I played my second season of varsity soccer this fall semester at Bates College. It was a great season for our team and we were able to build strong connections with each other leading to a more robust program. One of the highlights of the season was our 2-0 victory over Tufts University. This was my first NESCAC start in goal, and following this win, my coach chose to start me in the net for the rest of the season. Our team is also planning to take a soccer-oriented trip to Iceland this April which will include both exploring the country and playing soccer. This fall and last spring I volunteered several days a week as a fourth-grade teaching assistant at a local elementary school. This opportunity has sparked a new passion for working with children leading to my future work at the Early Childhood Education Center at MV Community Services. I plan to work there this summer with children ages three to five to develop my skills as a mentor and teacher, and to gain insight into the other services provided through Community Services that will help guide my career path. I recently declared a major in Psychology with a minor in Hispanic Studies and will be applying to a semester abroad program in Granada, Spain during the spring of Junior Year. I am grateful for the opportunity MVYouth has given me in pursuing my athletic and academic interests at Bates.