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 role models for current and future VU students and student-athletes.
October 2008
Thomas Davis - Men's Cross Country
Junior, Major: Biomedical Engineering
Why did you choose to attend Vanderbilt?
 Vanderbilt was the school that best offered all of the opportunities I was looking for. Only at Vanderbilt would I have been able to run Division I cross country, attend a school that does an excellent job preparing pre-med students, pursue my community service interests through the Ingram Scholarship Program, and access the resources of a vibrant city. At the same time, Vanderbilt is a school where I knew I would have a lot of fun, which has included painting up front row to watch Vanderbilt basketball defeat two teams ranked number one in the nation.
What are your career goals?
When I graduate, I will spend another four years on campus going to Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. I am particularly interested in combining my interests in surgery and business in order to make a significant contribution towards global poverty alleviation.
What does it take to be academically successful at Vanderbilt?
Frankly, there are no tricks. It is all about good old-fashioned hard work and some responsible decision making.
What is your ritual before taking a test?
I study until I know the material. Then in the morning, I wake up in order to briefly review everything. Just like I can't run a race cold, I can't take a test without warming up my mind.
What is your favorite quote?
"Many people in sports think of success and excellence as though they are the same. They're not. Success is perishable and often outside our control. In contrast, excellence is something that's lasting, dependable, and largely within a person's control. In sports, in business, in politics, we all know people who are very successful and who try to keep other people down. But people who truly excel don't resent excellence in others. People who shoot only for success, however, always feel threatened by other people's success. Success is measured by what other people think: by whether they ask for autographs, buy tickets, stand up to applaud and cheer. Excellence is best measured by the achiever." --Joe Paterno
Why Thomas is a Student-Athlete of the Month . . .
Thomas is one of the finest student-athletes Vanderbilt has to offer. He is an extremely intelligent young man who has already been accepted into Vanderbilt’s School of Medicine and will begin his medical studies upon completion of his undergraduate degree. Thomas is one of cross country’s top runners and has recorded two top-ten finishes this fall with several meets remaining. What is most impressive about Thomas is his commitment to service in the community, and as a member of the prestigious Ingram Scholars Program he spends at least 20 hours per month working on his initiative in improving health care in third world countries. I wish Thomas the best in all of his endeavors and I am confident he will achieve greatness. --Shawn Fagan
Rita Jorgensen - Women's Cross Country
Sophomore, Major: Undeclared
Why did you choose to attend Vanderbilt?
 I chose to attend Vanderbilt because I really liked the school, the team, and the coach. I wanted to be a part of building the Vanderbilt running program into a strong competitor in the SEC and a national title.
What are your career goals?
I would like to work in the green building/sustainable housing industry as a civil engineer, an architect, or a product developer.
What does it take to be academically successful at Vanderbilt?
To be academically successful at Vanderbilt, you have to prioritize your time and set aside time to study. You have to be organized. And, if you don't understand something, you have to ask your professor, teaching assistant, tutor, or an upperclassman to explain it. Above all, you have to be positive and believe you can do well in your classes.
How do you manage your demanding schedule?
I try to use my time efficiently. When I have a lot to do, I focus on finishing everything without wasting time.
What is your ritual before taking a test?
Before taking a test, I try to do as many practice problems as I can. I don't really like to stay up late, so I wake up in the morning and study before a test. It helps me to work problems in the morning before a test because it warms up my mind.
What is your favorite quote?
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." --Dr. Seuss
Why Rita is a Student-Athlete of the Month . . .
It is my honor to nominate Rita Jorgensen for the Student Athlete of the Month for October. Rita has not only achieved success in athletics in her short period of time at Vanderbilt, but she has also proven to be an outstanding student and a great leader for the Women's Cross Country team. Rita is well deserving of this honor. --Max Martin
Past Recipients...
September 2008
August 2008
July 2008
June 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
April 2006
March 2006
February 2006
January 2006
December 2005
November 2005
October 2005
September 2005
August 2005
July 2005
June 2005
May 2005 April 2005 March 2005 February 2005
Academic Support for Student-Athletes | Vanderbilt University
Department of Student Athletics | 2601 Jess Neely Drive | Nashville, TN 37212
Phone (615) 343-0444 |
