Throughout the spring semester, we are honoring our senior student-athletes with a "Senior Salute" series. Today's featured senior is Ciara O'Connor, a chemistry major from Massapequa Park, New York. O'Connor is a member of the field hockey and women's lacrosse teams.
Q: Why did you choose to attend The College of Wooster?
A: I was constantly visiting Wooster in high school since my sister went here. I did not want to go to the same school as my sister, but through visiting the College, I realized I liked many things about it such as the small class sizes, team cultures for both field hockey and lacrosse, and the fun traditions Wooster has.
Q: What does being a Fighting Scot student-athlete mean to you?
A: Being a student-athlete at Wooster means representing my school whenever I put on my jersey and play. It means being respectful and showing leadership on campus as well as in classes. Most importantly, it means I have a family who I can always rely on for help and who supports me.
Q: What are some of your favorite memories as a student at The College of Wooster?
A: Some of my favorite memories are going to Ramseyer Farms with the field hockey team and Wayne County Fair with some friends. Also, the spring break lacrosse trips where I was able to ride scooters around, cook dinner with our competition team, and go to the beach.
Q: What is the best part about being a student-athlete at The College of Wooster?
A: I love how the athletes support each other and go to each other's games.
Q: What else were you involved with on campus besides your sport?
A: I volunteer for Goodwill Industries.
Q: Which College of Wooster faculty or staff member has made the greatest impact on you and why?
A: Dr. Jennifer Faust because she has given me the opportunity to assist her for research and has helped me learn how to use certain instruments as well as procedures. This research helped me decide to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry and expand my knowledge at graduate school.
Q: What other people or resources impacted your Wooster experience in a positive way and how did these people and resources set you up to be successful at Wooster?
A: Both my field hockey and lacrosse coaches have impacted my experience in a positive way. They have pushed me to be my best on and off the field and have helped me grow to be the best person I can be. My confidence and leadership increased because of them, and they helped me through tough times such as when I needed knee surgery.
Q: Tell us a bit about your Independent Study project?
A: I am creating a method to determine the pKa values of PFA compounds. This information will allow people to know under what environmental conditions these dangerous compounds transport through cloud water and aerosol particles.
Q: Tell us a bit about something cool you did as a student at The College of Wooster?
A: I was an intern at Brookhaven National Laboratory over the summer where I worked to increase battery stability using different electrolytes.
Q: Reflecting back on your time at Wooster, what advice would you give your first-year self?
A: Do not be afraid to reach out to people and make connections. Also, get involved with as many things as you can which also can help to make these connections.
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Follow Wooster's women's lacrosse team on social media!
Connect with Wooster's women's lacrosse team on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
Interested in becoming a Fighting Scot?
Prospective student-athletes can click here to request more information from a coach, click here to view the virtual campus tour, and click here to learn more about admissions events, tours, and visit programs.