This week's Freshman Feature focuses on Nicole Hoffman, who talks about her time before Stanford and her goals while on The Farm.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I am from Bedford, New York. I have two siblings, an older and younger sister. My sister, Danielle, recently graduated from Brown University; my younger sister, Kallie, is in eighth grade. They are my two best friends - we’re very close - and it's always fun to spend time with them.
I also love to play soccer, read, watch movies, swim, and bake (especially when I can sample the batter!).
Of what are you most proud?
I am most proud of the fact that I have been able to play two sports at a very high level, while maintaining a rigorous academic schedule throughout high school. Finding the time to balance gymnastics, soccer and schoolwork was not always easy but definitely worth the extra effort.
What’s been the biggest surprise about Stanford?
I have been most surprised by how down to earth and friendly the people are at Stanford. People really want to get to know you on a personal level and listen to what you have to say.
Outside of the dorm, professors, coaches, peer advisors, and even the dining hall staff are also eager to interact with students. Stanford is such an amazing community because of the camaraderie on campus and the genuine concern for everyone’s well-being.
What are you thinking of studying? What are your favorite classes so far?
As of now, I am undecided. I am contemplating either psychology or a math-related major. This quarter, I am in an introductory seminar called “How Beliefs Create Reality.” This class is my favorite because the small class size fosters a more open environment to express views and ideas. The class focuses on how humans have preexisting beliefs relating to all aspects of life, including food, academic and athletic performance, sleep, stress, and other topics that influence our actual actions and decisions. Every time the class meets, the conversation always flows and the time moves quickly.
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SWG Freshmen: (L to R) H.Hoffman, |
What are some of your goals for this year - gymnastically, academically, socially, personally?
Academically, I want to be exposed to new ideas and subjects. Since I don’t yet have a major, I can use my freshman year to explore and discover what I find most interesting.
In gymnastics, my goal is to be able to consistently contribute to the team’s success and help us qualify for the Super Six.
Overall, I want to make the most of the year, meet new people, and feed off the energy on campus. Whether that translates to visiting with professors during office hours, getting decked out in Stanford gear to attend a football game, traveling to Monterrey with my friends, or flying to Texas for the national championships, I want to experience it all.
Role model?
My role models are my parents and sisters, as each one inspires me in different ways. They are all my biggest fans and offer unending support, pushing me to be the best and to treat other people with kindness and respect. What also amazes me is that no matter how busy they are, I can always count on them to listen and talk to me.
Favorite book, movie, TV show?
My favorite books are the Harry Potter series. I like many different movie genres, so it is hard to pick one particular favorite film. My favorite television shows are Game of Thrones, Silicon Valley and Conan.
Favorite food?
My favorite food is ice cream. It is hard to pick one flavor, but offer me a good coffee base and add either Oreos, brownies, or a fudge swirl and I will be done with it in five minutes!
Anything else you want to tell us?
Along with gymnastics, I am a serious soccer player. I was captain of my high school team and my premier club traveled across the country to compete in showcase tournaments. Also, my junior year of high school, my soccer team won the school’s first sectional championship. This was particularly exciting because our whole town rallied around us and traveled with us to the championship game in upstate New York.
In addition to soccer and gymnastics, I played basketball, baseball, tennis, lacrosse and was on a swimming and diving team when I was younger.
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| Hoffman on high school soccer team |
