Jenna Nolot



Projects by Jenna Nolot

Journalism Story

Injury, Perspective, and Gratitude: IU Athletes Reflect on Their Seasons

By Raeghan Miller, Jenna Nolot, and Hayden Pope

BLOOMINGTON, IN. (April 3, 2025)

For most athletes, a college career ends with the final whistle of a season-ending game. For Indiana University basketball player Jackson Creel, however, that ending came earlier than expected. A tough injury forced him to step away from the game, which not only altered his season, but also his perspective on basketball and life. 

Jackson suffered a foot injury while returning from Christmas break. Initially, the setback had a negative impact on the rest of his season. He was faced with a tough reality that he didn’t expect. He underwent surgery about a week and a half later, holding onto hopes that the healing process would speed up in time for him to return to the court. However, as time passed and the season came to an end, he realized he wasn’t going to get the ending he had imagined.

Jackson Creel, a senior guard at IU, spent his final season recovering from injury. His smile shows the strength and gratitude he carries as he moves forward after basketball.

“It took me a lot of time to readjust,” Jackson said. “It was sad that I had to end my college career without being on the court. The season came to an end, and I still wasn’t able to return. But I’m grateful for the experience.” 

When Jackson was first injured, he didn’t think there was much he could do for his team. But over time, his perspective shifted. He realized he could still contribute in meaningful ways without stepping foot onto the court. 

“I could bring a lot of energy to practice and drills, be a cheerleader for my teammates, just giving them confidence and enthusiasm,” Jackson said. Even though this didn’t affect his performance, he was able to help his teammates. 

This shift in mindset allowed Jackson to be thankful for his season, even though it looked nothing like what he had expected. He appreciated that he had the opportunity to positively impact his team. 

Meanwhile, Jordan Rayford, a point guard for Indiana University, was suffering from his own struggles after tearing a ligament in his foot. This injury placed him on the sideline for nine months. During this time, he realized how much he missed playing with his team. He admitted that when you’re healthy, it’s easy to take some moments for granted. 

“I became more grateful for things I used to look past, like waking up early for practice,” Jordan said. “It changed how I viewed performance as well. Before I thought about it in terms of how many shots I was making, dunks, and layups. Now, I see it as more than that. It’s how I maintain my health off the court. Getting into the ice tank after practice, working with the trainer, those things became more important to me. 

Jordan Rayford, a guard at Indiana University, missed the season due to injury. His quiet moment on the court reflects a year of growth, focus, and resilience.

Jordan spent nine months watching his teammates put in the work, giving him a new perspective as a player. Instead of focusing on what he couldn’t do, he used this time to his advantage, watching and improving his skills for his future on the court. “You actually get to watch practice and see where people are making mistakes,” he said. “When you come back, you can fill those voids.”

The shift in mindset helped both players find meaning in their time away from the court. They realized that being a part of the team was an opportunity that shouldn’t be taken for granted, and they needed to appreciate the sport and the brotherhood that came with it. 

For other athletes dealing with potentially career-ending injuries, they both offered a piece of advice. Jackson said, “It’s not ideal, but be grateful that you had this opportunity. Bring thankfulness, joy, encouragement, and appreciate that you can impact their performance and help them as much as you can.” Jordan highlighted that his perspective changed after his injury, and it made him the player he is today. He wants others to know that they need to find the positives of being injured. 

Though Jackson and Jordan’s college careers went in a direction they never expected, they both have a deeper appreciation for their health, the game, and the impact they can have beyond playing on the court. As Jackson moves on from Indiana University, he takes with him the lessons of gratitude, while Jordan prepares for another shot at the game he loves. Both players have grown through their struggles, proving that resilience, perspective, and gratitude can turn setbacks into opportunities.

 

https://youtu.be/JS9-2QHR3sE

IU men’s basketball players Jordan Rayford and Jackson Creel open up about their experiences with injury, recovery, and the mental toll of being sidelined. Their stories reveal how performance extends beyond the court and into the personal challenges athletes face off the hardwood.

