My name is Danny Brosnan and I’m a 2009 graduate of Wheeling Jesuit University.

I’m a native of Fairfax, Va. and have three older siblings, all Catholic school educated. My father John has worked as a criminal defense attorney since retiring from the U.S. Army in 1986 and my mother Carmel has worked for over 20 years as a nurse for Kaiser Permanente health care.

When I reflect on my unique college experience at Wheeling Jesuit University, I can truly call it special. I entered WJU as a freshman in 2005, after signing a letter of intent to pitch for the university’s new baseball program. I experienced spotty success as a student and an athlete over the course of my first two years. When I entered my junior year in 2007, I was determined to overperform in the classroom and on the field.

To my surprise and my family’s shock, I experienced a mental breakdown after the first week and decided to quit. I packed my things and said goodbye to Wheeling.

When I returned home that fall, my confidence was shattered. After a week of feeling sorry for myself, I requested a “leave of absence” from the university.

This was mainly because of my parents: My father is a graduate of St. Peter’s college in New Jersey, and he knows the quality of a Jesuit education. After the WJU administration approved my request, I sat down with my mother and found courses at my local community college to enroll in and I began to coach swimming at my high school while earning 12 transferable credits.

After a successful semester at home my confidence grew. I took a trip back to WJU to visit my old roommate and some other friends, including coaches and professors. I was surprised to find a warm reception and I came to realize what I’d left behind.

Summer arrived and it was time to make a decision. With the community college classes and two complete semesters of 33 WJU credits, I saw that I could actually graduate with my degree in communications, from a Jesuit institution — WJU!

It also occurred to me that while I was working as the head coach of a local summer swim team, I was always preaching to my swimmers the value of hard work and a “never quit” attitude. I decided to listen to my own advice and return to WJU to finish what I started.

Before graduating in 2009, I worked two required internships and found I had an ability to write. I worked as a student anchor at our university sports events and wrote articles for WJU’s public relations, two of which were published by local newspapers. As a recent graduate, I am now pursuing a career in broadcast journalism.

When I look back at how I finished when it seemed impossible, I realize that it wouldn’t have been possible to do it on my own. So many people inspired me, especially my parents. My mother refused to allow me to give into my doubts after I pleaded with her to let me pursue a career that doesn’t require a college degree. She spent countless hours counseling and helping me to find courses that would allow me to graduate. She put her son’s success in front of every personal desire and is the best living example of a real parent.

Wheeling Jesuit University saw potential in a confused college kid and gave me a second chance. The university took time to deliver a personalized education that fit my needs.

My faith in God is stronger after having questioned it so much — and after all the Jesuits taught me that it is not possible to have faith in something that cannot be questioned.

If I was to offer advice to students in a similar situation, it would be to seek the help that is available at Wheeling Jesuit and rest assured that God has answers to your questions.