Kalamazoo College Athletics

What is your favorite sports moment at K?
My all-time favorite sports moment at K was watching Branden Metzler contend for the NCAA DIII Championship for tennis. The energy of the students, as well as the overwhelming support and pride that was felt throughout Stowe Stadium, was incredible. I'll never forget that experience, and I'm so grateful that my professor gave us the go-ahead to skip class that afternoon. 

What is your most memorable academic experience at K?
Getting an A in Organic Chemistry. I took it my sophomore year and failed, so having to take it again my junior year (right after I got back from study abroad!) was very intimidating. With the support of my professor, family, and friends, I was able to get myself on track and focus on what was the most important--academics. I managed to pull all A's that quarter, and I've never been more proud. It's a true testament to what someone can do when they put their mind to it. 

Why did you choose to attend Kalamazoo College?
​I was accepted to many of the schools on my list, so it was a very tough choice. I ended up ruling out the big schools, and finally got it down to Kalamazoo and Hope. There were three things that affected my decision: 1) the academic rigor. The difference in the classes I visited at both schools was quite large, and I found myself more attentive and interested due to the teaching style here at K. That has continued through my years here. 2) The cross country team. I had lunch with the team when I visited, and they immediately made me feel both welcome and comfortable. They have been a huge component of my success and happiness here at K.  3) The study abroad program. I knew that I wanted to study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country, so when I learned that the price of the trip was tuition (with my financial aid!!), and that I could graduate in four years while still going abroad for 6 months, it was a no-brainer. That was actually one of the main reasons I chose Kalamazoo College. It shaped my personal, emotional, and academic development more than any other experience in my life, and I can gladly say that I made the right decision in choosing K. 

What do you enjoy most about road trips during your season?
​In cross country, we have a lot of road trips. And to be honest, we mostly sleep the whole way. I value sleep, and value my teammates, so it's a win-win for me. 

What is your least favorite thing about road trips during your season?
​I always eat too much on the bus. I'll normally have a granola bar, half a bagel, and a banana....and any runner knows that's recipe for an upset stomach during a race. Fingers crossed that I can maintain a little more self control this year!

Who is your all-time favorite athlete and why?
I can't say that I have one. My family is big into the English Premier League, so I enjoy keeping up with that, but I haven't necessarily singled out a specific athlete that I follow or look up to. I find all professional athletes inspiring, because the level of self-discipline and mental strength required to do what they do, in addition to physical shape, is near-impossible to attain. 

What is your favorite class and why?
For a long time my favorite class was Form and Function, because I enjoy biology and found that I learned the most in that class, but now I would have to say either Organic Chemistry or African Christianity. I surpassed many mental obstacles in Orgo, and proved to myself that I'm capable of more than what I thought. But in African Christianity, besides the professor being amazing, I learned about an entire section of history that was never taught to me in class. The entire African Studies concentration is very worthwhile, and I highly suggest taking at least one class with Dr. Bangura if possible.

Who is your favorite professor and why?
This is a close race. I would have to say that it is a tie between Dr. Santiago Salinas and Dr. Joseph Bangura. Santiago has not only been my teacher, but my SIP supervisor. He is incredibly intelligent, which shows through in his lectures, but also makes class and SIP work fun. He is "tough but fair", and I suggest all of his classes to any Biology major. On the other hand, I have had Dr. Bangura four times, one of which being an independent study. His classes are surprising, interesting, and offer multiple opportunities for students to delve deep into the material. Both of these professors have supported me in the past years I've known them, and my K experience would be very different without them. 

Other than the sport you play, what other sports activity are you good at?
Other than cross country, I'm pretty good at soccer and volleyball. I played soccer from ages 5 to 17 as a midfielder, and played volleyball from 4th grade to junior year of high school as a libero. I definitely miss volleyball, so I'm glad the school has both IM and open tournaments!

Is there another game in which you dominate? (card games, lawn games, pool, darts, etc.)
My "Michigan" is showing here, but I'm really good at cornhole. My teammates might not believe me, but if we ever played in the daylight I'd show them up for sure.

Outside of sports, what is your favorite hobby?
I love reading. I'm currently working through a series of Ken Follett novels, and I highly suggest "Pillars of the Earth" for anyone who's looking for a long, amazing book to read. Other than that, I arrange music for the LimeLights (female acapella group), and have been playing piano/singing my whole life.

What is your favorite meal in the cafeteria?
Taco tuesday, without a doubt. But they also made this amazing salad last year that was spinach, salmon, feta cheese, and strawberries. It was one of the freshest and tastiest things I've ever eaten there. 

Who is your role model?
This may be a little cheesy, but my role model is definitely my mother. She is one of the smartest, most creative, caring, and selfless individuals I've ever met in my life. When she starts a project she finishes it, and she can juggle so many responsibilities at the same time (things that I struggle with). If I even end up being half the woman she is, I'll have succeeded greatly in my life. 

What do you enjoy most about practice?
The surprising amount of teamwork that comes with this individual sport. The amound of support that everyone pours into each other during hard workouts, as well as the absurd jokes and comments that stem from the exhaustion of a long run, have made my years of K cross country unforgettable. 

What do you like least about practice?
The anticipation. Before a hard workout, everyone is antsy. We know it's going to be tough, and that we'll barely be breathing or moving our legs at the end. Standing on that start line for mile repeats is terrifying. But that's also what makes it so great: only with that intensity can we get better. 

What are your plans/goals after graduation?
After graduation, I'll be taking a gap year. I'll be scribing to gain my clinical hours, and I'll also be taking the MCAT. I intend to go to medical school, and ideally it will be in-state so I can be in slightly less debt when I'm finished! I am very interested in trauma surgery, especially orthopedic trauma surgery, but I'll need to start doing some more upper body workouts before I can reliably work with bone!