Tell us about yourself.
I'm originally from Worcester, Mass., and currently live in Providence, R.I. I am finishing up my senior year at Providence College as a chemistry and biology double major with a minor in dance. I am also a member of the Providence College Dance Company. Last year, I choreographed a West Side Story medley.
Have you always wanted to become a dentist?
Actually, yes I have. I had braces growing up and I think someone's smile has so much to do with their self-esteem and self-confidence. I'd really like to help people in that way so they can smile without any inhibition. I shadowed my own dentist a few years ago and decided I would really love it as a career. Next year, I'll be attending the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine on full scholarship as a recipient of the St. Catherine of Siena Scholarship and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship.
How do you juggle being a double major and a Patriots Cheerleader?
I sacrifice sleep! I'm also a Resident Assistant at Providence College where I am responsible for 50 freshman girls. On the weekends that we do not have a game I'm usually on duty or organizing programs with other RA's in the building and the girls on my floor. All of this requires time management, so it's important for me to stay focused. I find a way to make it work because being a Patriots Cheerleader has been a dream of mine since I was young. I've been dancing since I was two years old, so getting on the team was unbelievable; a remarkable experience I wouldn't trade for anything.
Do you have any good RA stories?
My residence hall is all girls and we have what is called parietals - a time every night when boys are not allowed in this dorm. It's very common for boys to try to sneak in after parietals. They even attempt crawling through windows. One time we actually found someone trying to scale a wall to get to the second floor. It's amusing to see what lengths they will go to to see their significant others.
Did you grow up a Patriots fan?
Yes! My whole family is Patriots fans and my uncle even has season tickets. My two little cousins had Tom Brady jerseys as infants. We're definitely big fans. We even have Patriots gear for the dogs. I am lucky to be able to attend all the home games.
What is your favorite thing about being a Patriots Cheerleader?
There's nothing that compares to game day. Being on the field is a great feeling and we get our energy from the fans. I also love that the Krafts give so much back to the community. I really admire them for that. As a cheerleader I've had the opportunity to attend many promotional appearances, including a breast cancer walk over the summer. In October, I participated in an event at Gillette Stadium for town children who missed Halloween due to a storm and were given the opportunity to trick or treat throughout Patriot Place and take pictures on the field. I love that giving back is a big part of what we do.
Will you be able to continue as a Patriots Cheerleader while in dental school?
I'd really love to and I'm hopeful that I can do it. It will be challenging to be in dental school and be a Patriots Cheerleader, but I'd really like to try to make it work. This past year has been so amazing that I feel like I'm going to be a Patriots Cheerleader at heart, no matter what happens.
