Senior Saturday: Claire Golba Looks Back on a Memorable Experience at Tulane
Apr 11, 2020 | Women's Swimming and Diving
NEW ORLEANS - Each Saturday throughout the spring, TulaneGreenWave.com will look back on its 2019-20 senior class and their experience at Tulane. Check out TulaneGreenWave.com each Saturday throughout the spring to relive each Green Wave's senior experience.
This week's featured senior is Claire Golba from Kettering, Ohio.Â
What was your favorite memory from you time at Tulane?
"My favorite memory is the training trip we took to Oahu, Hawai'i my freshman year. Going to Hawai'i with 20 of your best friends to work hard in training and also explore the island was amazing. We went on a catamaran ride, watched a surfing competition, went cliff jumping, snorkeled, and even went to a pineapple plantation! It was so much fun and something I will never forget."Â
What made you decide to come to Tulane?
"What sold me on Tulane was the team and the atmosphere of the school itself. I absolutely loved the team on my recruiting trip and they felt like family as soon as I met them, and I also loved how service-oriented the school was. Tulane's motto is "Non Sibi Sed Suis", which means, "not for one's self, but for one's own." I think the idea of a school being very service-oriented and focused on giving back to the community is very admirable, and I wanted to be a part of a university that was involved in serving others."
What can you say you benefited the from during your time at Tulane?
"I learned how to push through the hard times and be resilient. College itself brings a lot of stress and ups and downs, and when you add Division I swimming to the mix with two practices a day, you can get beaten down very quickly. With this, I learned that you can do a lot more than you think you can and are a lot stronger than you seem. Additionally, I also learned the importance of community and surrounding yourself with people with strong ambitions and similar mindsets as you. Attitude is everything, and surrounding yourself with positive people is a great way to achieve your goals."
What was the best part about going to school in New Orleans?
"I love the people of the city. You start going to those same restaurants, coffee shops, vinyl record shops, whatever it may be, and the owners are so friendly toward you and remember who you are. The city felt like a family and the locals were always so kind to Tulane students. I am definitely going to miss the people and the vibrant culture of the city (and, of course, the food)."
What plans do you have for next year?
"I am taking the MCAT this summer and going to apply to medical school for 2021. As of right now, I am going back to Ohio and will continue to look for jobs to do in this gap year. I am planning on travelling to a few places around the world after the coronavirus (hopefully) calms down before buckling down for a lot more school."
What is the best advice you can give for future swimmers that come to Tulane?
"Enjoy being with your teammates! Those women will push you to work so hard in the pool and in the classroom, and you will rarely ever encounter a community of people that support you and love you like that after these four years. Always keep a positive attitude and give it 100% effort because it'll be done before you know it. Lastly, a good meme can go a long way, and a properly placed pun at practice will help you drown out the pain when you're kicking it with your teammates!"
Be sure to follow the program on Facebook and Twitter (@GreenWaveSwim) and on Instagram (@TulaneSwimDive). Fans can also follow Tulane Athletics on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
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WE ARE NOLA BUILT
Tulane University is located in the city of New Orleans. It is a city built on tradition and resiliency. The lessons Green Wave student-athletes have learned through their connection with this university and city have BUILT doctors, lawyers, business leaders, conference champions, all-conference players, all-Americans, professional athletes and NCAA tournament teams. The city of New Orleans has shaped us into who we are today. We are One City. We are Tulane. We are NOLA BUILT. Check out our story at NolaBuilt.com.Â
This week's featured senior is Claire Golba from Kettering, Ohio.Â
What was your favorite memory from you time at Tulane?
"My favorite memory is the training trip we took to Oahu, Hawai'i my freshman year. Going to Hawai'i with 20 of your best friends to work hard in training and also explore the island was amazing. We went on a catamaran ride, watched a surfing competition, went cliff jumping, snorkeled, and even went to a pineapple plantation! It was so much fun and something I will never forget."Â
What made you decide to come to Tulane?
"What sold me on Tulane was the team and the atmosphere of the school itself. I absolutely loved the team on my recruiting trip and they felt like family as soon as I met them, and I also loved how service-oriented the school was. Tulane's motto is "Non Sibi Sed Suis", which means, "not for one's self, but for one's own." I think the idea of a school being very service-oriented and focused on giving back to the community is very admirable, and I wanted to be a part of a university that was involved in serving others."
What can you say you benefited the from during your time at Tulane?
"I learned how to push through the hard times and be resilient. College itself brings a lot of stress and ups and downs, and when you add Division I swimming to the mix with two practices a day, you can get beaten down very quickly. With this, I learned that you can do a lot more than you think you can and are a lot stronger than you seem. Additionally, I also learned the importance of community and surrounding yourself with people with strong ambitions and similar mindsets as you. Attitude is everything, and surrounding yourself with positive people is a great way to achieve your goals."
What was the best part about going to school in New Orleans?
"I love the people of the city. You start going to those same restaurants, coffee shops, vinyl record shops, whatever it may be, and the owners are so friendly toward you and remember who you are. The city felt like a family and the locals were always so kind to Tulane students. I am definitely going to miss the people and the vibrant culture of the city (and, of course, the food)."
What plans do you have for next year?
"I am taking the MCAT this summer and going to apply to medical school for 2021. As of right now, I am going back to Ohio and will continue to look for jobs to do in this gap year. I am planning on travelling to a few places around the world after the coronavirus (hopefully) calms down before buckling down for a lot more school."
What is the best advice you can give for future swimmers that come to Tulane?
"Enjoy being with your teammates! Those women will push you to work so hard in the pool and in the classroom, and you will rarely ever encounter a community of people that support you and love you like that after these four years. Always keep a positive attitude and give it 100% effort because it'll be done before you know it. Lastly, a good meme can go a long way, and a properly placed pun at practice will help you drown out the pain when you're kicking it with your teammates!"
Be sure to follow the program on Facebook and Twitter (@GreenWaveSwim) and on Instagram (@TulaneSwimDive). Fans can also follow Tulane Athletics on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Â
WE ARE NOLA BUILT
Tulane University is located in the city of New Orleans. It is a city built on tradition and resiliency. The lessons Green Wave student-athletes have learned through their connection with this university and city have BUILT doctors, lawyers, business leaders, conference champions, all-conference players, all-Americans, professional athletes and NCAA tournament teams. The city of New Orleans has shaped us into who we are today. We are One City. We are Tulane. We are NOLA BUILT. Check out our story at NolaBuilt.com.Â
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