Swimming has been a fundamental part of my life since I was nine. It has shaped me in ways that go beyond the pool, teaching me resilience, discipline, and the importance of working toward long-term goals.
Balancing Swimming and School
After four years of swimming at Ohio State, I realized I wasn't quite ready to be done yet. Taking advantage of my final year of NCAA eligibility while also starting an Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program was a unique challenge—one that tested me academically in a way I had never experienced before. I am deeply grateful for the support and flexibility of my coaches, professors, and friends, who allowed me to pursue both my passions simultaneously.
Since joining the Duke swim team, I am most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my teammates and coaches, as well as my ability to excel both in the pool and in the classroom. Adjusting to a new team was a significant transition, but the strong bonds I formed made even the toughest days more manageable and the good days that much more rewarding. In many ways, my OTD cohort feels like another team. Managing the demands of both school and swimming has reinforced how vital it is to have a supportive community. I am just as proud of the connections I've made with my cohort as I am of the progress I've made in both arenas.
Finding Inspiration in the Pool
Through teaching swim lessons, I first discovered how occupation can truly empower individuals. One swimmer I worked with over the years profoundly impacted me and played a pivotal role in my decision to pursue a career in occupational therapy. I realized I wanted a career where I could help people overcome challenges, rebuild and develop skills, and find joy in what they do. Witnessing how even the smallest victories could light up a child’s day demonstrated how powerful occupation can enhance well-being.
Now that my collegiate swimming career has ended, I know the sport will always remain a part of my life. Swimming has taught me invaluable skills and life lessons that I hope to carry into my work as an occupational therapist. Whether through open-water swims, coaching, or simply swimming for enjoyment, I am confident I will always find my way back to the water.
