Hometown: Port Angeles, Wash.
Major: Marine Transportation Operations
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2023
What made you come to Maine Maritime Academy?: There is no other maritime school quite like MMA where students can get a hands-on education without the fear of failure. Coming to MMA for a tour, the students were so welcoming, and the sunsets were beautiful. I remember thinking: I could move to the opposite side of the country to get an education here.
What first got you interested in your sport?: Growing up along the coast, knowing how to swim was a requirement, so why not do it competitively? Not only is swimming a great example of a high output, low impact sport, it's also a great way for kids to make friends.
What has been your favorite class at MMA?: Ocean Survival.
What is the best advice your coach has given you?: You only have four years here to live up to your true potential, why not start now?
What motivates you to succeed?: What we do now dictates our success in the future, it's important that we learn all we can before we're sent into one of the most dangerous industries. It's important to learn in a safe, welcoming environment rather than when it's too late.
What is your prized possession?: Definitely "The American Merchant Seaman's Manual", it's the MTO's equivalent of a bible.
What is your favorite book? (Non-academic): "The Big Picture" by Sean Carroll.
What is something that people would be surprised to learn about you?: I'm a ski/snowboard instructor.
What are your hopes for the future?: I hope to captain large vessels one day, adding to the few female captains in the maritime industry.
What is your favorite spot in Castine/on Campus? Why?: The Witherle Woods Preserve is in the campus's backyard. It's filled with hiking trails and beautiful places to appreciate the sunrise/sunset.
What are three things you have with you at all times?: Two pens, a wheelbook, and my moonbeam.
Tell us about something outside of MMA and athletics that you are really interested in: Music, I've played the flute for six years, it's an under appreciated artform, especially at a college so industrially focused, it's also important to appreciate the arts.
Who is your favorite professional athlete? Why?: Definitely Shaq O'Neal, when he held a swimming competition against world renowed swimmer Michael Phelps, I had instant respect for the man, considering he has never learned how to swim properly.
