As we move into November and start closing in on the end of the year, I find myself reflecting on the year that is ending and the year to come, what I have experienced and accomplished and what I want to continue to work on. And as we get close to Thanksgiving, like many, I start to reflect on all that I have to be grateful for.

With Veterans Day right around the corner, I want to start by expressing my gratitude for anyone who has ever served in the armed forces in any capacity. I am grateful not only for their service in the military but also for their continued service and leadership as they leave the service and go on to continue to be assets and leaders to their communities. I am particularly grateful for all of the veterans who have put their trust in us to take care of their needs as we stood up our Center for Brain Health program and to all of my friends and colleagues who care for my fellow veterans with such skill and compassion. Thank you.

I am also grateful for all of my colleagues here at the Center for Sport. Thank you for taking care of our athletes. Your dedication and skill in caring for them is important in and of itself. You have created the culture of care prevalent in the Center for Sport and paved the way for the veterans program. I have talked with many of you about the overlap between these two populations and how caring for one population can inform how we care for the other.

Sports psychologist Dr. Jerry Lynch teaches how athletics can serve as a vehicle that can transport us to a more sacred space, and many of you help Tulane athletes make that discovery for themselves. Thank you for that.

My first year with the Center for Sport has been nothing short of exceptional. I have learned a ton and have grown both personally and professionally because of all of the great people in this organization.

Thank you all!

About the author

Jeremy Brewer, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker serving as a Clinical Navigator in the Tulane University Center for Brain Health.