It's time to meet the Auburn equestrian freshman class as we bring you Q&As with the newcomers. Our final feature of the week is Helen Lohr!
Hometown: Warrenton, Va.
Major: Pre-Mechanical Engineering
Prior to Auburn: 2020 VHSA Adult Amateur Medal Final winner … 2019 USHJA Zone 3 Equitation Finals Champion … 2019 USHJA Zone 3 Junior Hunter Champion … 2019 VHSA and MHSA Junior Hunter Champion … 2018 VHSA Junior Exhibitor of the Year.
Q: Why did you chose Auburn?
A: Auburn has it all: a strong engineering program, NROTC, and the nation's best equestrian team. Then there is the Auburn Family. Anytime Auburn is mentioned, someone will come forward to tell you how much they love Auburn.
How long have you been riding and what is the name of the first pony you rode?
I have been riding since before I could remember. I was born into a family of equestrians. My first pony was named Shenandoah Seychelles, who took me on my first fox hunt when I was four years old.
What made you choose mechanical engineering and what do you plan on doing with it?
I was selected to attend a STEM Governor's School in high school at where I chose a physics-based track. My high school curriculum gave me a solid mechanical engineering background which led me to a mechanical engineering degree here at Auburn. After I graduate, I plan to put my degree to use as a Submarine Officer in the U.S. Navy.
Why did you decide to also join ROTC? What are some life lessons you've learned so far as a part of the program?
I'm the third of three daughters, and I figured someone needed to follow my dad into the Navy! Just as mechanical engineering seemed like a natural progression, so was my choice to participate in the Naval ROTC program. Naval ROTC teaches a level of leadership and responsibility that helps me in every aspect of my life. The most valuable lesson I've learned: arrive everywhere 15 minutes early.
How do you balance equestrian, school and ROTC responsibilities?
Between the equestrian team, an engineering degree, and my role in the Naval ROTC unit, I have about one hour of down time a day. My planner has become something of a holy book. My days start at 4:30 a.m. and end around 9:00 p.m. My best tactics for finishing at such a reasonable hour is to a) make a plan of the day the night before and b) get at least 6 hours of sleep. You can work as hard as you like, but if you don't have the energy to support it, your work will not be productive.
What is the best vacation you've ever been on and what made it so awesome?
I don't vacation very frequently, but this summer I got to vacation for a week with my entire immediate family. It is rare that the whole family is together because my sisters are both adults with adult jobs living on opposite coasts of the US. It was special to spend a week with both my older sisters, my brother-in-law, and parents all under the same roof. It was great to be at the beach, but it wouldn't have been nearly as fun without my whole family there with me.
If you're stranded on a deserted island, what three teammates do you bring with and why?
I would bring Boo Kammerer to keep us laughing, Isabella Tesmer for her level head in times of crisis, and Kate Buchanan for her excellent dinners.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
My superpower of choice is teleportation. On a moment's notice I could teleport home to ask my mom for a loaf of bread, and if you know me, you know there is very little in this world I value as much as my mother's sourdough!
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
In my free time I usually read. Right now, that is Obama's autobiography "A Promised Land". When the end of my senior year of high school got relocated to my living room, I spent hours learning the algorithms to solve a Rubik's cube.
What movie could you watch on repeat and why would you choose it?
If I had to choose one movie to watch on repeat it would be "Interstellar". You have to watch it a few times before you understand it, might was well keep watching to be sure you have a full grasp on the concepts.
How would your friends and family describe you in three words?
Vibrant, ambitious, assertive
What is one interesting fact the Auburn Family should know about you?
Once during 18 straight snow days, I mastered the art of making French Macarons. They are great for special occasions!
If you had the opportunity to do any other sport, what would it be and why?
If I had the opportunity to do another sport competitively, I would ski. I love skiing and I love the mountains.
Favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot on campus is Ross Square. I discovered it on my walk to the Aerospace Engineering building and I have only seen it in the winter, but I would gamble it's going to be beautiful in the Spring!
What has been your favorite memory so far with your teammates?
I can't pinpoint a specific favorite memory with my teammates, but there are moments here and there that make me so grateful to have this group of successful, driven women at my back. Sharing dinner at Wellness and complaining about a hard day, or goofing off in our shared hallway, or screaming along to music at absurd volumes. There are days when I feel like I am going to drown in responsibilities and Isabella (Tesmer) checks on me to make sure I've eaten a full meal. Gracie Sullivan bringing maple syrup to my room to make sure I can properly enjoy my pancakes. So many little moments like that make me grateful to have a whole team of strong women that I know I can rely on and who can rely on me.