2008 Woodie Awards
Let us introduce you to ... Jessica Crawford
Megan Kenny
Issue date: 4/11/08 Section: News
One must learn to roll with the punches when dealing with hungry students.
Jessica Crawford, who works as a "wrap technician" in Grand Market, is better prepared for this challenge than most: Crawford, 21, has worked at SLU for the past two years, but she started boxing a year before that.
Crawford was born in north St. Louis and is the oldest of seven children. She attended Vashon High School, where she was part of the academic enrichment program Upward Bound, which focuses on college preparation.
However, Crawford said that she "eventually just gave up" and did not graduate from high school because of problems at home.
Boxing has motivated Crawford to accomplish her goals.
"Boxing plays a really big role in responsibility in my life," she said.
According to her co-worker, Lois Jones, Crawford talks about boxing "all the time."
Indeed, she is often seen air-boxing with her co-workers in Grand Market.
"Jessica seems really passionate about boxing," Jones said. "She loves it a lot."
Crawford said boxing can be a great release and can provide a good way to relieve anger and stress.
"When I'm angry, that's where I release everything," she said. "You don't actually get hurt, because you wear head protection, chest protection, everything. It's just a fun sport to do."
In addition to being fun, Crawford said that boxing can also have a more functional purpose.
"Boxing is a good sport because kids that get picked on around here … haven't actually had someone in their lives to teach them to protect themselves. That's what [boxing coaches] teach you, and that's a good thing to know."
Crawford said she gains confidence from knowing she can protect herself.
"For me to be a female and 21 and young, I'm the type of person [who does not] like to see people pick on other people or mess with me. It just makes me feel so good … I don't care how big someone is; I can take them," she said.
Jessica Crawford, who works as a "wrap technician" in Grand Market, is better prepared for this challenge than most: Crawford, 21, has worked at SLU for the past two years, but she started boxing a year before that.
Crawford was born in north St. Louis and is the oldest of seven children. She attended Vashon High School, where she was part of the academic enrichment program Upward Bound, which focuses on college preparation.
However, Crawford said that she "eventually just gave up" and did not graduate from high school because of problems at home.
Boxing has motivated Crawford to accomplish her goals.
"Boxing plays a really big role in responsibility in my life," she said.
According to her co-worker, Lois Jones, Crawford talks about boxing "all the time."
Indeed, she is often seen air-boxing with her co-workers in Grand Market.
"Jessica seems really passionate about boxing," Jones said. "She loves it a lot."
Crawford said boxing can be a great release and can provide a good way to relieve anger and stress.
"When I'm angry, that's where I release everything," she said. "You don't actually get hurt, because you wear head protection, chest protection, everything. It's just a fun sport to do."
In addition to being fun, Crawford said that boxing can also have a more functional purpose.
"Boxing is a good sport because kids that get picked on around here … haven't actually had someone in their lives to teach them to protect themselves. That's what [boxing coaches] teach you, and that's a good thing to know."
Crawford said she gains confidence from knowing she can protect herself.
"For me to be a female and 21 and young, I'm the type of person [who does not] like to see people pick on other people or mess with me. It just makes me feel so good … I don't care how big someone is; I can take them," she said.
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