Why did you choose to attend Bates?
I chose to attend Bates because not only is it a fantastic academic institution, but I thought the people here were so kind. When I came to my recruiting trip, I felt like everyone was really interested in getting to know me as a person and felt instantly welcomed by those I met. I just knew that these were the kinds of people I wanted to surround myself with! Plus, I got to pet a lot of dogs walking around campus.
Why did you choose to be a Division III student-athlete?
I chose Division III because I knew I wanted to compete in college, but wanted to continue swimming because I genuinely enjoyed it rather than feeling like I had to. I thought that Division III provided me with the perfect opportunity to compete with a strong team while still focusing on my academics. I feel pushed to get better because I want to better myself for my team, which is something I love about Division III.
What is the best thing about being part of the NESCAC?
I love how close everyone is! The past few years at our NESCAC Championship meet, we have formed a big conga line and danced with each other before the last relay on the last day. I have made friends on nearly every team across the conference and feel like I make more every meet.
What’s your go-to warmup song?
Definitely Telephone by Lady Gaga. It’s the song I had stuck in my head while I swam all of my best times, and now it’s a must have on my warmup playlist.
What has been your favorite class?
My favorite class that I took was probably a short term class offered at Bates, Global Chinese Food, where I learned how to cook several different Chinese dishes over a three week period. It was very fun to learn about the dishes and cook them with my classmates, not to mention that we got to eat them afterwards! It is something I doubt I would have been able to take at most other institutions. As for a regular semester class, my favorite has been Intro to Neuro, as it got me into the neuroscience major!
Who is your favorite professor?
I think I’ve been fortunate to have many wonderful professors during my college career, but I think my favorite is probably Mollie Woodworth in the Neuroscience Department. Not only are her classes fascinating, but she is a wonderful person and so fun and kind to talk to.
What has been the most interesting part of your major?
I think one of the most interesting experiences I have gotten to do as part of my major was a brain dissection earlier this semester. It’s something that I don’t think I would have been able to do if I was not in neuroscience!
What is your favorite place on your campus?
Probably our campus coffee shop, Le Ronj. Not only do they have awesome drinks made by students, but it’s a great spot to study! I love to head there for a coffee before I get some work done.
What is something interesting about you that others might not know
I love learning languages! It’s become a hobby of mine. I currently can speak passable Spanish, Korean, and Chinese, but hope to reach fluency in all of these languages as well as many other languages some day.
What is something you enjoy doing when not in class or competing in your sport?
I love to read books, especially fantasy novels. I just finished The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson which was absolutely fantastic, and I’m so excited to read the rest of the series.
