Throughout the spring semester, we are honoring our senior student-athletes with a "Senior Salute" series. Today's featured senior is Angelina Bolivar, a psychology major from Herndon, Virginia. Bolivar is a member of the women's lacrosse team.
Q: Why did you choose to attend The College of Wooster?
A: I chose to attend Wooster because of the high academic values and the student involvement in campus activities. All the students I met were excited to tell me about what clubs and sports they were involved in and how much they enjoyed Wooster when I did my overnight as a high school junior. They were also very proud to be a Fighting Scot. Additionally, I was excited to learn about how Wooster students have strong relationships with faculty members.
Q: What does being a Fighting Scot student-athlete mean to you?
A: Being a Fighting Scot student-athlete means representing my school both on and off the field. I showcase both my love for the sport and my school pride at the same time. I know that Wooster has people who can support me athletically and academically. Being a Fighting Scot student-athlete is also important to me because my teammates are some of my best friends.
Q: What are some of your favorite memories as a student at The College of Wooster?
A: Academically, I am minoring in physical education, and I have had the opportunity to take many interesting courses. One of them was a coaching class, and I learned how to play different sports from fellow classmates. I even went off the diving board a few times. I was able to hold a bronze medal from the Olympics in another physical education course. Athletically, I really enjoyed my spring break trips with my teammates and exploring new places.
Q: What is the best part about being a student-athlete at The College of Wooster?
A: I love being able to play the sport I love while still being involved in multiple different things on campus. I appreciate Wooster's focus on academics and research while still valuing the importance of athletics and all that comes with it.
Q: What else were you involved with on campus besides your sport?
A: I used to work as a tour guide in Admissions. This year, I am working as an admissions intern where my main role is interviewing prospective students. I work in the Psychology department as a student assistant. Additionally, I am a board member for the COWBelles A Capella group and serve as one of the representatives for the Queer Athletes Affinity Group.
Q: Which College of Wooster faculty or staff member has made the greatest impact on you and why?
A: All the psychology professors have made a large impact on me in my time at Wooster. They all taught me or have been my advisor at some point. Working as a student assistant in the department has allowed me to know them more outside of a classroom environment. They have given me a lot of advice and shown genuine care for my academics and wellbeing, which in turn has given me a welcoming experience at Wooster.
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: Coach Elizabeth Ford has always kept all our best interests and future successes in mind. She meets with us individually and ensures that we are doing the best we can academically and mentally. Coach Ford impacted me in my first year at Wooster by pushing me to perform as my best self academically, and it has stuck with me since.
Q: Tell us a bit about your Independent Study project?
A: My Independent Study is titled "The Professor Within: The Effects of Sleep and Psychosocial Factors on Professors' Anxiety." A unique feature of my I.S. includes professors as my participants. Prior research has focused on the stress of professors but has failed to link other aspects of faculty members' mental health to psychological and health factors, which is what I am investigating.
Q: Tell us a bit about something cool you did as a student at The College of Wooster?
A: One of my professors encouraged me to apply for a summer internship in Miami, Florida, and helped me with the application process. I positively reinforced behavioral modification therapy in children with ADHD, practiced research techniques with the children's data, and more. I would not have been able to work this summer internship as a Wooster student without the help of the psychology faculty.
Q: Reflecting back on your time at Wooster, what advice would you give your first-year self?
A: I would tell myself that change is good and to embrace it and be confident. I have changed a lot as a person which worried me a bit, but I am happy with who I am today.
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