 

Public Relations Story, Uncategorized

Apple Watch:Not Just a Watch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Apple Watch: Not Just a Watch

Media Contacts:
Jennifer Liu
Jenna Nolot
Ava Thompson

 

On September 9, 2014, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook unveiled the first Apple smartwatch at Apple’s event in Cupertino, California. More than just a timekeeper, the Apple Watch transforms how users manage their daily lives by integrating time management, health tracking, and smart connectivity into one device.

“We have been working incredibly hard for a long time on an entirely new product,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said during the keynote. “We believe this product will redefine what people expect from its category.”

Olivia Allen using her apple watch for work
Olivia Allen, 29, property manager at The Dillon, stays on top of tenant requests while managing her busy schedule. Her Apple Watch’s real-time notifications and calendar reminders help her stay organized and efficiently handle daily tasks.

The Apple Watch features a sleek, modern design and is available in three versions: Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport, and Apple Watch Edition. Each version is made with different materials and bands to suit a variety of users. As CEO Tim Cook said, the device has a Retina display and supports Force Touch technology, which distinguishes between light and heavy presses, allowing for a smarter interaction experience. The Digital Crown is an innovative interaction method on the Apple Watch, that supports scrolling, zooming and returning to the home screen, preventing the user’s fingers from blocking the screen and improving the smoothness of the operation.

Tim Cook also mentioned the Apple Watch’s ability to keep users connected in a more convenient way. Users can receive and respond to phone calls, text messages, and emails directly from the watch. Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, is integrated into the device, allowing for hands-free commands. The “Glances” feature provides quick access to essential information like schedules, weather, maps, and navigation with a simple raise of the wrist, reducing the need to check a phone frequently.

College student enjoys her apple watch
Ava Kaiser, 19, an IU student, focuses on her workout while training at the gym. The Apple Watch tracks her heart rate, monitors calories burned, and keeps her motivated with personalized fitness goals, helping her balance academics and an active lifestyle.

The Apple Watch also introduces a new way to create human connections. The “Digital Touch” feature allows users to send hand-drawn sketches, taps, and even share their heartbeat through haptic feedback. This interactive function enhances personal communication and provides a more intimate way for users to engage with one another.

Apple Watch also comes with powerful health and fitness features, including a built-in accelerometer, heart rate sensor, and GPS, so you can record your steps, heart rate, exercise track, and more activities. Apple Watch can visually display the client’s exercise status. For example, the Apple Watch reminds people to stand up after sitting for a long time, move around, take deep breaths, etc. The Fitness App tracks the user’s daily exercise and the Workout App provides personalized data monitoring for different exercise modes (e.g., running, biking, etc.) to help the user develop a more scientific fitness plan.

In the field of payment, Apple Watch also brings disruptive changes. Apple Watch has built-in NFC chips, Apple Watch can be directly connected to Apple Pay, users only need to raise their wrists close to the payment system to complete the payment. Apple Watch changed the traditional payment methods. They let the transaction become more secure, fast, and convenient.

The launch of the Apple Watch coincides with the introduction of the new iPhone 6 which features larger screens, and improved performance. That’s the first time that the iPhone supports Apple Pay. iPhone’s deep connectivity with the Apple Watch allows users to switch between multiple devices. It’s more efficient for users.

Apple Watch is expected to be available in early 2015, with a starting price of $349, and is compatible with iPhone 5 to iPhone 6. The watch uses inductive magnetic charging, which makes the charging process simple and efficient.

In short, the Apple Watch is more than just a smartwatch, it represents the perfect fusion of technology, fashion, and personalized experience. It not only changes the way of time management but also brings people closer together and helps them develop a healthy lifestyle.

Apple continues to push innovation forward, shaping the future of wearable technology. As it evolves, the Apple Watch remains at the forefront, offering a perfect balance of style, function, and advanced features that enhance everyday life

Tim Cook introduces a video showcasing the Apple Watch, offering a first look at its design and features. The video shows how the device opens a new chapter for Apple, redefining wearable technology.

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