As a junior, Sarah Chan is already leaving her mark at Stevens Institute of Technology. In addition to being an Environmental Engineering major with a minor in Coastal Engineering, she is also a varsity swimmer, a sister in Alpha Phi, a violinist in the Orchestra, a Peer Leader, and a member of the Student Faculty Alliance and the Stevens Environmental Engineering Professional Society (SEEPS). In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with friends, reading, gaming, and baking.
Music and swimming have been big parts of Sarah’s life in college. She started playing the violin in third grade. Sarah recalls that violin was the first instrument she learned at school. She says, “I wanted to try it [violin] and loved it, so I stuck with it. [During] my senior year of high school, I was a little bored and learned a little bit of the viola, cello, and bass, but I can’t play them nearly as well as I can play the violin.” As a violinist, it is no surprise that her favorite classical composers include Mozart, Dvorak, and Vivaldi. Moreover, her favorite pieces include Lacrimosa from Mozart’s Requiem and Dvorak’s Slavonic Dances. In terms of modern-day music, she enjoys listening to alternative rock, modern rock, and indie pop!
Sarah continues to play violin and swim because she enjoys it. She has been swimming since she was 8 years old. She recalls, “My parents wanted me to learn how to swim so I started off at safety swim. My neighbor was on the competitive swim team and suggested I try it out.” After trying swimming out and enjoying the sport, Sarah decided to continue with it because she loved the sport. She adds, “For sprints, I love swimming butterfly. It feels amazing when you get into the rhythm and propel yourself forward.” The butterfly stroke, however, is extremely tiring. For longer distances Sarah’s preferred stroke is freestyle because it is easier to swim. Additionally, she loves the technique aspect of it. She explains, “There’re so many small technical details in freestyle to focus on during practice.” Though the sport is challenging, especially when balancing it with academics, Sarah loves to swim. She exclaims, “To stop now would just be weird for me. It’s just a part of who I am. Even after college I’d like to continue doing what I love! Not to mention both activities [swimming and violin] are great ways to get away from the stress of schoolwork.”
Balancing academics and extracurriculars is no easy feat. From previous experience, Sarah has pinpointed time management as being the key to juggling many commitments. She explains that whether it is on your phone or an agenda book, it is paramount to keep track of practice times and meetings so you can plan out your week. She emphasizes the importance of self-care as well. “When you’re making your schedule, be sure to make time for yourself too!”
Right now, Sarah’s dream job is to get a job near her hometown, Port Jefferson Station on Long Island, where she can help keep beaches and other natural parts of the island healthy. She hopes to travel more in the future and perhaps even be a National Geographic photographer and capture moments for others to see.
“My ultimate life goal right now is to move to Norway,” she says. “I don’t see myself doing it anytime soon but maybe in 10 or so years. One of my easier life goals is to get PADI certified and dive around the world. My first stop will be the Great Barrier Reef!”
Two of her favorite quotes are from Oscar Wilde and Jack Kerouac, respectively: “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people just exist,” and the other is, “Be in love with your life. Every minute of it.” Sarah loves these quotes because they serve as a reminder that life is too short not to do what you love. Too many people go about their daily lives without having fun or taking chances. Regardless of the situation, always remember to look on the brighter side of things!
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