Throughout the spring semester, we are honoring our senior student-athletes with a "Senior Salute" series. Today's featured senior is Tabitha Skornik-Hayes, an economics and global and international studies major from Eugene, Oregon. Skornik-Hayes is a member of the women's lacrosse team.
Q: Why did you choose to attend The College of Wooster?
A: I wanted to go to a small liberal arts college in a part of the United States I hadn't experienced before. I fell in love with the campus and the women's lacrosse program and knew that Wooster was the right place for me!
Q: What does it mean to you to be a Fighting Scot student-athlete?
A: I think it means being a part of a family larger than your own team. We all support each other and it's just a really positive environment!
Q: What are some of your favorite memories as a student at The College of Wooster?
A: Spring break trips with my teammates, celebrating I.S. Monday, and senior day!
Q: What's the best part about being a student-athlete at The College of Wooster?
A: The automatic family you have when you come on campus, and the connections you build from that are special and really valuable.
Q: What else were you involved with on campus besides your sport?
A: I worked as a student assistant in the athletic training room all four years, I was involved for a bit in Greek life on campus, and I served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) executive board!
Q: Which College of Wooster faculty or staff member has made the greatest impact on you and why?
A: Dr. Brooke Krause has been so supportive and has furthered my learning so much in the three years that I have been her student and advisee. I am so grateful for everything she's done to help me grow and learn.
Q: Which other people or resources impacted your Wooster experience in a positive way and how did these people/resources set you up to be successful at Wooster?
A: My coach, Elizabeth Ford, has been incredibly impactful during my time at Wooster. she's someone you always want on your side and her support and help in everything I've accomplished is something I feel incredibly grateful for. Rachel Novario, one of the athletic trainers here, has also been an incredible support to me and is someone I have looked up to and am extremely appreciative of.
Q: Tell us a bit about your Independent Study project?
A: I am researching how a lack of state social safety net provision can impact individuals' willingness to justify or perpetuate violence against the state.
Q: Tell us a bit about something cool you did as a student at The College of Wooster?
A: I was a part of the Applied Methods and Research Experience (AMRE) program one summer and had the opportunity to work as an economic consultant for the Wayne County branch of Habitat for Humanity. My team constructed an economic impact report and a capital campaign for them!
Q: Reflecting back on your time at Wooster, what is one piece of advice you would give your first-year (freshman) self?
A: Don't rush through everything. It's not always about getting to the next thing. Enjoy where you're at!
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