Football Student-Athlete Spotlight: Raheem Anderson
10/19/2023 8:52:00 AM | Football
Balancing life as a student-athlete at the University of Michigan is no easy task. In this series, U-M football players who are getting their business done on the field and in the classroom are spotlighted as a credit to their work ethic and organization. Get to know them better as students by learning what subjects, experiences, teachers, professors, and lessons have impacted them most during their academic careers in this Student-Athlete Spotlight Series.
Q. As you consider your time remaining as a student-athlete at the University of Michigan, what do you want your legacy to be off the field and on?
Raheem Anderson:Â Coming to a prestigious school like the University of Michigan, I want to be known as somebody that took full advantage of all his opportunities on the academic side, as well as the athletic side, and really strives to be the best at both.
Q. Outside of your athletic achievements, what are you most proud of during your time at the University?
RA: I'm most proud of being a co-founder of the Black Student-Athlete Alliance, BSAA, here at the University of Michigan. It's an organization that was started at the end of last year, 2022. BSAA is an outlet for African-American student-athletes here at the university to feel more welcomed and feel like they're in a safe place. In addition to our weekly meetings, the organization has done multiple events such as bowling, community service, bible study, journaling, and mental health seminars. We also have a lot of exciting stuff coming up.
Q. What has been the important skill that you have developed in your time at Michigan and in achieving your academic goals?
RA: The most important skill I have developed is probably time management and being detail-oriented. People like Coach Herb, and the entire staff, constantly hone in on focusing on the details. So applying that skill to the weight room and on the field, helps me do it off the field as well.
Q. What is your biggest goal for the academic year?
RA: First and foremost, my biggest goal is to graduate in May, completing my degree in just three years. Outside of graduation, I'm aiming for the highest GPA that I can get and to be an Academic All-Big Ten recipient for a second consecutive year. I anticipate this goal helping me in the future as I enter Graduate School here at the University of Michigan.
Q. What's some advice you would give an incoming freshman, or someone interested in attending the University of Michigan?
RA: Some advice I would give is to take advantage of every opportunity and make the most of the staff here, especially Coach Herb and Abigail, our nutritionist. Always go to class and stay on top of your books because that will make it easier for you to handle things on the field and inside of the facility.
Q. What was the best school field trip you ever went on?
RA: Growing up in Detroit, my elementary school would often go to the Michigan Science Center since it wasn't too far. I used to love going to the science center and have a lot of great memories from those field trips.
Q. Are you involved in any extracurricular clubs or leadership activities?
RA: As mentioned earlier, I am a co-founder and Vice President of the Black Student Athlete Alliance, BSAA. After I graduate, I hope for the club to continue to grow and prosper, whether that's through fundraising, allocating funds, or getting more people involved. It's hard when everyone has competing schedules, which is the toughest factor in the organization, but I feel like as the word gets out and more people get involved, BSAA can have a huge impact.
Q. Who has been the most influential person in your academic career?
RA: In addition to my professors, I'd probably say my parents have had the most influence on my academic career. My parents have always been in my head about studying and being on top of my business in the classroom because it's an avenue to get where I want to be in the future. I know if I handle my business in the classroom, there will be a huge weight off my shoulders.
Q. What has been your most memorable academic experience?
RA: I'd say in high school, being a part of the National Honors Society and doing community service has been my most memorable academic experience. I remember my junior year of high school, we helped some less fortunate people get food for Thanksgiving. Simply handing out food was a really emotional experience for me because I'd never seen that, so that was certainly my most memorable academic experience.
Q. What has been your favorite class and and why;Â what professor has had the greatest impact?
RA: My favorite class has been the Psychology of the Black Experience. I had it in the winter semester of 2023, Kevin Cokley was the professor. It was an amazing class and actually his first semester teaching here. It was such a unique perspective learning that there's a difference between psychology and black psychology. It was really impactful and my greatest experience here, so far, to see different examples and perform research in those fields.
Q. What is your favorite book and podcast?
RA: My favorite book is a tie between two memoirs: "Born a Crime" by Trevor Noah and "Becoming" by First Lady, Michelle Obama. I read "Born a Crime" in high school and found it super compelling and humorous. "Becoming" was a great memoir about Michelle Obama's life and what she went through in her early life to be put in the position that she's in now.
