Streaks Alumni Profile: Megan Young 2011

Today’s “Streaks Alumni Profile” is with Megan Young from GHS’s Class of 2011. 

Megan is one of those people who never seems to have a “down” day- she is always that person with the most energy in the room. 

When Megan played basketball for GHS, we ran the “System.” The theory of the “System” was that you went into the game for only 35-40 seconds but went all out, 100mph. The “System” was perfect for Megan because she has gone thru life at 100mph. 

Megan is now a mother. So the test is now on for Megan- over the next 15 years will still have more energy than anyone in the room? 

What were some of your favorite classes/teachers at GHS?

Anatomy and Physiology with Mr Peachey, AP Econ with Mr Schaafsma, and any art class with Dok! 

What are some of your favorite memories of your GHS years?

Summer sports were so fun. Going from early morning volleyball practice, to basketball weights, and then finishing the evening with summer league games were some of the best days. 

My favorite singular memory is my first trip to North Carolina for basketball camp. There were so many firsts for me — seeing a completely new part of the country, being on a major college campus, and the freedom to stay in the dorms and get from point A to point B with my friends and teammates. Even staring out the window for the very long bus ride listening to my iPod felt special. These camps were always such a highlight and I appreciate that we were able to have these experiences even more now. 

Both in and beyond basketball my favorite memories are goofing off and spending time with the friends who are still my friends to this day!

What did you do after hs graduation?

After GHS, I got my BA in Communication Sciences & Disorders and Spanish from Augustana College. I then went to the University of Iowa for my MA in speech-language pathology. I practiced as an SLP in Moreno Valley, CA for two years before attending UT Austin for my PhD in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. I am currently a professor at New Mexico State University. I conduct research focusing on psychosocial aspects of stuttering and employment equity for people who stutter. I also teach classes and supervise students clinically. 

Share as much as you want of what you/your family are up to today?

I live in Las Cruces, NM with my husband, Nik, our 7 month-old daughter, Rosalie, and our cats, Uma and Tito. We enjoy staying active, spending time outside, traveling, music, and art. 

Advice for GHS students?

There are many things in life and in sports that you cannot control, but you can control how hard you work, how you receive and respond to criticism, and how you show up for your teammates. Realizing that made me enjoy my experience as an athlete so much more.

What you do today matters! My experiences playing basketball taught me the value of discipline, teamwork, and being coached. These skills directly translated into how I navigated my PhD program in terms of being mentored, responding to criticism and failure, setting goals, holding myself accountable, collaborating with others, and pushing myself beyond my comfort zone. You have the opportunity to build a strong foundation now that will help you in your future!