Hi everyone! I'm Madison. I grew up in Pasadena, California, but spent eight years living in Manila, Philippines, and one year in Spain. I'm planning to double major in Film and Media Studies and Sociology, with a minor in Human-Centered Design. I love spending quality time with people and having good conversations. I'm so excited to share my college journey with you!
Academic Program
Majors in Film and Media Studies and Sociology, Minor in Human Centered Design
At Dartmouth, I'm constantly impressed by student-athlete friends who balance academics, social life, and demanding athletic schedules. Curious how they do it? Read on for a closer look at the life of a baseball student-athlete through Alejandro.
Q. What does a typical day look like, balancing school, practice, and everything else?
Alejandro: A typical day as a Dartmouth student-athlete is very busy. It does require good time management. The baseball teamtends to have "lift" at 8:30 in the morning or earlier. Then we'll go get a meal, go to our first class, and practice around noonish. Then we will go do our homework, go to the library, study, and do what we need to do. And then, if you do extra training, you will probably do your extra training, or any other stuff you do outside of the team, after you do your homework. After that, go back home, shower, and go to bed.
Q. How would you describe the vibe of your team?
Alejandro: The vibe is very contagious; whatever vibe it may be at the time, it tends to spread around. So, if the team is up, happy, and excited, everyone tends to be the same. For the most part, we have very good chemistry, and the team vibe is very good.
Q. What keeps you disciplined or on track with your goals?
Alejandro: Whether that be athletic or academic goals, what keeps me on top of them is pretty much my dream of becoming a Major League Baseball player. I know that each day gets me closer to that dream. As for academics, as much as I want to be a great baseball player, I also want to reflect my hard work in everything outside of the field, whether that be academics, friendships, social life, or anything else. I want to be a very balanced person. Education is very important for baseball as well. So, obviously, if my end goal is to make it to the Major League and play baseball, I have to perform well both on the field and off the field academically.
Q. Can you share a favorite team memory or moment?
Alejandro: Playing the game "Mafia" on long bus rides is always very fun. It's a meaningful way to bond with the team.
Q. How do you stay focused or motivated when things get overwhelming?
Alejandro: I reach out to my support system, whether that be my family, my friends, or God. I definitely center my life around God, and when it gets difficult, I just stay the course and know that it's on a day-by-day basis. I just want to live from moment to moment.
Q. What's been your proudest moment so far as a student-athlete?
Alejandro: My proudest moment so far was probably starting the Texas series, which was the first series we played against a top-ranked team, who are now #1 in the nation. Playing them and being able to say I played at the collegiate level was one of my biggest dreams. Finding out I was a starting player as a first-year player was the icing on the cake.
Q. What have you learned about yourself since joining your sport in college?
Alejandro: I've learned to deal with failure far more than I expected. I've failed a lot with hitting; I guess that could be due to stress, a lot of pressure, or different things mentally. But one thing I can say is that no matter how hard it has gotten, I've always stayed optimistic and believed in myself. Sometimes, others believe in me more than I do in myself, which helps me get back into that state of believing in myself. Playing my sport in college, I've learned how to deal with failure.
Q. Any advice you'd give to future students trying to balance academics and sports?
Alejandro: The advice I'd give to future students is to remember to breathe and to take everything in day by day, hour by hour, and second by second. If you have a support system, make sure you keep them close; they're the ones who love you, care about you, and want the best for you. There are other athletes who have been through it, and you're going to make it through it.
Q. What does "success" look like to you right now?
Alejandro: Short-term success for me is breaking the slump I'm currently in with hitting and becoming more consistent at the plate. I've been struggling a bit with my hitting, but I've been working really hard. Every day that I give it my all, I know I'm working toward success at the plate. My long-term goal is to get drafted into the Major Leagues in three years. I want to finish my Dartmouth degree and get drafted. At the end of the day, my ultimate goal is to be in the MLB.
At Dartmouth, I'm constantly impressed by student-athlete friends who balance academics, social life, and demanding athletic schedules. Curious how they do it? Read on for a closer look at the life of a track & field student-athlete through David.
