Julia Gaddis grew up in a bowling alley. 
 
When she was old enough to pick up a ball and throw it, it was love at first strike. 
 
It was her passion outside of the alley though that drove her to think hard about her future. 
 
"Growing up, college was something I saw myself doing because I had these big dreams of going into pediatric emergency medicine," she said. "I knew furthering my education would be my next step."
 
It wasn't until she met Emmanuel Bowling Head Coach, Joey Kendrick that God truly opened her eyes to the opportunities available to her. 
 
"His son actually started bowling in my youth league," she said. "So, seeing him every Saturday, he opened my eyes to Emmanuel. I came for a tour and when I stepped on campus, my whole atmosphere just changed. It felt exactly like home."
 
 Now a junior, the biology (Pre-Professional) major couldn't imagine herself anywhere else. 
 
After college, she is planning to take a gap year to prepare for the MCAT and get some shadowing hours in before attending medical school. 
 
As a bowler for the Lions, Julia has found that keeping a plan for everything has helped her stay ahead of the game. 
 
"It's important to keep a schedule," she said. "I don't live on campus, so I have to take into account my drive to and from campus every day and plan everything around that. I like to sit down and look at the gaps I have in my schedule and see how I can be the most productive during those times and avoid having to do homework after practice."
 
As a student-athlete, one of the biggest challenges she's faced is finding time to focus on her studies while in season. 
 
"As a biology major, I have to take several sciences at a time," she said. "My biggest challenge is not having as much time to focus on that, especially when we're traveling over the weekend."
 
The small class sizes at Emmanuel have been beneficial for Julia because it's helped her create connections with her professors. 
 
"If I'm going to miss a class due to traveling, I can go to my professors and ask for any notes I might miss," she said. "Because I have that connection, they're always happy to help. That's a connection you're not going to get at a bigger university. At Emmanuel, it's personal."
 
When asked who has impacted her both academically and personally, Julia didn't hesitate.
 
"Personally, my parents have been my biggest fans," she said. "They've supported me and are willing to help me however they can so I can stay on top of my studies. I know I will always have them on my side, no matter what."
 
Academically, Julia knows she wouldn't be where she is without Dr. Sherry Story. 
 
"She's one of the toughest professors in my opinion, but she's also one of the best," she said. "She gives you tough love and is training us to be better students and better people. Coming to college, I studied, but didn't have a routine plan. Dr. Story's classes have forced me to get with a plan. She's willing to help you and answer questions, whether it's about her class or your spiritual journey, she's willing to have a conversation with you, no matter what."
 
What advice would she give to an incoming student athlete?
 
"Focus on your classes and manage your time well, but don't forget to take time for yourself," she said. "Your sport and your classes will be overwhelming, so find your balance with classes and mental health. If one starts to overcome the other, it's not going to be a positive outcome. You may get that degree, but if you're not prepared mentally to do anything with it, you're going to get burnt out."
 
Congratulations, Julia on being the December Scholar Athlete of the Month!