Abigail Cole is highly involved with all the Mount has to offer, but how does she manage all of her extracurriculars with her classes? Find out how she stays on top of her workload while making the most of the Mount, "a home for everyone", in this exclusive Q&A!
- Name: Abigail Cole
- What is your year and major?
- Major: Health and Exercise Science and Computer Science
- What is your anticipated graduation year?
- Graduation Year: May 2026
- Why did you choose the Mount?
- I chose the Mount because it allowed me to stay close to home while continuing to play the sports I enjoy and explore a new one. The Mount also provided opportunities to get involved in campus jobs and clubs, helping to build a sense of community that feels like home.
- Are you involved in any student organizations or extracurriculars? If so, how have these supported your academic success?
- I am currently involved in two NCAA Division III sports, women’s soccer and lacrosse. In addition, I hold several campus jobs, including Campus Ambassador, ISS Help Desk Student Worker, and Orientation Lead. I am also an active member of the Campus Activities Board (CAB) and the Talent Opportunity Program (TOP). Being involved in these clubs, sports, and jobs has had a significant positive impact on my academic success. Staying busy and involved helps me manage my time effectively and adds structure to my day. It has also strengthened my communication skills, allowing me to build strong connections with teammates, professors, and classmates.
- How do you manage your course load along with other obligations?
- Managing a busy schedule alongside a full course load can be challenging, but it also brings many benefits. One way I stay on top of my responsibilities is by dedicating specific blocks of time solely to assignments and studying. Staying organized is another key way, ensuring I complete all necessary coursework and assignments on time. This balance helps me succeed both academically and in my other commitments.
- Are there any staff or professors you would like to credit who helped accommodate your experience?
- Professor Thomas Palmer, a Health and Exercise Science professor, is someone who works well with my schedule. He cares about his students’ success both in and out of the classroom and is supportive of student-athletes. His clear and open communication brings a comfortable environment where students feel at ease discussing conflicts related to classes, sports, clubs, or other commitments. Professor Palmer goes above and beyond to help his students succeed. He makes coursework relatable by connecting concepts to sports or activities that are familiar to most, which helps make the material more engaging and easier to understand. For those who still need additional support, he is always willing to provide extra help. His efforts have made balancing academics, sports, and extracurricular activities much more manageable, which allows students to get involved on campus. Alongside Professor Palmer, Professor Kathryn Mitchell also plays a big role in making my college experience painless. She has an open communication with her students, ensuring that they can be involved in other activities while managing their academic responsibilities. Professor Mitchell recognizes that life goes beyond academics and works with her students to accommodate their other commitments, while supporting them. She is dedicated to making the transition to college smoother for her students, which is impactful and meaningful. Her support creates an environment that helps students adjust more easily to college life and feel more confident in balancing their various responsibilities.
- Describe one of your favorite memories at the Mount so far.
- One of my favorite memories at the Mount was winning the conference tournament with my soccer team during the Fall 2024 season. Experiencing this in my junior year made it even more special, as it reminded me how quickly time is passing. The importance of taking every opportunity to play the sport I love, making the achievement all the more meaningful.
- What advice would you give to someone looking to join the Mount community?
- For anyone considering joining the Mount community, it feels like a home for everyone. The Mount provides opportunities to step out of your comfort zone, try something new, and get involved on campus. Take these opportunities, you never know how much they might impact your life. Sometimes, trying something new can open doors to new interests and introduce you to people who will have a lasting impact on your college experience and life.
- What was your experience like connecting with students on campus?
- Connecting with other students is easy when you get involved on campus. Whether through playing a sport or joining a club, you build friendships. Being a part of the women’s lacrosse and soccer teams has given me the opportunity to meet some of my best friends, friendships I know will last long after college. Even if you’re not part of a club or sport, being open to talking to new people and stepping out of your comfort zone can make all the difference in forming new friendships.
- Can you describe your experience with the scholarships and applying for them?
- Applying for scholarships was painless. The Mount makes it easy to apply for scholarships in high school based on your GPA. The Mount gave me so many scholarship opportunities based on grades or other aspects that made it even better coming to the Mount.
- Can you share more about your experience with making Mount education affordable?
- I think the Mount is average in terms of cost for a private school. While many people lean toward public schools due to the price difference, this is common regardless of where you look. However, I do think the Mount could benefit from offering more opportunities for current students to earn scholarships. If such opportunities already exist, I would appreciate more information about them, as they could be incredibly helpful for students.