March 20, 2018
Editor's Note: On March 29, 2018, Dr. Steven Leath will be installed as the 19th president of Auburn University. Be a part of Auburn history and witness Dr. Leath as he shares an inspiring, innovative and transformative vision for Auburn's future. What follows is one in a series of 12 stories that highlight members of the Auburn family who embody these ideals. As you will see, Auburn is on the move. To learn more about the installation of President Leath, please visit www.auburn.edu/auburninspires
Being an athlete prepared me for my Rhodes Scholarship finalist interviews, 100 percent. During my four years as a softball player I conducted hundreds of interviews. Whether I played a good game or bad, I still had to conduct the interview. I had to be confident and supportive, realizing that it's about we, not me.
I prepared for my Rhodes interview just like I did for opposing pitchers during my softball career. With diligence, including practice interviews through Auburn University's Honors College. Getting comfortable wearing a suit in an interview, getting comfortable being questioned by five people. And knowing all my information before I walked in the door.
Athletics provided me teamwork. It transformed me by providing me with the complete skill sets I needed to go wherever I wanted to go. Academically, the professors at Auburn were so willing to work with me and with my schedule. As long as I put in the effort, they would work with me. They wanted to see me succeed as well.
So many people are willing to help you at Auburn. It's been one of the coolest experiences to know that my being where I am today is not just because of my hard work and dedication, it's because of everyone around me. Dr. Paul Harris, associate director for national prestigious scholarships in the Honors College helped guide me through the application process for the Rhodes Scholarship. I learned so much about myself through that extensive process. Being a finalist was quite an honor and I'm humbled knowing of all the support I received from Auburn Athletics and the College of Engineering along the way.
As a mechanical engineering major with medical school aspirations, it's important to me that President Leath is so committed to expanding Auburn's research and development programs to address some of society's most challenging issues with an emphasis on advancing knowledge in health sciences, improved sustainable resources, advanced manufacturing and cyber security.
I am doing ACL research connecting mechanical engineering and sports with Dr. Zabala in the Auburn University Biomechanical Engineering Lab. I'm a recruiter for the athletes and connect them to get MRI scans and come in for biomechanics research in hopes of preventing ligament tears.
President Leath is giving my fellow students and me at Auburn University the opportunity to make effective contributions to the world around us. And that matters.
Auburn is on the move.