By Mike Rigell
Transitioning from high school to college is difficult for any student. Minority students often face an even bigger transition because of the unique BYU atmosphere.
Jim Benally, a student athlete advisor, is an asset because of his ethnic background. He helps multicultural athletes adjust to the BYU lifestyle.
Benally came to BYU in 1989 from the College of Eastern Utah because his daughters were planning to attend BYU. He said he wanted to live close to them while they studied at BYU.
As an American Indian, Benally understands the issues minority students face, but he also can relate to the academic struggles they encounter.
'With my background, since I am considered a minority, I understand some of the things that minority students go through,' he said. 'I think my background from what I did growing up helps me understand the students better.'
Benally said students attending BYU are challenged academically. He said minority students must also deal with additional pressures that come from having different ethnic backgrounds.
'Jimmy''s good at keeping the office abreast of various multicultural opportunities for student athletes,' said Mandy Watkins, 22, administrative assistant for the Student Athlete Center.
Benally said students who graduate from BYU are marketable because of the university''s reputation.
'The athletic programs are good, but a good education is the most important thing,' Benally said. 'People respect a degree from BYU.'
As an academic advisor, Benally helps students adjust academically and socially to the demands of the university. Although he wants to help students become a part of the school''s atmosphere, his main goal is to help them gain a well-rounded education.
'I want to help students learn to be successful in the classroom,' Benally said.
He said he believes the Student Athlete Center staff is moving in the right direction to help athletes succeed.
'We are learning as we go,' he said. 'We are always trying new things to better assist the athletes.'
Benally spends time meeting with students and advising them on their classroom performance. He advises the men''s swimming and diving team, men''s baseball, men''s and women''s golf, gymnastics and men''s cross country and track and field.
'He is willing to work with people and compromises his time to fit their needs,' said Kassie Campbell, 20, a senior from Odgen, majoring in history.