CCAA Hometown Heroes is a look at current and former CCAA student-athletes and staff who are now on the front lines in the worldwide fight against COVID-19.  Individuals from CCAA member institutions have answered the call to help battle the pandemic, whether it be in the field of healthcare, as a first responder, through volunteer efforts or a variety of other essential services being performed throughout communities around the state and globe. 

Stanislaus State alumni Colby de Vries has stepped off the mound and, in turn, landed at the head of his sixth-grade classroom, where he teaches math and science. Playing three seasons in a Warriors uniform, de Vries graduated in 2018 and like teachers around the country has had to quickly adjust to educating in a remote learning environment. 

“Life has been tough in 2020,” de Vries reflects. “A lot more precautions have been taken, and being able to continue to do my best to help students has pushed me. This is a tough time for everyone but I want to be a positive voice to help everyone around me.”

Striving to be a voice of positivity while engaging his students is one of his motivating factors in the new virtual classroom setup. 

“[I am motivated by] helping my students grow during this tough time,” he adds. “I want to be there for them with any questions so they can continue to learn from their homes: working with students using distance learning, answering any questions they have, and providing them with steps ahead in curriculum.”

A mindset of growth and perseverance is something de Vries learned in his days on the diamond, and is something that is a continued focus, especially during adjustments to his chosen profession during pandemic.

“College athletics taught me to persevere through a lot of tough times. It taught me to be responsible for more than just myself and work hard to benefit all those around me!”

We are certain Colby’s sixth graders are on the receiving end of some great instruction and inspiration to keep learning and growing, no matter the circumstance. The CCAA salutes Colby and all the teachers out there helping the nation’s students learn and thrive remotely, and all of our CCAA Hometown Heroes!

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