Why did you choose Drew University?
Being that Drew University is a small, private, liberal arts institution that offers sufficient financial aid and scholarships, provides numerous internship and research opportunities, is academically rigorous with a particularly strong science department, has varsity women’s fencing and tennis, offers several study abroad programs, is in close proximity to my home, and is comprised of a diverse student body, I knew Drew was the perfect college for me!
Why did you choose your major and what is your favorite course?
I am a biology and music major with an anthropology and chemistry minor. Being that biology was my favorite subject in high school and because I have always taken such great interest in genetics and the human anatomy, I knew coming to Drew that I wanted to major in biology so that I can later pursue a career in the biological, biochemical, or medical field. Additionally, because music has been such an integral part of my life – having taken private piano instruction since the age of five and having been a part of various bands and choirs since fourth grade – I wanted to further study this life-long hobby of mine that has played such a significant role in shaping the person I am today. My favorite course I have taken thus far at Drew is Cultural Diversity: Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics, which was the class that ultimately made me want to add my anthropology minor.
What is your most memorable moment as a Ranger?
My most memorable moment as a Ranger was winning my first-ever collegiate fencing bout at the Temple Open. Starting off my college athletic career with a victory gave me the confidence and motivation I needed to take on my future Division I, II, and III opponents as well as help my team strive for success.
How has being an athlete helped you as a student and in the classroom?
Being an athlete has taught me that success only comes as the result of hard work and dedication. This strong work ethic and commitment I have for fencing is also used when it comes to my academics. I make sure to do all of my assigned work and set time aside to study every day because I know that this devotion to my academics will be positively reflected in my end-of-semester grades. Furthermore, needing to perfect several blade-work and foot-work drills within one fencing practice has helped tremendously with determining how to best organize and prioritize my time both in and out of fencing practice; this organizational skillset has certainly come in handy when I have several papers due and exams to study for all within a short time period.
What is the most difficult part of your sport?
Fencing is just as much a mental game as it is a physical sport; so, constantly keeping myself focused and mentally prepared for each and every bout has proven to be difficult at times – especially during all-day tournaments.
Why do you wear your jersey number?
Fencers, unfortunately, do not have the pleasure of wearing a jersey number; rather, we wear blue and green knee-length socks to represent Drew.
What advice do you have for a prospective Drew University student-athlete?
I would highly suggest using your spare time during lunch and in between classes to get some homework/studying done, that way you have less to do after practice and dinner. Those not involved in athletics are most likely starting or even finishing their homework/studying while you are at practice. By getting a head start, the extra time you would have spent doing homework at night can now be spent with your friends and attending events like NSE Movie Night, UPB Space Night and Bingo, DoYo concerts, plays, sporting events, etc. Believe me, your nights will be far less busy (academically speaking) and stressful!
Why is community service important to your role as a student-athlete at Drew?
By investing my time in community service, not only does it show my own dedication to the larger community in which I live, but it also shows the commitment of the Drew student-athlete community – that of which I am a part of – giving back to a society who has given us so much. Thus, because I am a student-athlete at Drew, every community service project I volunteer for or help run reflects the assiduity and devotedness put in by both myself as an entity and the Drew student-athlete micro-community with which I represent. Participating in community service certainly helps add to the respect Drew’s student-athlete community has built over the years.
Name one obstacle or form of adversity you have had to overcome...
In May of 2013 I underwent extensive hand and wrist surgery. Unfortunately, the post-operation recovery process took far longer than anticipated; as a result, I endured a great deal of pain and strain on my hand and wrist for the entirety of the 2013-2014 fencing season. Despite this “setback”, I pushed through and was able to qualify to the Mid-Atlantic NCAA Regional Championships for a second consecutive year, received first team all conference honors as well as woman of the year honorable mention, and achieved my 50th conference win and 100th overall win.
Rapid Fire:
Color? Copper
Food? Caesar salad with blackened salmon
Restaurant? Jose Tejas
Movie? Failure to Launch
TV Show? Grey's Anatomy and White Collar
Musical Artist? Pentatonix
Athlete? Novak Djokovic
Pro Team? NY Giants
Hobbies? Beat-boxing, playing guitar and piano, puzzles, singing, sports
Most Prized Possession? My baby grand p
Biggest Fear? Driving witout a GPS
