“I felt like I was ahead of my peers, especially during my freshman year of college, because of how well-prepared I was,” recalls Wayne Valley alumna, Caroline McGrath. At Wayne Valley and beyond, Caroline Mcgrath dives into the world of her academic and athletic success. She credits the school for preparing her for college-level academics, especially when it came to science and writing-based courses.
One of the most influential figures in her high school career was her AP Biology teacher, Mrs. Ahlert. “ I always admired how passionate she was about biology and how engaging her class was. She inspired me to pursue a career in science.” After taking this class, McGrath truly discovered her love for science. This inspiration led her to major in biology. “I wasn’t 100% sure of what I wanted for my career when I picked my major, but I knew I could see myself working in a science-related field,” she says.
In addition to her success in academics, McGrath also found success on the field. Her journey into field hockey began when she was just 11 years old. At the time, she had been very unfamiliar with the sport. “My mom signed me up for the Wayne Boys and Girls Club because she wanted me to do a fall sport when I stopped playing soccer. It ended up being the best decision!” she says. McGrath later went on to play field hockey at the collegiate level. “My favorite thing about field hockey is how it forces you to think quickly. The game is a perfect blend of fast-paced play and technical difficulty, so combining the two requires you to think fast to make the right decision on and off the ball.”
When it was time for McGrath to leave high school and venture out into the world of college, she found a perfect match at DeSales University. “I committed to DeSales to play field hockey right before the start of my senior year at Valley. It was my top choice because when I visited it just felt like home, ” she says. The community, strong field hockey program, and strong academics made DeSales feel like an easy choice for Mcgrath. “I loved the field hockey team and coaching staff; I felt like I fit in perfectly,” she says. Playing field hockey at DeSales was made even more special when McGrath was given the opportunity to play with her sister. “I loved it! I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. It was a special experience to share; I won’t ever take it for granted,” she says.
Now as McGrath finishes graduate school at Lehigh University with her master’s degree in public health, she is preparing to take the next step in her journey. She looks forward to making an impact with her love for science and her passion for helping others. Her advice to current Wayne Valley students? “Try not to sweat the small stuff. Everything will work out the way that it’s supposed to, even if it’s not exactly what you planned. Every mistake and ‘failure’ can and will lead you to things you didn’t even know you wanted.”
