Larkin O'Gorman, who recently graduated from Kalamazoo College with a degree in biochemistry, will next find herself in Washington D.C., attending the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health in pursuit of a master's degree in the discipline of maternal and child health/public health.
There's not too much doubt that O'Gorman will feel at home continuing her academic career in the hustle and bustle of the nation's capital, as she is well aware of what it is like to be constantly on the go; in addition to her studies, O'Gorman played four years on the women's soccer team and three years on the women's lacrosse team.
When asked what she takes from her experience as a K student-athlete, O'Gorman, who was honored as MIAA women's soccer Offensive Player of the Week on 9/20/21, replies matter-of-factly, "Mental toughness, leadership and overcoming obstacles.
"It allowed me to continue my love of the sport and make very valuable friendships with my teammates", continued the Groves H.S. (Beverly Hills, Mich.) alum. "I think it also helped me be disciplined with my school work."
That discipline saw her honored as a member of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll in 2020-21 and 2021-22 while playing soccer in the fall and lacrosse in the spring. Her Student Integrated Project involved a literature review of the effect of COVID-19 on maternal mental health specifically in the United States, China and India, and she studied abroad in San Jose, Costa Rica during the 2022 winter trimester. Larkin was also co-president of Kalamazoo College's Athletic Leadership Council in 2021-22.
"My most valuable experience was studying abroad," said O'Gorman. "It empowered me to be more independent and confident in myself, as well as allowing me to experience the world beyond the U.S.
"The experience was so valuable to me because I made friendships that will last a lifetime."
Even though O'Gorman is leaving Kalamazoo College, she will take what she has learned from her professors with her into the future.
"They believed in me and helped me build the confidence in myself to take on any challenges that come my way beyond K."