Why did you choose to attend Amherst?
I chose to attend Amherst because it offered everything I could ever want. A rigorous open curriculum with small class sizes allowing space for meaningful professor relationships, competitive athletics that would advance my swim career, some of the most well-rounded, personable people, the opportunity to explore the five college consortium, and a developed town to do activities with friends.
Why did you choose to be a Division III student-athlete?
I chose to be a Division III student-athlete because it allowed me to participate in everything I wanted to do in college. I could take a fully loaded course schedule while practices are placed outside of those times, and I can participate in clubs and research on campus.
You have a blank canvas, paint your perfect day. What does it look like?
My perfect day would be a warm Sunday in the fall or spring. It would start with a peaceful walk across the Val quad to breakfast with close friends. After that, I’d have a workout with my teammates, followed by attending a game, most likely soccer, baseball, or rugby. I’d return to Val for lunch with a different group of friends, then spend the afternoon playing intramural basketball with the swim team. I’d end the day with a movie and wings night with the swim team, all together.
What is your dream job/career?
My dream job would be a doctor because I would love to have the ability to give my friends and family peace of mind with medical challenges.
Looking back on your college years, what are you most proud of?
I am most proud of breaking a team record and becoming the most improved swimmer in my sophomore year despite being a preferred walk-on at the beginning of my college swim career and sick for half that season.
What’s your go-to warmup song?
March Madness – Future
What has been your favorite class?
My favorite class was 1968: Shut It Down with Professor Stefan Bradley, which focused on the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. I enjoyed it so much because we took a deeper dive into the hardships and sacrifices that Black Americans endured in the fight for equal rights. Reading first-person accounts, examining FBI surveillance records, and tracing the behind-the-scenes political negotiations that shaped the movement offered new a level of understanding, far beyond the stories I had heard from family and my education growing up. The course strengthened my bond with my father, who was born in 1955 and grew up during the movement. Many of his perspectives on certain topics began to make much more sense, and it created more meaningful conversations between us during the semester and afterward.
Who is your favorite professor?
I was fortunate to take Microeconomics with Professor Baisa during my sophomore year. He made the course challenging and deeply thought-provoking, basing our learning on problem solving rather than memorizing the textbook which made it so much more enjoyable. Even when problem sets felt overwhelming, he was always available to help and went out of his way to support students. It was clear he genuinely wanted us to succeed, even offering 1-on-1 office hours. He gave me a strong foundation that made the rest of my economics coursework manageable.
What internships/research projects have you participated in?
Two summers ago, I worked in the Office of Global Research at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, where I worked on making the grant release process for international research more efficient. I conducted the first analyses to identify which countries experienced the longest approval timelines, helping our team better identify the key bottlenecks within the clearance process.
Last summer, I worked at Bain & Company as a consulting intern, where I supported my team in developing a strategic plan to help a manufacturing client achieve its EBITDA targets. I learned so much about the manufacturing industry, professionalism, and collaborative work streams.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned from being a student-athlete?
The greatest lesson I have learned from being a student-athlete has been how to navigate complex interpersonal relationships and become a better teammate and friend. Being on a team at Amherst, where people come from incredibly diverse backgrounds and balance academics, athletics, and personal commitments differently, has taught me that support looks different for everyone. I’ve learned to listen more, communicate with empathy, and recognize what motivates or challenges each individual. The team has shown me how important it is to community through understanding, patience, and effort.
What is your favorite place on your campus, why?
My favorite place on campus is the Greenway dormitories. Last year, our swim team had a suite there, and it became the go-to spot for hanging out, poker nights, and movies. Additionally, the space is filled with natural light, and if you find the right spot, you can even set yourself up to watch the soccer or baseball games happening right outside.
