Throughout the spring semester, we are honoring our senior student-athletes with a "Senior Salute" series. Today's featured senior is Gabriel Thomas, a philosophy major from Columbus, Ohio. Thomas is a member of the men's soccer team.
Q: Why did you choose to attend The College of Wooster?
A: Wooster checked every box I was looking for. The academics were really strong, Independent Study sounded really valuable and interesting, the campus was gorgeous, and the team was just a phenomenal group of guys. When I came to visit, it just felt right.
Q: What does being a Fighting Scot student-athlete mean to you?
A: It means being dedicated, focused, and compassionate. You have to show up ready to work, both in the classroom and on the field. You have the privilege of doing so surrounded by a team of wonderful individuals, every single day.
Q: What are some of your favorite memories as a student at The College of Wooster?
A: There was this one time right before team pictures as a first-year when my friends and I went sledding down the golf course hill. We were having a grand old time, racing down the hill, doubling up on the sleds, trying to make it over the hill on the other side, and stuff like that. One of the times, I am sitting at the back of the sled with one of my buddies in front, and we hit a bump. His head flew into mine, hitting me right in the cheek. It left a decent size bruise, so that is why I have a bruise under my right eye in my roster photo for that season. Playing card games at the hotel and on the bus to away games also ranks pretty high on the list.
Q: What is the best part about being a student-athlete at The College of Wooster?
A: Definitely being part of a team that is motivated and truly cares about each member. We are such a tight group that loves to push each other to be the best we can be both on and off the field.
Q: What else were you involved with on campus besides your sport?
A: I am a student consultant at the Writing Center, editor for the arts and entertainment section of The Wooster Voice, and treasurer for the undergraduate philosophy journal. I am also the vice president of the campus chapter of Phi Sigma Tau (national philosophy honor society) and a member of the Wooster Volunteer Network.
Q: Which College of Wooster faculty or staff member has made the greatest impact on you and why?
A: Dr. Elizabeth Schiltz has been amazing professor and mentor. She really fostered my love for the discipline of philosophy, pushed me in helpful ways to deepen my understanding of the material, and provided me ample opportunities to work with and instruct others. Dr. Schiltz has been such a wonderful part of my time here.
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: My coach, Andy Zidron, has been a phenomenal coach on and off the field. He truly lives by his principles and encourages us to do the same. Most coaches make the claim that they are there for the sport and to make their players better people as well. Coach Z actually does this. I can confidently say that he makes each and every one of us a better person. He really cares for us so deeply and has been such a positive force in my time here.
Q: Tell us a bit about your Independent Study project?
A: My I.S. is a philosophical inquiry into death. I argue that death is a necessary evil, an evil because of what it deprives us of and because of its effect on those left behind. I also argue death is necessary because it allows our lives to have meaning. The conception of meaning I use is Susan Wolf's Fitting Fulfillment View, where something is characterized as meaningful when it contains both objective importance and subjective satisfaction. This meaning can only be fully achieved if we confront our mortality. As such, a confrontation leads to authenticity, and authenticity leads to meaning. Thus, death is necessary for living a meaningful life.
Q: Tell us a bit about something cool you did as a student at The College of Wooster?
A: Our team trip to Cape Town, South Africa was absolutely amazing. We saw the prison where Nelson Mandela was kept, climbed Table Mountain, went on a legitimate safari, went cage diving with sharks, and played some quality soccer teams. It was unforgettable, and I am glad I have these memories with my teammates.
Q: Reflecting back on your time at Wooster, what advice would you give your first-year self?
A: Sleep is always more important. Do not stay up late finishing homework or a paper. It will still be there when you wake up, and you will do a better job if you are well rested. Make time for relaxing. Do not just study up until you go to bed every night. Watch a movie, eat some popcorn, and relax.
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