Almost everyone at the University of Idaho knew Jace Malek”s story.
Regardless of whether it was because they knew the athlete personally, most students around campus were familiar with how he came to be a Vandal.
The Spokane student-athlete was diagnosed with cancer, Ewing”s sarcoma, following his decision to sign with the Vandal football team. Malek later lost his leg to the disease.
Despite this, Malek”s football scholarship was honored and he joined the team as an undergraduate student coach in the fall of 2015.
From the time he signed, Malek became an inspiration for students, faculty and community members alike.
Malek was a part of the Vandal family, and during his time at UI he became so much more than a student coach.
He lost his battle with cancer Sunday.
It”s a loss that doesn”t come easy. Malek”s memory will be honored, but the great misfortune is that he isn”t the only Vandal we”ve lost over the years. People aren”t supposed to die young, so when they do, it can shake a community to its core.
During times like this, it”s important to tap into one of UI”s greatest assets – the strong sense of unity in the community that comes with being a Vandal. Those who grieve are not alone.
Beyond that, it”s important to take care of yourself. Malek had no choice regarding the loss of his life, but every day students on campus can make decisions to better the health of themselves and their peers.
Between the Taco Bell runs and late night sweet snacks, eat healthy, balanced meals. Find time to exercise, take a walk or play a sport with friends. Take a day for yourself. Even if a professor has a mandatory attendance policy or an assignment is due – pulling three all-nighters, or any all-nighters, isn”t worth the stress.
It”s OK to be honest with instructors or employers. It”s OK to say that you need time to take care of yourself.
Reach out to those in need, those who are struggling. While no one has the ability to change another person”s life, there is tremendous healing power in friendship. During difficult times, don”t be afraid to let others reach out. There is nothing more important than physical and emotional health.
The time we have as college students, as Vandals, is limited. Most students have four years on the UI campus, some have more and others have less. There”s no point spending that time too stressed or tired to appreciate what we have.
Cherish the good times and learn from the bad. Take the time to appreciate your loved ones – the friends you”ve made, the family you came from or the one you”ve built and the faculty and community members who have supported you over the years.
This time is fleeting, but it”s worth every minute.
– CB