How does participating in athletics enhance your education?

Running on the cross country team has equipped me with some valuable life lessons. Working with others in order to achieve a team goal – such as completing a workout or succeeding in a race – has taught me that sometimes you need to lean on your sisters to get through the difficult tasks it takes to be a college athlete. Going through all of these journeys together has led me to develop close relationships with the other girls on the team. These bonds have provided me with the comfort to go to them for anything at anytime. The best thing about being on a team is that it’s not always about the individual, but about the work that the group puts into succeeding and the things it takes to be the best that we can be.

Awards and accolades: Since my first year at New Paltz, I have received two major awards that I am very proud of. First, I was on the Dean’s List for both fall and spring semester of my first year. The second accomplishment was that I was named Most Valuable Player of my cross country team for the fall 2007 season.

Most meaningful event: Relay for Life is an event where hundreds of students get together for 12 hours to help raise money for cancer research. This event was important to me because cancer runs in my family, and I have lost loved ones to this horrible disease. I enjoyed how I, as well as other students, were able to come together to bond and raise money for a great cause. Being involved on campus is a priority of mine.

Hobbies: Besides running, one of my favorite things to do is to bake. I have been baking since I was a little girl with my grandma. I continue to do so today. I like creating different types of desserts; plus, there is always a sweet treat at the end of the process.