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.

Crawford hopes to eventually serve in the military. She is currently studying for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, which is an exam used to determine qualification for enlistment in the U.S. Army Reserves. First, though, she needs to obtain a GED. She plans on taking the ASVAB test later this month.

“The military will make me a stronger and better person,” Crawford said. “I want to join because of the experience, because I want to learn and see new things.”

Crawford said she will try to keep boxing even after joining the Army.

There are more benefits to the sport than just exercise, she said: Boxing can help one to learn important life lessons as well.

Though she lost her first boxing match, Crawford maintains that it was a significant and memorable experience.

“It taught me that if there’s something you really want to do, you should go for it,” she said. “Don’t be afraid.”

Crawford said that she draws inspiration from working at Grand Market and that her two years here have been a great experience.

“I really enjoy my surroundings and the people I see every day,” she said.

While she is in the military she hopes to pick back up with her education, she said.

She would like one day to become a veterinarian.

“I’m just proud of who I am and of working for Saint Louis University,” she said.