This name tag from my trip to Oregon in April 2022 holds memories from one of the most exciting experiences of my high school career. I visited Willamette University as part of their Access to Excellence program, a fully-funded opportunity to explore the school while being recruited for their triathlon and swim teams. I traveled with my dad, flying from Traverse City with a short layover in Chicago before landing in Portland, then driving to Salem. Seeing Mount Hood for the first time and marveling at the towering redwoods along the way made the trip feel like an adventure before it even officially began.

During the visit, I met a girl from Hawaii who quickly became a good friend and learned about the history of Willamette, the swim and triathlon programs, and the campus culture. I toured classrooms, practiced on the athletic facilities, and experienced what life could be like as a student-athlete there. Although I ultimately didn’t commit due to the cost, this name tag isn’t just a souvenir—it’s a symbol of opportunity, growth, and the excitement of exploring new paths for my future.