Why did you choose to attend Wesleyan?
Wesleyan allows me to pursue everything I am passionate about. Not only am I able to attend a university that provides me with extremely competitive academics and athletics, but I am also able to continue my love for music and art through the open course curriculum and extracurriculars. I chose Wesleyan because the community here allows me to develop as a person rather than just as a student-athlete.
What is the best thing about being part of the NESCAC?
Being a part of the NESCAC means you are now part of a large and extended family. Once I decided to attend Wesleyan, alumni in my life from all different NESCAC schools were excited to reach out and help me through my college experience. The shared experience of being at a NESCAC school, especially competing as an athlete, is unlike any other.
What is your dream job/career?
My dream career is to help those who are not neurotypical. Whether that be with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Alzheimer’s, whether it be strictly clinical or research based, I want to continuing learning about the brain and helping those in need. The people that I have met and the family and friends I know that have these different disorders inspire me each day to learn more.
What extracurricular activities or service activities do you participate in?
At Wesleyan I am one of the presidents of our Student Athlete Advisory Committee, a representative for our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, and a student guide for Wesleyan’s wellness program for our first-year student athletes called Take Flight. My team often discusses what it means to have a 'why?'. Throughout my life I have had the great privilege to look up to many people. From coaches and teammates to teachers and friends, my mentors have made me who I am today. Since my very first day at Wesleyan, I have worked, studied, and played for those who came before me, those who stand next to me, and for those who will come after me. That is my why. Being a part of SAAC, the DEI committee and Take Flight allow me to give back to those that will be the future of this department.
Looking back on your four years, what are you most proud of?
I am most proud of being a part of the cultural shift within the Wesleyan athletic department over the last few years. Both within and outside of our sports, all of our teams have committed to pursuing excellence. Seeing our program being represented at a national level is amazing. Our program has also committed to growing outside of competition, to be better people, not just better athletes. This cultural shift has been a core focus of my team. The difference within the team and program dynamic is palpable. I am excited to see what the entire Wesleyan Athletics program accomplishes in the future.
What has been your favorite class outside of your major?
My favorite classes outside of my major have been my studio painting class and my concert band class. It has been extremely important to me to pursue everything I love, no just what I want to pursue as a career, during my time at Wesleyan. Even though I am not an art or music major, these courses allow me to continue what I love to do and are the little parts of my passions that make me, me.
What internships/research projects have you participated in?
At Wesleyan I am a member for Professor Ezzyat’s Computational Memory Lab. Our research focuses on the fluctuation of memory and how memory can be modulated to better learning. As a research assistant, I learned more about the process of conducting research, specifically EEG research, through study development, data collection, and data analysis. In addition to my lab experience at Wesleyan, I utilized my breaks between semesters to develop my research background further. Since the summer of 2020, I have worked as a research intern for Massachusetts General Hospital’s Department of Emergency Medicine both in person and remotely on various clinical studies spanning topics including sepsis, acute kidney injury, head trauma, and COVID-19. As an intern, I learned about participant recruitment within the emergency department, analysis of samples in a laboratory setting, and collection of data through medical chart review.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned from being a student-athlete?
I have learned how to collaborate and work with others in all aspects of life, not just in my sport. Athletics have taught me how to do everything I do in my life with a greater purpose; to do everything for something greater than myself.
What advice would your 2021-22 self give your 2017-18 self?
Enjoy the moments in between pitches. Focus on how the dirt feels under your cleats and soak in every cold New England practice. Be thankful for the crazy preseasons where it seems impossible to field a grounder in the field house. Enjoy every moment that you can and smile.
Who has been the most influential person to you during your time in college?
The most influential people during my time at Wesleyan are my classmates on the team. Courtney, Kendall, and Sophia have taught me more about myself than I ever thought possible. They make me a better person every day. Yes, they are my teammates, housemates, and best friends, but they are also family. I am forever grateful to have been part of the Wes Softball Class of 2022 because of them.
