Name: Mali Axinn
Sports: Women's Cross Country, Indoor Track & Field, Outdoor Track & Field
Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y.
High School: Friends Seminary School
Activities/Clubs/Committees: Committee for Environmental Responsibility (CER), Writing Center Tutor, Food Justice Initiative (ETHOS)
Why did you choose Haverford?
I knew from high school that I learn best when my classmates are my friends and my teachers know me well. When I visited a psychology class at Haverford, I saw what I was looking for. The students were in small groups, working together to develop the criteria for a valid psychological hypothesis. I remember being impressed by the intensity of their conversations and their interactions with their professor who listened to each group carefully and knew every student's name. Now that I'm entering my third year at Haverford, I find this close-knit learning community even in my larger science classes. In Organic Chemistry, our professor had an extraordinary ability to explain complex chemistry, but also connect with us as individual learners. When the material became difficult, she would check in to make sure we were still with her. In moments of self-doubt (there are many in Orgo!), I would take a deep breath, look at my friends around the room, and be reassured that we were all in it together.
What is your favorite team experience?
Before every meet, our team comes together in the locker room for a little meeting. One of our rituals is to say out loud the events we will be competing in. Sprinters, jumpers, throwers, and distance runners cheer for each other as we announce our events. The next day at the track, you can hear the cheering from Haverford's women's team for miles.
Why did you to compete in a sport at college?
Running is a big part of who I am and how I live my life. In high school, I loved the girls on my team, but most were not serious about running. I saw college as an opportunity to find people who share my love for running and learn from a coach with over thirty years of experience.
What does being a student-athlete mean to you?
For me, being a runner is inextricably linked with being a student. I can't imagine getting through a day of classes and lab without spending the afternoon running with my Bees. Balancing school work with running keeps me organized, focused, and happy. It also turns out that my team is so much more than a group of runners. For every stage of my college journey, there is a teammate showing me what to do; how to work the dining center line, choose my classes, think like a biologist, and what it looks like to run fast. I can't imagine the rhythm of a week without these runs and my teammates.
What advice would you give a high school student considering Haverford?
Come spend a night at Haverford and visit a class. I decided to apply early after eating burritos with my overnight host and her hall. The burrito was yummy and I could imagine myself being happy eating them for four more years!