It’s difficult to live in a world with so much uncertainty. These strenuous times can take a toll on anyone, but challenges don’t define who we are. In fact, rising above the adversities that emerge in life can demonstrate a lot more about a person than any trial they are facing. In 2020, when Dixie State University athletes transitioned to NCAA Division I Athletics in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, they experienced this lesson first hand. The first season for Dixie State University as D-I Trailblazer student-athletes was scheduled to begin on September 5, 2020, but it was postponed due to COVID-19. So, to showcase the DSU athletes rising above this difficult time, Dixie State University released their mash-up music video of “Rise Up” and “I Lived” created with tenor trio GENTRI as a way to inspire others to keep going. “We wanted to do something really special for you guys,” Dixie State’s Vice President of Marketing & Communication Dr. Jordon Sharp said during the initial video unveil to those who starred in the video. “The story we are telling is your story – what it takes to become a Division I athlete.” The project that originally started in January was intended to showcase the athletes’ drive, motivation, and work ethic – attributes that elevated them to their current standing as Division I athletes. But when COVID-19 swept the nation, the video, like many things, came to a halt. “Moving to Division I athletics during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic was difficult for all involved,” Sharp said, “so it was our goal to create a piece that paid tribute to our athletes’ determination to carry on and recognized the resilience of the human spirit.” Once the University was able to resume filming, the story of the athletes’ tenacity and drive was even more applicable to all people living in this unprecedented time, underscoring that anyone can rise up and overcome life’s unforeseen obstacles.
About the Author
McKinley Page is currently a student at Dixie State University. She is majoring in Media Studies with an emphasis in Public Relations. McKinley is working for the University as a Public Relations Intern at University Marketing & Communication and hopes to continue her career in higher education or other public relations opportunities following graduation. She is expected to graduate in August 2021.
According to Matt Black, DSU videographer and director of the music video, undergoing the filming process while following all necessary health and safety guidelines was unlike anything Dixie State University had ever experienced before. “Most of the big scenes were filmed before the pandemic began, but many of the scenes featuring a limited number of individuals were not, so working under COVID-19 guidelines with 400 athletes in forty locations was a unique challenge,” Black said. “The results were definitely worth it.” Dixie State University students and athletes continue to stay hopeful, positive, and motivated to press forward in these tumultuous circumstances, and the music video exquisitely showcases that. “I hope people are inspired after they watch this music video,” said GENTRI member Bradley Quinn Lever. “I hope that they take the lyrics to heart and get a sense of motivation, positivity and perspective and that we all go out and live life to the fullest and work hard to make things happen.” To watch this inspiring music video, visit dixie.edu/riseup.
HOLDING ON TO Dixie State University releases music video to inspire all individuals to rise above life’s challenges
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HOPE By McKinley Page
