Throughout the spring semester, we are honoring our senior student-athletes with a "Senior Salute" series. Today's featured senior is Abby Aitken, a psychology major from Sterling, Illinois. Aitken is a member of the women's tennis team.
Q: Why did you choose to attend The College of Wooster?
A: I wanted to attend a school that would challenge me academically, and Independent Study is such a unique research opportunity that did not compare anywhere else. I love that I am able to continue playing competitive tennis while also being able to dance and push myself at a high academic level.
Q: What does being a Fighting Scot student-athlete mean to you?
A: Being a student-athlete means supporting my teammates on and off the court, always pushing myself to be the best I can be academically and athletically, and striving to grow and learn from every opportunity that comes my way.
Q: What are some of your favorite memories as a student at The College of Wooster?
A: The tennis team goes to Hilton Head Island to compete for spring break. From amazing matches to cooking team dinners together, this time spent together creates so many memories I will never forget. I had the opportunity to be a part of and make so many memories with the dance company. I have been in so many incredible pieces with wonderful people that I will never forget.
Q: What is the best part about being a student-athlete at The College of Wooster?
A: The best part about being a student-athlete here is the built-in community and family. I love supporting my teammates, and I appreciate that they always have my back. I am so thankful for these lifelong friendships.
Q: What else were you involved with on campus besides your sport?
A: I am the co-coordinator of The College of Wooster Dance Company and have been dancing or choreographing in the dance concerts since I was a first-year.
Q: Which College of Wooster faculty or staff member has made the greatest impact on you and why?
A: I have been inspired by so many of the faculty and staff here at The College of Wooster. I really appreciate my I.S. advisor, Dr. Claudia Thompson, and Dr. Bryan Karaszia for always supporting me and allowing me to learn and grow as not only a student, but a person as well.
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: There are simply too many people to name who have made a positive impact on me during my time here at Wooster. I am so thankful for Coach Amy Behrman, Coach Josh Mace, Coach Adam Clark, Professor Emily Baird, Kevin Smith, Matt Anderson, the sports medicine staff, and so many more. All of these people have helped me grow as not only an athlete, but also a person by constantly supporting me on and off the court.
Q: Tell us a bit about your Independent Study project?
A: My I.S. examines if strangers can accurately predict other people's personality based only on their Spotify listening habits.
Q: Tell us a bit about something cool you did as a student at The College of Wooster?
A: I volunteer with some teammates for the events hosted by the College that invite community youth to learn more about sports, and I am so thankful Wooster gives me opportunities like these. I adored being able to teach the kids a little about tennis. I want to be a good role model and inspire little tennis players because someday they might be in my shoes.
Q: Reflecting back on your time at Wooster, what advice would you give your first-year self?
A: Nothing good happens after 2 a.m. No, in all seriousness, I would tell my first-year self to trust the process and everything will be okay! As long as you do the best that you can and learn from mistakes, you should be proud of yourself.
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