Why did you choose to attend Middlebury?
I grew up attending all kinds of Middlebury’s home games, so I was interested in NESCAC schools, but have always been a lifelong Panther fan at heart. At 14, I began working at the Ralph Myhre Golf Course, and I became increasingly connected to the campus community over time; whenever I ran into my former coach, Bill Mandigo, at work, he encouraged me to “keep studying,” and that’s exactly what I did. Early on, I met with admissions to discuss my college goals, and I was told to “not count Middlebury out just because it’s close to home.” As a sophomore in 2018, I won my first golf state championship at Ralph Myhre Golf Course, and in 2019, I won again wearing a pullover with the Panther on the Rock logo. It just felt right to be competing in the navy and white and at Ralph Myhre. Also, in 2019, I watched the Panthers become the first NESCAC school to go 9-0 in football, and the women’s golf team won their home tournament—I was inspired by Middlebury’s winning tradition. I played with the women’s golf team in the club championship, and the more time I spent with the team, I knew I wanted to call them my teammates. I was lucky with COVID during my recruitment process to already feel so connected to an institution, and everything fell into place, so committing to Middlebury College was an easy decision.
Why did you choose to be a Division III student-athlete?
In high school, I played four varsity sports: golf, soccer, basketball, and softball. I always found participating in sports fed my competitive spirit and provided a necessary balance for my internal drive for academic success. In college, I knew I wanted to play a sport at the varsity level while pursuing an academically rigorous education. For me, it was essential to maintain that balance I had throughout high school. Being a Division III student-athlete perfectly fulfilled those needs.
What is the best thing about being part of the NESCAC?
The best thing about being part of the NESCAC is the unparalleled strength of competition while maintaining a focus on academics. Every NESCAC student-athlete is incredibly motivated to be successful in all aspects of life, and it is inspiring to be surrounded by people who share the same beliefs and aspirations. Beyond athletics, I have found the alumni connection not only within my own school but also between NESCAC schools to be very strong. Even though each institution has its unique differences, there are many shared experiences across the NESCAC that connect the entire division.
What extracurricular activities or service activities do you participate in?
Outside of my sport, I have been involved in various extracurricular activities such as Middlebury Women on Wallstreet (MiddWOW), the Middlebury Student-Athlete Advisory Committee in the Community Engagement Group, and volunteering to help prepare and deliver community suppers with my team at a local church. I also participated in the inaugural year of RADical Health at Middlebury College as a mentor, spending four weeks leading first-year athletes through the RADical Hope Foundation program. It was incredible to connect with other student-athletes and openly discuss important topics with a focus on mental, physical, and emotional health. I am also so happy to be a part of Community Friends! It is a fantastic program where Middlebury College students are strategically paired with a student from the local elementary school. Over the last three years, my buddy and I have built an amazing connection and have done so many fun things. Some highlights include playing soccer, squash, golf, tennis, basketball, and pickleball. We also love to rock-climb together, eat ice cream, go sledding, play board games at a local game store in town, watch sporting events, and explore all that Middlebury has to offer. Not only is it a fun weekly two-hour break from the stresses and demands of college, but it is incredibly rewarding to see Middlebury again through the eyes of an eight-year-old kid.
Looking back on your college years, what are you most proud of?
I am most proud of all the connections I have built over the years. I can confidently say that I can go anywhere on campus or in town and run into someone I know. The immense feeling of community and support from those around me have made my college years unforgettable. A couple of years ago, another student approached me to ask if I joined Middlebury in the fall of 2019 or 2020. Well, it was 2021. But, I think that funny story perfectly encompasses my experience in the Middlebury College community. I am so lucky to have grown up in the area and to have experienced Middlebury through many perspectives: as a kid and a “townie,” staff member, student, and soon, an alum.
What has been your favorite class outside of your major?
Last fall, I took Finance, Regulation, and Policy, an interdepartmental course taught by two Middlebury alumni from the class of 1971, Churchill Franklin and Grove Nichols. They both had very successful careers in the business world. Throughout the semester, we had many guest speakers, notably C-suite executives at top financial firms, all of whom were Middlebury alumni. With these guest speakers, I learned the importance of a firm handshake with eye contact, a succinct and confident introduction, and a smile. I discovered there is power in words, particularly power in listening to the advice and words of others. Additionally, how friendship and connecting with others is a huge asset in the business world. Our professors built a great friendship even long after they graduated from Middlebury College and they created this fantastic course leveraging their connections with other Middlebury alumni. My favorite part of the course was when Professor Franklin bravely and graciously invited our entire class not once, but twice, to his home for dinner. As a class, we toured the entirety of Bread Loaf View Farm, and I will never forget playing foosball and ping pong against my classmates in my professor’s basement—it was incredibly special to be able to connect with my peers outside of the classroom.
What internships/research projects have you participated in?
During my sophomore summer, I participated in the Tuck Business Bridge Program at Dartmouth. It is a highly selective three-week program where I attended classes taught by MBA faculty and learned about marketing, business strategy, microeconomics, managerial accounting, and corporate finance. I enhanced my presentation and spreadsheet modeling skills while working on a small team to produce a valuation analysis of Visa, inc. This culminating project included financial and strategic assessments, a DCF analysis, and a presentation. It was a fantastic experience and I recommend it to everyone who might be remotely interested in the business world. I connected with numerous student-athletes, particularly across the NESCAC and Ivy League, and I am still in contact with many of my friends from the program to this day! Additionally, this program prepared me well for my internship the following summer with Goldman Sachs as a Wealth Management Summer Analyst.
What has been the most interesting part of your major?
As a double major in economics and neuroscience, I get asked a lot of questions. Most of the time people think that I am crazy and find zero connection between the two, and other times, people ask me which major I plan to go with for my future career, or if I plan to go to medical school (the answer to that one is a resounding no, for now). Truthfully, I find there is a lot of overlap between the two, and the intersection of behavioral economics, neuroeconomics, and the psychology of finance is very interesting. While economic models assume people act rationally, neuroscience reveals how emotions, risk, and reward processing in the brain often drive behavior. Generally, people want to believe that they are making logical decisions when it comes to finance, but there are many cognitive biases, heuristics, and fallacies where the brain subconsciously makes shortcuts in the decision-making process. Having this background will be particularly useful for my future career in a client-facing role in wealth management.
What is your favorite place on your campus?
I may be biased, but without a doubt, the Ralph Myhre Golf Course is my favorite place on campus. Whether I am there to catch up with my dad (the pro), do my homework while watching people tee off the first hole, grab a bite to eat, practice on the range or putting green, or squeeze in a quick nine with friends, family, professors, or coaches in between, before, or after my classes for the day, it is incredible to have the golf course nearby. The Ralph is the most picturesque place on campus year-round, with the best views of the Green Mountains, fall foliage, the athletics fields, sunrises, and sunsets. I appreciate having Ralph Myhre as part of Middlebury’s campus because it effortlessly brings together the student body, faculty and staff, alumni, families, and the general public. Even outside of the golf season, during the winter, it is a hub where people cross-country ski, snowshoe, go sledding, or play pond hockey. It truly is my home away from home.
What is something you enjoy doing when not in class or competing in your sport?
I like watching other sporting events! It is so fun to cheer on my classmates and friends and witness their successes both in the classroom and on the field. Roll Pants!
