Alumni

Class of 2011
Major: Small Animal Science; Animal Training, Behavior & Enrichment
Minor: Business Administration

I am very involved in running and I have been doing so since 5th grade. I also have been swimming since I was 4 and only gave it up to come to DelVal and pursue my running career. Recently I have began competing in triathlons and I hope to turn professional once I have graduated. I was offered a job to coach triathlon by a very well respected running coach, Gerard Pearlberg, who will be coaching me in running and triathlon after I graduate. He also asked me to help him coach future athletes in the triathlon aspect, as he is more geared towards running. I jumped at this because I know offers like this are once in a life time; especially from someone who is so well respected and well known across the United States.

My family is very athletic, when I told them I wanted to turn professional in triathlon after graduation they supported me 100%. So when my Dad offered me a job, although it has nothing to do with my major, I could not pass it up. He offered me a part- time job with his company, The Leather Institute, located right by my home in Red Bank, NJ. They have service centers worldwide from Red Bank to Singapore serving the furniture, automotive and aviation industries. Working with my family is a great opportunity for me to learn how a business runs and since my dad is an athlete he knows how much time I will need to spend working out. This job will give me the time to dedicate myself to the sport and pursue my dreams of becoming a professional triathlete, as well as having a steady job I know I can rely on. In my opinion I have the best of both worlds. I not only have a job, but I get to work with my family and I get to pursue my triathlon career and help others pursue theirs.

A quote that speaks to me is; "If you want to be successful, it's just this simple. Know what you are doing. Love what you are doing. And believe in what you are doing." -Will Rodgers

Since Delval is a small school and very specialized in the animal and agricultural aspects you have to love what you do and what you are learning to stay focused and be successful. Since I was little I loved dogs and I loved obedience training, that is how I knew Delval was the right place for me since it was very specialized in animal studies. Although for now my life has taken a different turn, I do hope to find the time to work with dogs.

This quote also speaks about my running and triathlon careers. I set the expectations I have for myself high and I set my goals high so I have something to strive for. I put in a lot of hard work and dedicate a lot of my time to training to see success, but it's what I love to do and I wouldn't have it any other way.

As much as I hate to say goodbye to the college life and the atmosphere I have become so used to and comfortable with, I am really looking forward to starting the next chapter in my life.