“I think that a Raider is so many things at the same time. There is so much pride in that word—we have said ‘Raider’ for such a long time, and it has gone through so many transitions. When I think of being a Raider, it is the idea that we always rise to the top. Academically we try to be the best, athletically we try to be the best, and in community service everyone is trying to create opportunities and do something for the community. The faculty is always trying to be the best in the classroom.

I sit in leadership meetings, and it’s always about how we get to the next level and support our students. Through initiatives like the ‘I Wish’ campaign, ideas are written down and shared with administrators and presidents who make decisions, all focused on how we can better support students. When I think of a Raider, I don’t mean perfection—Raiders are trying to be the best version of themselves in every area they can.

I’ve had a lot of great memories, but one of my favorites was commemorating Max Taylor’s garden, ‘Resilience in Bloom.’ Max is such a special individual who brought classmates, athletes, and adults together to support him. It showed how one individual can make such a difference. I walked away thinking that if we were all a little bit like Max, we could make such a difference in the world. He had an idea, came to us, and everyone wanted to support him from top to bottom—and it got done.

A lesson I’ve learned is that I learn every day. I’ve learned that there are a lot of good people here who help out, and when things aren’t going your way, you don’t have to do everything by yourself. There are people willing to help, and you need to learn to ask for it.”