By Kira Spencer '10
Iowa City, Iowa
Biology
After Mac: Ph.D. program in neuroscience at UC Davis

I wanted a school with small classes and discussions where professors know every student—essentially, a liberal arts school. I also wanted to continue running competitively. Several people from my high school team had gone to large universities and competed for only one season or less because they found it too difficult to balance school and athletics. I wanted to go somewhere I would be able to compete and focus on academics. Every day I look forward to running with my teammates, and I missed it terribly last fall when I was unable to run due to a stress reaction. Until I had to take a season off, I didn’t realize how important and therapeutic it is to run with my teammates. I missed the conversations on runs and working with teammates through a difficult workout. For me, practice is a necessary break from academic work that allows me to recharge. Some of my closest friends at Macalester have come from the cross-country and track-and-field teams. Athletics provides many opportunities to discuss ideas during practice or at meals with students from other disciplines.

Knowledge and confidence from academics and running helped me make the most of my research at the Mayo Clinic.

Last summer I was offered a research fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Thanks to Macalester, I had ample experience critically reading primary literature, which helped tremendously when I was reading papers about research and trying to understand new techniques. From running, I have developed self-confidence and learned to trust in my own abilities. This confidence, combined with the knowledge of the basic sciences I gained at Macalester, made me comfortable asserting myself in a new environment, asking questions when I was unsure, and making the most of my time at Mayo.

A major concern for many student-athletes is whether there is enough time to concentrate on coursework and be an athlete. At Macalester participation in extracurricular activities is valued as an important part of the learning experience. Athletics has helped me stay more organized and productive as a student, enhanced my college experience, given me a healthier attitude toward learning, and prepared me for the future.