My first semester at Bates has been an academically and athletically demanding but socially rewarding experience. Playing varsity soccer has allowed me to develop a special bond with my teammates, and has pushed me to become a better goalkeeper and organized student. The NESCAC league is extremely competitive, and although we didn’t achieve enough wins for playoffs, the capacity for development and success is ever-present. The requirements for both vaccination and testing at Bates has allowed all of the students to have a more normal college experience, and for that we are extremely grateful. Attending a liberal arts college has been rewarding in the sense that I have taken classes outside of my math and science comfort zone, and took classes in history, sociology, and religious studies. I am considering a general education concentration in public health, but I’m looking forward to exploring a variety of classes before I declare my major. Though Bates doesn’t offer varsity ice hockey, there is a club team that has been playing at the local arena. Our campus rink has been used as a Covid testing center since the beginning of the pandemic, but a successful campus-wide petition convinced the administration to reestablish the ice. I am looking forward to lacing up my skates again with the club team. I’m extremely grateful for the support and opportunity MVYouth has provided me, and I look forward my next semester at Bates.