October 2006 Student-Athletes of the Month

*The Student-Athletes of the Month are selected on the basis of the all-around student-athlete...effort and excellence in academics, leadership, integrity, dedication to team, campus involvement, community service, and the ability to serve as a role model for current and future VU students and student-athletes.

October 2006

Molly Frew - Lacrosse

I decided to come to Vanderbilt because of the outstanding academic, athletic, and social opportunities that I believed I would have here. When I visited, I thought the campus was beautiful and loved that while you were on it, you couldn't tell that you were in a city. At the same time, I loved the area surrounding the school and looked forward to taking advantage of a variety of entertainment and dining opportunities.

After having an internship with Lehman Brothers this summer, I have accepted a full-time offer with them as a Public Finance Analyst, beginning in the summer of 2007.

To be successful at Vanderbilt, you have to be conscientious and diligent while constantly remaining on top of your work. You need to use all of the resources you have at your disposal including texts, required readings, teaching assistants and professors in order to obtain a thorough understanding of the material. It is so important to stay engaged with the topics that are being covered in class so that the information is more readily absorbed.

It really is all about time management. Being a student-athlete is very demanding and requires a number of sacrifices in order to be successful. I make sure that I am always aware of my assignments and requirements so that I can plan my time. I work ahead a lot in order to even out the workload, and carry readings with me so that I can be efficient during any spare time.

I do not really have a ritual before I take tests. In preparation, I generally type up study guides as I have found I learn the information better if I commit it to paper. Other than that, on the day of a test I do not do much, except try to look over the material in the morning.

"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard...is what makes it great." This was said by the character Jimmy Dugan in one of my favorite movies, "A League of Their Own", and I think it is so true and really reflects the life of a student-athlete.

Why Molly is a Student-Athlete of the Month . . .

Molly Frew has been a model Vanderbilt Student-Athlete throughout her collegiate career. Academically, she has excelled in the classroom with integrity and perseverance, being named to the Dean’s List every semester since her arrival on campus. On the lacrosse field, she has started every game in her three-year career, earning All-Conference and All-Region honors, and has been named a team captain by her peers. This summer she worked as an intern at the prestigious Lehman Brothers Investment Banking Firm in New York City and was involved in numerous philanthropic activities organized through the firm. In my short time at Vanderbilt it is obvious that Molly exemplifies the definition of a Vanderbilt Student-Athlete. It is my pleasure to have the opportunity to work with this responsible and friendly young woman during her final year. --Shawn Fagan

Anjarae Washington - Women's Track and Field

Vanderbilt was the best all around fit for me. It had the perfect size and location. Also, everyone I met at Vanderbilt on my visit was so well rounded--very intelligent but down to earth. It just felt like home from the beginning.

I plan to attain my master's degree in engineering and then enter the work force as a civil engineer. Right now I am leaning toward the structural engineering path. The work that goes into constructing a building is very interesting to me. Later I hope to attain my PhD.

It takes a certain amount of sacrifice. There are times you want to just relax and hang out with friends, but the work has to be done first. Also, you have to be able to let go of pride and let someone know when you do not understand something or you need help.

I depend on help from my teamates and classmates. While I keep an up to date planner, I always double check with my peers to make sure I am on top of things.

I try to keep up in class so I do not have to cram, but the night before I do a general review, take a practice test and get a good night's sleep. The morning of the test I wake up early, eat breakfast, and review anything I am not completely sure about.

"My mother drew a distinction between achievement and success. She said that achievement is the knowledge that you have studied and worked hard and done the best that is in you. Success is being praised by others. That is nice, but not as important or satisfying. Always aim for achievement and forget about success." --Helen Hayes

Why Anjarae is a Student-Athlete of the Month . . .

Anjarae has truly been an example of what a true student-athlete should be. She is an outstanding student as well as a dedicated member of the women's track & field team. Now a junior, Anjarae has stepped into a leadership role with the team and is now serving as the Academic Captain for this year. She has excelled in the classroom as an Engineering major due to her hard work and countless late night study sessions here in the Stratton Foster Academic Center. She is a person of high character and a great role model and is very deserving of this honor. --Max Martin

Past Recipients...

January 2005

Academic Support for Student-Athletes | Vanderbilt University
Department of Student Athletics | 2601 Jess Neely Drive | Nashville, TN 37212
Phone (615) 343-0444