Next up on 25 Days of Excellence features a stand out defensive athlete on the Neumann University Women’s Lacrosse team, Lydia Beckman. Lydia believes when a team outgrows individual performance and learns team confidence, excellence can truly become a reality. Setting the standard high is important for Beckman in all that she does as she is always pushing herself to new limits whether it’s on the lacrosse field or in the athletic training room. Lydia’s emotions fuels her energy and lives day to day by standing for a cause fighting for what’s right. For Lydia, excellence can be seen by showing compassion to what is truly important to her and her values.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about helping others, especially kids with special needs.  I also love learning new things and being able to be active.

What are you most grateful for in life?

I am most grateful that I was blessed with my brother and all of the learning experiences he has brought me.  I also an grateful that I am able to continue playing lacrosse while gaining an education.

What are the most important things to you in life?

The most important things to me in my life are, again, my brother and my family.  Also making sure i’m pushing myself to succeed and find the best opportunities to learn every chance I get

How would you describe yourself?

I would describe myself as kind, caring, and genuine.  I would also say that I am funny, smart, driven and hardworking, and very competitive.

What are your values? What do you represent? Who do you want to embody?

I value the opportunity that I was given, to be able to go to college and get a good education while playing lacrosse, and the relationships I have with family and friends.  I represent dedication, commitment, and I believe that I represent the RISES values here at Neumann.  I want to embody someone who is always helping others and gaining knowledge through new experiences.  Also someone who is fully and wholeheartedly happy and I want to share happiness with others.

Look at your life right now. Are you living the life of your dreams?

I am not living the life of my dreams because I am going to school and working so I don’t have that much time to be doing what I really want to do.  However I do feel very blessed to be living the life that I am with the opportunities I am given.

What advice would you give yourself 3 years ago?

Three years ago I would’ve told myself to let go of things and not hold onto things that aren’t benefiting me in some way.  I would also say to believe that everything happens for a reason and not just hear it and repeat it, and to go with my gut and not hold back from anything. And also to not give up on what I want.

What do you want to achieve in life.. Short term vs long term?

I overall just want to achieve complete happiness in life.  Short term, I want to graduate college as a member of the honors program while playing lacrosse and winning a championship.  Long term I want to become an Occupational Therapist and work with children with special needs/physical disabilities.

What drives you?

The thing that drives me the most is my brother’s spirit and enthusiasm in everything that he does.  That makes me want to be a good example for others and inspire them.

What does excellence mean to you?

To me, excellence means giving 100% effort in everything you do, whether that be in sports, on the field, in the classroom, or at work.  Not necessarily being “perfect” in everything you do, but demonstrating greatness and brilliance in all efforts so that along the way excellence is achieved.