Rachel Bayer

Hammonds Plains, NS
Charles P Allen High School
Bachelor of Arts Double Major Management and Sports Studies
Class of 2020

When it came time for me to look at choosing a university, I always had a dream of going away, but had no idea where to go, or how I would pay for it. I applied to schools in the Maritimes and Quebec. Quebec, primarily because I wanted to finally see the place I was born – Montreal. In my grade twelve year, I flew to Montreal and toured three schools, but I only fell in love with one, Bishop’s. Unfortunately, I felt that I couldn’t afford to go away and ended up accepting my offer to go to a school in Nova Scotia. I’m sure that school would have been a great choice, but I couldn’t stop thinking about going away for university. I wanted a new adventure. Luckily, my family supported me when I made the decision to take that year off, and I worked two jobs to save enough to move away. I used to feel embarrassed that I had to take a year off, I’m still not really sure why. Flash forward to my BU experience, and three years into my degree, I can say with confidence that was the best decision for me.

I’m a Sports Studies student and have been fortunate enough to work as the Home Ticketing Intern for Gaiters Athletics as part of a work internship which allows me to gain valuable industry experience to augment my coursework. I believe my education has been multi-faceted and I have been able to grow as a student and person because of the opportunities, like an internship, that a university like Bishop’s can offer. I have also had the pleasure of being a member of the Bishop’s Motionball Committee. Motionball is a national nonprofit organization that builds awareness and raises funds for the Special Olympics, through inclusive social and sporting events. I feel proud to be part of a student run committee supporting such a great organization.

Overall, my Bishop’s experience has been great and there have been two key takeaways that have stood out for me. The first is the idea that you don’t need to be an athlete to be involved in your school’s athletic department. And the second is that you shouldn’t be afraid to leave your hometown, because Lennoxville will become your second home in no time. I am so fortunate to love two places so much. I’m always so happy to go home for the summer, and then just as excited to come back to school.  #BleedPurple #UBishops