Running for VP Athletic Affairs is incredibly meaningful to me because of the impact that sports has had on my life. Having competed in sports at a highly competitive level, including playing Division 1 volleyball, I have experienced firsthand how powerful sports can be. It provides us an opportunity not just for physical health, but for building community, resilience, and friendships that last far beyond the field or court. Athletics create spaces where people from different backgrounds come together, support one another, and develop a strong sense of belonging. During our journey of medical training, I believe these opportunities to connect through sport are more important than ever. Medical school can be intense, and organized athletic activities provide an outlet for stress, a way to prioritize wellness, and a chance to strengthen the bonds within our class and across cohorts. My goal as VP Athletic Affairs would be to foster an inclusive, energetic, and supportive sports culture within the medical program, where everyone feels welcome to participate, regardless of their previous athletic experience. Whether that means organizing intramural teams, coordinating participation in Med Law Games and Medgames, or simply encouraging classmates to try something new and stay active, I want to help create opportunities for people to connect through movement and teamwork. In my undergraduate years, I had the privilege of serving as Vice President of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, where I helped organize athletic initiatives and advocate for student-athlete voices. Through that role, I gained valuable experience coordinating events, working collaboratively with different groups, and ensuring that athletic programs were accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of participants. I would be honored to bring that experience into this new chapter of my life and contribute to the medical student community in a meaningful way. Additionally, the opportunity to help organize the annual sMILES for Amanda event is something I deeply value. Events like this highlight how sport can also serve a greater purpose by bringing people together in remembrance, philanthropy, and community support. If elected, I would be committed to building on the strong traditions that already exist while also exploring new ways to engage students in athletics and wellness. Ultimately, I see this role as an opportunity to help strengthen the sense of community within our program, promote balance and well-being during medical training, and ensure that sports continue to be a positive and unifying part of our medical school experience.