This upcoming fall we have students coming to Ripon from all over the country. Our “Admitted Student of the Week,” Sierra Landholm, might be making one of the longest journeys. “I think the biggest challenge [of college] is going to be living so far away from my family and friends because I’ve lived in Fife, Washington my entire life,” said Sierra, “I am looking forward to meeting new people and making those new connections.” Some of those new connections will surely come from her future participation on the swim team!  “I’m really looking forward to swimming for Ripon! Coach Wahle has been very helpful and I think it’s going to be a great season!” Now, Sierra has a very interesting life story. She was adopted as an infant from South Korea, and she was born missing her right leg. Sierra began swimming in school and in 2012 she participated in the 2012 Paralympic Swimming Trials in Bismarck, North Dakota. “I took first place in the 1500m freestyle, 7^th in the 400m freestyle, and 8^th in the 100 backstroke,” said Sierra. Sierra was also named the Tacoma Athlete Commission Athlete of the Year for her school and the 2012 Swimming State Disability Champion in the 50 yd freestyle and backstroke.

      When she’s not at swim practice, she can be found body boarding in the Pacific Ocean, working at a movie theater, being involved in FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), and spending time with her family.  Academically, Sierra is interested in Politics and Government. “My favorite class is AP US Government because it’s challenging, but it’s also a lot of fun,” said Sierra. “I love learning about my country and how it works, and it’s what I plan on majoring in!” Now while she loves America and traditional American dishes like Biscuits and Gravy (her favorite food!), Sierra also has some travel plans in her future.  She wants to visit, “South Africa or Paris. South Africa because I want to experience the culture, and Paris because what girl doesn’t want to go to Paris one day?” Maybe in her travels she’ll stumble upon the “Bridge to Terabithia” (which is her favorite movie). Either way, we’re excited for her to travel to Ripon this fall to begin her career as a Ripon College Red Hawk! Congratulations on being selected as our “Admitted Student of the Week” Sierra!