![\"Abbie](\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/abbie-young.jpg\")
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For Saluki swimmer Abbie Young, her SIU experience has been about making connections.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve made lifelong friendships with people from all over the world,\u201d Young said. \u201cBeing part of the Saluki community means you\u2019re surrounded by people who want you to succeed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Young, a senior from Fort Wayne, Indiana, has received an athletic scholarship, a Dean\u2019s Scholarship and the Carol Lee Swim Memorial Award, which is given to a female Kinesiology major at the senior level.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy scholarships have allowed me to gear all my focus on school and swimming,\u201d she said. \u201cThey definitely had an impact on my decision to be a Saluki.\u201d<\/p>\n
One of SIU\u2019s most consistent swimmers, Young competes in the freestyle and butterfly events. An MVC Scholar-Athlete, she\u2019s studying exercise science with the hopes of becoming a physician\u2019s assistant.<\/p>\n
\u201cSIU has amazing pre-health course studies that allowed me to get my pre-requisites and offered challenging courses that will prepare me for PA school,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Saluki Athletics takes pride in the volunteer hours and community service performed by its student-athletes. Young volunteered more than 100 hours last year, earning the Top Community Service Award.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing a Saluki has been an impactful journey. I have grown as a person and have learned so much about myself and what it takes to work toward my goals,\u201d Young said. \u201cMy experience as a student-athlete, especially as team captain, has helped develop my leadership abilities.\u201d<\/p>\n
As she makes her post-graduation plans, Young knows her time in Carbondale will stick with her forever.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome of my fondest memories are from being part of the SIU Swimming & Diving team. Our team bond is unexplainable, and it became my instant family while away from home,\u201d she said. \u201cMy time at SIU may have only been four years, but I know I will be a Saluki for life.\u201d<\/p>\n
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