When I began looking at colleges, I knew I wanted to get a great pre-medical education and play football at a competitive level. At Middlebury, I found it was not only possible but enjoyable to do both. My athletic and academic experiences have complemented each other, and both have instilled in me a sense of diligence and confidence. Whether I am hurrying down to the football field from an afternoon lab or bearing down to write a paper after a late practice, I value the balance and focus that I get from being a student-athlete at Middlebury.
One of my favorite athletic experiences is a football game we played during our 2007 season, in the middle of an enormous storm. The game was a trial of will and character for our team. Due to weather delays, the game lasted more than four hours. Afterwards, we stood on the field exhausted, muddy, cold, and victorious. That moment reinforced my appreciation for the value of sports. It was incredible to look around at my teammates and realize the challenge that we had just faced together. The resilience that we exhibited on that day made each of us stronger.
There is an unmistakable connection between the skills I’ve learned in the classroom and the skills I’ve learned on the field. From both arenas, I have gained an appreciation for the value of hard work that will carry over into my work as a physician in the future. I feel fortunate that the professors and coaches at Middlebury have inspired me to pursue all of my passions.