Where did you go to school and what sports did you play? What was your position?
I attended St. Teresa High school and played soccer for all four years as a striker or winger.
What do you believe led to your success in highschool?
I think it was just constantly being on top of due dates, making sure I was a part of extracurriculars, and staying focused on the next stage in my life (college).
What college are you currently enrolled at?
I am currently enrolled at Harvard College, about to start my sophomore year in the fall.
What is your major?
My plan is to major in Computer Science with a minor in something, I haven’t decided just what yet.
Are you involved in any extracurricular activities (not sports related)?
Yes, I joined several clubs including Harvard Model United Nations, Model National United Nations, Harvard Society of Mind, Brain, and Behavior, and Harvard Wine Society. I also plan on joining the Boxing Club and Food Club
What led you to that particular institution?
My school counselor described me as the perfect candidate for an Ivy League school, and she helped push me with things like the interview process, ACT tutors, and college essays. She really pushed me to make the final decision to apply, and I will always be grateful to her, especially for believing in me.
What is something they don’t tell you about college that you wish you had known?
I wish I would have known that making friends is the easiest part of college, and not the hardest. Typically, every college freshman is nervous about making new friends, and everyone I know has had the easiest time making friends while being themselves. It’s an amazing atmosphere.
What was the biggest adjustment in transitioning from high school to college?
I think the biggest transition for me was time management. Because College varies so much in class schedules and extracurriculars, I had to find ways to change the way I organized myself and the time I utilized.
Are you currently involved in any athletics? If not, why?
I am not involved in athletics at the moment. During my freshman fall I tried out for the Harvard Varsity soccer team, but then the Spring season that was planned got cancelled, and the coach told me and all the other people trying out to come back next year. Then this summer, while playing soccer, I partially tore my ACL, and am going to be doing physical therapy once I arrive at my campus.
Has your injury given you opportunities to see the sport from a different perspective? If so, what/why?
I miss soccer so much, especially since my injury, and I think it has given me a greater appreciation for playing the sport for fun and not just competitively. I think several athletes focus on their performance, which is not necessarily, but seem to forget about the fact that a sport is meant for fun. I’m excited to play soccer again more than compete in soccer games.
Do you plan on pursuing a collegiate sports career?
I still want to see what happens with my injury, but there is always a chance I decide in the future to try out again, because I still love and currently miss the game so much.
If you could tell high school athletes anything, what would it be?
I know it is cheesy and everyone says this, but really enjoy the moment. I get so happy just thinking about all the memories, victories, and relationships I had during my high school athlete years. They are moments that you cannot recreate. I would say find a moment, and breathe it in.
What advice do you have for kids looking to go to the next level or pro?
Determination is key, and it is not even a strong enough word. It takes a certain dedication and composure to be able to have the hard work necessary to even be considered for next level soccer. I tried out with Harvard’s team for one month and it put me in the best shape of my life, but was the hardest time of my college life so far because of the commitment I needed to have. It was always about never settling and always improving. That is the mindset these kids need to have.
Do you have aspirations about playing professional sports. If not, what career are you pursuing?
When I was younger, I had greater aspirations for playing professional soccer, but part of me realized that soccer was not the only place I could flourish. I ultimately want to work for a space agency like NASA, and luckily, this summer I interned for NASA’s Ames Research Center virtually, and will continue to do so in the fall. I want to eventually get a computer or software engineer position in a space company that makes a huge difference in the future of space exploration.
What is your biggest takeaway from college thus far?
My biggest takeaway has been that college is whatever you make of it. I have friends who like to sit in their room and take 10 hours for one assignment, and I have friends who can do all of their work in 2 hours. Some people use calendars, others use sticky notes. Everyone has the individual choice to shape their college experience in the way they want.
What advice do you have for highschool seniors as they start to look towards their future in college?
Be excited. Having the excitement of going to college helps. It helps with determination to do college essays. It helps with focusing on your last year of high school classes. It helps with appreciating the people around you, and memories you made throughout highschool. Being excited is what helps with turning all the nervousness and anxiety about an independent life into a positive feeling for the future.
Have you faced any adversity in high school or college that has helped make you stronger?
I can honestly say that I was lucky and blessed to never have faced any adversity. There were never any major setbacks or life changing moments that negatively impacted what I was focused on or trying to focus on. I have been very fortunate for that reason.
Anything else you would like to add?
Just grateful for all of the friends, faculty, coaches, and family that have shown even an ounce of support while I was an athlete, and even as a highschool student. Having a group of people pushing you and finding happiness in your success, those are the best kinds of friends.
