Biography
Personal: 2025 graduate of Cold Spring Harbor High School (N.Y.) where she competed rowing, volleyball, and competitive cheerleading.
What does leadership mean to you?
To me, leadership means not being afraid of being imperfect; it means being willing to be imperfect and vulnerable in front of others, and continuing to learn for yourself. Leadership is showing mistakes as a learning opportunity and success as a landmark to imagine more goals. It’s leaving no man behind, whether it’s on the field, in the boat, in a classroom, or on the quad and it’s exemplifying that with consistency, effort, and passion.
What experience—big or small—has made a surprising impact on you?
Having the opportunity this past June to visit Normandy, France with Operation Democracy for the 81st Commemoration of D-Day has had a dramatic influence on me and my perception of bravery. For nine days, I saw landmarks, met veterans, and witnessed history in a way that I never imagined I would be able to. This experience taught me and reminded me of a multitude of things, but most importantly, how much the terms “camaraderie,” “selflessness,” and “hope” can really have on people. It was a heartbreaking and beautiful experience that I will forever be grateful for, and it showed me how every single person ever, has had a purpose.
What’s a failure or setback that taught you something valuable?
A setback that taught me something valuable was when I took my first ever Geometry quiz in my freshman year of high school, had a panic attack in the middle of it, and ended up getting a 25%. It was terrifying and intimidating and for a while made me believe I wasn’t as smart as I know I am. I was incredible discouraged and wanted to drop the class immediately. The next quarter, however, I got a tutor! My grade in the class went from a D to an A in one quarter. I worked hard; practiced more; studied probably too much; and learned that I am capable of anything when I set my mind to it, and that grades don’t define you, but what you’re willing to do to become who you want to be, does.
What’s a value or principle you try to live by?
“It’s only embarrassing if you don’t own it.” It can be applied to anything: a bad test grade, a misstep in a race, or spilled coffee on your graduation dress. I came up with this phrase about two years ago. Since then, as long as I know I’ve worked and tried my hardest, done what I thought was right, or learned from my mistakes, my blunders don’t seem as prominent. Walking with a head held high has dramatically improved my confidence (and sense of humor) and has kept me driven, despite any setback.
What’s something about you that might surprise people?
People are surprised when I say i actually DO like math! If you ask anyone who knows me they will say I’m terrible at it…which I am, but that has never stopped me from enjoying it when I knew what was going on. Don’t get me wrong, I find it challenging and mind-boggling, but that feeling when you practice problems over and over again and reach a smooth and satisfying conclusion, especially when you struggled at first, is a feeling like no other that I really value.
