I first got my hands on a pair of skis when I was just two years old.

Brought up in a quaint New England town, where a single road serves as both the entrance and exit, offering a stunning coastline and picturesque views. While others sought mountains through driving, my introduction to the world of snow, or should I say "ice," happened at a very early age. My life unfolded amidst contrasting atmospheres, split between the charm of our town and the thrill of snowy landscapes. It may sound crazy, but I wouldn't have had it any other way.

A passion for speed fueled my love for skiing. Joining the Gould Academy Weekend Ski Program was a natural choice, driven by my desire to push the limits and go even faster. Those exhilarating moments when my skis were perfectly perpendicular to the snow, sending ice chips flying as I raced toward the finish line, were truly unforgettable.

High school found me on the ski team enjoying the thrill of winning, except for those times when I caught an edge, sending me tumbling into gates and spectators.

I wouldn’t say I’m fearless, but I do like a challenge and risk. Still, I love it.

As a college student and retired from ski racing (Endicott didn’t have a ski club let alone a ski team), I decided it was time for a different kind of challenge. One day as I complained to my friend Garrett about my summer job prospects, he informed me of a lifeguard shortage where he worked on Wells Beach. Though swimming certainly wasn’t my strongest suit, I dove into the challenge of becoming a certified lifeguard for Wells Ocean Rescue. Truly, it was all fun and games until my third year on the beach when I faced a life-n-death rescue that quite honestly changed me forever.

During my college years, I became aware of the study abroad program, which instantly captivated me. In the spring semester of 2020, amid a global pandemic, I found myself completing my undergraduate program in Madrid. I squeezed in 8 weekend trips amongst being oversees, despite the challenges. I seized every opportunity for exploration before our abrupt return to the United States and immediate quarantine.

A particularly vivid memory centers around navigating the Swiss Alps. Yes, you heard correctly. A financially limited college student was resolute in experiencing the Alps with minimal language proficiency and about 100 Swiss francs in my pocket. Undaunted, I convinced my best friend Sarah to embark on this adventure with me, and I can assertively state that it exceeded all my expectations, instilling in me a lasting yearning for more.

Despite the challenges, including Sarah losing her wallet and both of us being entirely out of our comfort zone, I wouldn't exchange those few runs and a celebratory toast atop the hill for anything now.

As I embark on this next part of my life, I seek a career that incorporates my passion for the mountains and outdoors while allowing me to exercise the creativity and drive that has guided me through my undergraduate studies. 

I look forward to all my endeavors as I now transition my life from the ocean of the East, to the mountains of the West.

- LYDIA FAYE CORCORAN