Why did you choose to attend Tufts?
Tufts is a great combination of the intimate NESCAC school environment where you feel like you know everyone on campus and a larger, urban university because of its proximity to Boston and larger student body. I always wanted to stay in Boston and liked the idea of attending a university with access to the a that also had a real campus.
Why did you choose to be a Division III student-athlete?
I chose to be a Division III student-athlete because I wanted to play soccer at a high level and pursue my other interests in the off-season. The NESCAC is the most competitive conference in Division III college soccer and Tufts offers many opportunities to students, such as study abroad programs and clubs, and I can take advantage of all of the opportunities at school while playing soccer at the highest level.
What is the best thing about being part of the NESCAC?
The best thing about being part of the NESCAC is the competition. My freshman year I learned the history behind each game and rivalry from the upperclassmen on the team and felt like when I played in soccer games I inherited the rivalries and history of past Tufts teams. Now that I am a senior, I’ve played in big games and made history with my team and will pass down the stories to younger players who hopefully feel the same way when they play a NESCAC game.
What is one positive takeaway you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
During the pandemic, I studied and prepared for job interviews for my junior summer. Through networking and cold-calling professionals with whom I had no prior interactions, I learned that I can be independent and successfully navigate the professional world.
Looking back on your four years, what are you most proud of?
I am most proud of winning the NCAA National Championship with my team in 2019. We won the year before as well and entered the season with high expectations. During the 2019 season, we encountered a few rough patches that we had not experienced in the year before which tested our ability to stay positive and overcome adversity. Ultimately, my team took the challenges in stride and won the NESCAC Tournament and national championship, which displayed the team's resilience and courage.
What has been your favorite class outside of your major?
My favorite class outside of my major is Spanish. I started studying Spanish in middle school and I am currently enrolled in the last class that I need to fulfill the requirements to complete a minor in Spanish. I enjoy the collaborative structure of Spanish classes and feel that by the end of each semester I become close with my classmates because we work on different assignments in class. I also like that studying Spanish requires frequent participation and making mistakes in front of your classmates, which creates a uniquely relaxed and low-stakes learning environment where I am engaged and have fun without worrying about being wrong.
What internships/research projects have you participated in?
Last summer I worked in investment banking at a healthcare and life sciences specialist bank in Boston. I learned many things while working, including how to handle myself in a professional environment, the risk and structure of the drug discovery and development process, and the fundraising strategy for biopharmaceutical/pharmaceutical companies attempting to bring drugs to market.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned from being a student-athlete?
Both on the field and in the classroom I’ve learned how to communicate with teammates and classmates. By watching captains, coaches, and professors interact with and teach my teammates and classmates, I learned that everyone responds differently to communication and criticism and that it is important to understand how everyone best responds to communication. For example, some soccer players are able to listen to and process instructions or criticism while playing and others best respond to discussions after a game/practice.
What is your favorite place on your campus?
My favorite place on campus is the dining hall. I like working with background noise and will often do homework for hours at a table while my friends come and go during meals. The dining hall also has a great soda fountain.
Who has been the most influential person on you during your time in college?
My former soccer coach, Josh Shapiro. I knew him before attending Tufts through recruiting and he watched me grow from freshman year of high school through college. At practice each day I’d talk to him about school, soccer, social life, etc. and he became one of my closest friends. Coach Shapiro is always available to talk and is still an important mentor in my life.
