If I had to sum up my Middlebury experience in one word, it would be balanced. I cannot overstate the importance of the complementary relationship between my learning in the classroom and on the soccer field. Together these experiences helped me grow over four years, and I had the unique opportunity to learn from tremendous mentors and be humbled everyday by incredibly talented peers.

I was immediately inspired by economics classes, as the blend of mathematics, quantitative analysis, writing, and practical implications appealed to each of my academic interests. I took an introductory macroeconomics course with Professor Michael Claudon in the spring of my freshman year. Under his tutelage, I learned some of the principles of teaching and explaining complex topics to other students. These lessons were invaluable and translated to my experiences on the soccer field.

I found a second family with the soccer team. As a freshman, I was intimidated by upperclassmen, afraid to participate, and was told it would take a small miracle for me to ever become a starter. I chose to put my head down and work as hard as possible, always coming to practice early and staying late. Over the next few years, I improved greatly, as I learned the goalkeeper’s role as the team leader, organizer, and last line of defense. My junior year, I won the starting role and helped lead out team to a national championship, an accomplishment in which I take great pride. As a senior, I was elected captain by my teammates and learned that true leadership involves constant communication, leading by example, and above all else, inspiring confidence in every member of the team.

College soccer helped me mature considerably as a player and a person, and I learned that there is no substitute for dogged determination. Achievement follows determination and teamwork. I was part of a group that succeeded through camaraderie. The soccer team was more than talented individuals; it was 25 close friends, who truly enjoyed the time we spent working towards a common goal.

As a result of my time at Middlebury, I feel perfectly prepared to move forward and pursue my passion for economics. This summer, I start work with Goldman Sachs as an analyst in the investment banking division. The critical thinking, analytical, and writing skills I learned in the classroom, paired with the teamwork I learned on the field, will be invaluable assets as I pursue my future goals.