It means a lot and it shows that BSU really cares about all the students and student athletes as individuals. They care about making the most out of each student’s experience.
Life can often feel like a blur for Anna Rice, ’28. A forward on the women’s soccer team, Anna juggles practices, games and classes – a balancing act that leaves little time for self-reflection.
But thanks to a rapidly expanding program called Life Design, Anna and her fellow first-year BSU soccer players are exploring their futures – and taking concrete steps to turn those dreams into reality.
“It means a lot and it shows that BSU really cares about all the students and student athletes as individuals,” Anna, a physical education major from Weymouth, said of Life Design. “They care about making the most out of each student’s experience.”
Launched at Bridgewater last year, Life Design is based on a concept developed at Stanford University to help people systematically think through big decisions such as choosing a major or career and making the most of their time in college.
Stanford officials have recognized BSU as a trailblazer for integrating Life Design throughout the university, from classes to advising to workshops with athletes, club leaders and others.
“You guys are really leading the way in implementing our ideas about self-efficacy and Life Design across your student population,” said Bill Burnett, co-founder of the Life Design Lab at Stanford.
BSU, Burnett said, is doing a “phenomenal job.”
Bridgewater students use an architectural concept called design thinking, where they study a problem, ask questions, brainstorm solutions, take concrete action and review their progress. They learn to be curious, trust their gut, dream big and ask for help.
“When they leave school, they will be able to use this approach for a lifetime,” said Carol Crosby, associate director of Life Design at BSU.
All first-year athletes are taking part in Life Design during the 2024-2025 academic year. During a recent workshop for soccer players, students learned about opportunities at BSU such as studying abroad, undergraduate research and internships. Crosby highlighted ways athletes can work these hands-on experiences into their schedules.
“This really helps by taking a step back and looking at everything that’s in front of you,” said Emily Lehane, ’28, a health science major from Braintree, who refined her school, career and life goals.
Hope Montgomery, ’28, credits the program with improving her time management and confidence in classes. She’s now interested in studying abroad through a one- or two-week travel course.
“I think it’s amazing that BSU does this,” said Hope, an elementary education major from Abington. “They’re actually looking out for our mental health and not just shoving us into the college experience. It definitely shows how much they care about us.”
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