Sept. 8, 2014 
As we kick off another year of Michigan Athletics, we wanted to know -- what do University of Michigan student-athletes value most? Together with the Office of Student-Athlete Alumni Engagement, MGoBlue.com surveyed current and former student-athletes and asked them for their direct input. Starting on Monday (Sept. 1), MGoBlue.com will release the 10 most important values, with one being highlighted each weekday through Friday, Sept. 12. Join in the conversation on Twitter using #MyMichigan.
Monday, Sept. 8 -- Unique Experiences
One of the most important values to our student-athletes is the opportunity to participate in those special "once-in-a-lifetime" experiences. From The Diag to the Big House and everywhere in between, nothing compares to the experiences they are afforded as student-athletes at the University of Michigan.
Michigan Athletics threw me into a number of unforgettable experiences. As a student-athlete, I didn't have a choice in that. Those experiences came as part of the deal. The opportunities beyond those required, however, allowed each and every one of the 800-plus student-athletes to follow our own paths.
Doors opened for me that I did not even know existed. Because of these innumerable opportunities, I made friends and connections far beyond sports, exploring every corner of campus and meeting people from all walks of life.
J.D. Johnson
Men's Lacrosse // 2012-13
Not every student gets to experience the sorts of things that we do. We are so fortunate to be able to do a lot of neat things, like traveling.
We went to Italy for over a week. Not many teams get to do that.
Andrew Dakich
Men's Basketball // Sophomore
Being a student-athlete at Michigan has allowed me
numerous opportunities that I would never been able to experience had I gone to a different university. Michigan is truly a special place that has become an incredibly important part of who I have become as a person, not just as a student-athlete.
Mackenzie Ellis
Field Hockey // Senior
Being a student-athlete here is a unique experience in itself. But there are so many other experiences that are exclusive to your team or yourself and
those experiences help you grow. Personally, I am privileged to have the unique experience of being on the first varsity women's lacrosse team at Michigan, and I have grown from that experience.
Allison Silber
Women's Lacrosse // Sophomore
Coming into Michigan, I had a very sheltered view of the world. I wouldn't say I was closed-minded or anything like that. I just had never seen what the world had to offer. For example, before traveling for athletics, I had never left the Eastern Time Zone! Five years later, I've had the opportunity to
travel all over the country, meeting so many great people along the way.
Pat Cochran
Men's Track & Field // Fifth-Year Senior
All of the unique experiences that I've had over these last few years have helped to
shape the person that I am today. Getting to attend this university, travel the country with my softball team, and just getting the experience to be a student-athlete have taught me several things. It has taught me how to manage my time, how to be a leader on a team, how to work with a team, and how to make the most of every opportunity I get.
Lauren Sweet
Softball // Senior
Unique experiences are what set the University of Michigan apart as a prestigious institution.
Each irreplaceable experience provides valued perspectives that create a better environment for both our students and our greater community.
Annie Dreisbach
Cheer // Senior
The Real Madrid/Manchester United match was one of the best experiences of my life. The fact that these two teams were here in Ann Arbor playing in the Big House was absolutely amazing. It was truly a
once-in-a-lifetime experience. I will never forget where I was when the attendance record was shattered for most people to attend a soccer game in the United States. I even got to meet some of the players when they trained the day before the game.
Tyler Arnone
Men's Soccer // Fifth-Year Senior
• Day 1: Training
• Day 2: Competition
• Day 3: Facilities
• Day 4: Winning
• Day 5: Community Service
