“My family chose Northwood because I fell in love with it the first time I visited. It wasn’t just the campus, but the people and the overall atmosphere that stood out to me. The students who gave me my tour made such a genuine impression, and the whole experience just felt right. I was also hesitant about my decision at first. Still, everyone I interacted with showed me a lot of support without ever pressuring me, which made a big difference in helping me feel confident about choosing Northwood.
“Skiing has taught me that no matter how hard you think you’re working, there’s always someone pushing even harder. It’s shown me that there’s always another level you can reach if you’re willing to put in the effort and stay committed. At the same time, it’s also taught me that the only person you really need to prove anything to is yourself. Progress in skiing, and in life, comes from holding yourself to a high standard and continuing to push, even when no one is watching.
“The person who had the greatest impact on me was my team dean, Raychel. She wasn’t just my team dean, she was also a listening ear and a true friend throughout the year. Whether I had a great moment or made a mistake, she was always supportive and willing to hear me out. She knew when to encourage me, when to hold me accountable, and how to help me move forward. During some of my more difficult moments, she was always there to lend a hand, and I’ll always be grateful for that.
“One memory I’ll never forget is when my team raced at West Mountain, and we had to make a day trip in the middle of a snowstorm. We were supposed to leave around 4:30 a.m., but our van got stuck in the street before the Northwood driveway. We ended up having to carry two pairs of skis and all our gear about half a mile down a hill through around eight inches of snow. At the time, it felt pretty chaotic and stressful, but looking back on it now, it’s actually funny. More than anything, it brought me closer to the teammates I was with that day and turned into one of those experiences I’ll always remember.
“What I’m most looking forward to in college is putting myself out there and not holding anything back. I’m excited to meet new people and have new opportunities to grow into my own person and define my own values. I want to create my own experiences and memories and live in a way that leaves me with no regrets. That’s the mindset I hope to carry with me going into this next chapter.
“Outside of skiing and school, I like to stay active. I enjoy going to the gym and running or walking with my friends. I also like spending time outdoors whenever I can, whether that’s just getting outside for fresh air or doing something more spontaneous. It’s a good way for me to relax, stay balanced, and spend time with the people I’m close to.”
As told to Rylie Griffiths ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.
