School's in Session at Westminster

May means Maymester at Westminster for many USSA athletes.  I take online classes year-round, so this isn't the only time I attend school, but it is the only chance I get to sit face to face with my classmates and teacher.  By now, I've gotten used to the challenges of online education, but I do appreciate the opportunity to participate in a real classroom environment. 

This summer and fall, I'll continue to take classes online with Westminster.  I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to continue my education that Westminster provides for USSA athletes.  For the past 9 years, Westminster has provided USSA with an allotment of credits for its athletes.  The partnership has grown as USSA has expanded to include more sports.   This year Westminster boasted 23 Winter Olympians - the most from any University in the US. 

To celebrate the joint success, Westminster had a fun parade and BBQ last week with students, faculty and USSA student athletes.  

2014 Olympic medalists Devin Logan (left) and Maddie Bowman said a few words thanking Westminster for their support.  

Some of the athletes are able to take summer and fall courses at Westminster.  But with our travel schedule, May is usually the only time that I'm in one place for 4 weeks straight.  That's the beauty of Maymester, which is, as the name suggests, a quick month-long term.  

Olympian Megan McJames with Deb Vickery, one of Westminster's very patient student advisors.

As we look forward to Nordic Combined's future without USSA, Westminster remains an uncertainty.  We're hoping that the school will extend the program and give us the time to finish out our degrees with Westminster.  At the moment, besides Bill Demong, our entire team is in the Westminster program - that's the highest participation of any team.   For now, I'll focus on my Business Writing course and keep taking classes while I have the chance.