation that demands dedication to both crafts. The most important lesson was understanding that regardless of how you’re feeling in the present moment or what is going on around you, you’re expected to do your job. Student-athletes are asked to sacrifice their free time in pursuit of excellence. Flights to away games mean doing homework or studying in a plane. School doesn’t stop just because you’re out of town; you have to be able to manage your time and do your work even when you’re tired or not in the mood.
What are you most proud of from your college years?
My proudest moment was not only earning a travel spot but also the opportunity to contribute to special teams. Being a walk-on places you in a disadvantageous spot when it comes to playing time, so being able to prove my value to my coaches and teammates and earn the respect and trust of the men around me meant the world to me. I cried tears of joy the first time I saw my name on the travel roster posted in the locker room, and I couldn’t stop smiling the remainder of the week. When I earned my first start on special teams a few weeks later, I felt immense gratitude for my position. It’s humbling entering a team as the low man on the totem pole, but that makes every journey toward success even better.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family, whether that’s hiking, camping, fishing, or hunting. Having the opportunity to be around my loved ones amid the beauty of nature puts life into perspective and makes me appreciate the small things. Everyday stresses feel trivial when you’re on the top of a mountain in the early morning, taking a deep breath of the cold, brisk air. The stresses and responsibilities of our lives matter, but there’s a whole world out there that’s so much bigger than us. Spending time with my family does the same thing. I’m blessed to have six younger siblings who I can be a role model for and two caring parents who provide the love and support we need in our lives.
What’s something you’ve discovered about yourself since college?
While I only graduated a few months ago, I’ve come to appreciate everyone on my journey into medicine. The coaches at New Mexico State who supported my endeavors as a student-athlete, and the faculty and staff at LECOM who give every resource I could need to succeed. I’m reminded of a quote from my high school coach: “boys take, men give.” I want to be the best physician and man I can be to those around me, making sure I have a positive impact on friends, family, and future patients.
What advice would you give today’s student-athletes?
Take the time and appreciate the men and women around you as well as the opportunities you have. Being a college athlete is a privilege young boys and girls dream about; don’t waste the blessing you’ve been given. A valuable piece of advice I was given when entering college, and one I believe holds to this day, is to manage the big three aspects of your life: school, sports, and social life. At any given moment, you can give your full effort to two aspects. To be the best student-athlete you can be, meaning someone who respects your dedication towards your sport and the sacrifices your friends and family made for you to get to the position you’re in, you have to sacrifice your social life. That doesn’t mean you can’t spend time with your friends, family, or teammates; it means that practices, games, schoolwork, and tests will consume most of your time.
How did being a college athlete influence the person and professional you’ve become?
The lessons learned through athletics often translate to life. Building the foundation of hard work, resilience, and the ability to work within or lead a team pertains to all aspects of life. Medical school requires a vast amount of information to be consumed and learned in a relatively short period of time; every semester demands approximately 30 credit hours of classes. Being a student-athlete put me in an advantageous position as I entered medical school. I came in used to working long hours when I’m tired. While the strain has shifted from physical to mental, the same principles apply: show up early, work hard, and do the extra that’ll set you apart.
Who or what continues to inspire you?
Having the right people in your corner is important for all walks of life. My dad completed his medical training, and he is someone I can rely on as I navigate my own path. My mom makes sure she checks in on me every day and helps in any way she can. My parents are truly the greatest privilege I’ve been given in my life and the two people who inspire me to be great.