Claudia Mergy '18 Recruiting Profile

I plan to obtain a degree in Fine Arts/Studio Art, with a minor in philosophy and/or journalism in college. I believe an important part of my college experience will be participating as a coxswain in either men or women crew, as I have had the opportunity to cox several winning boats on my club and high school teams. For example, I was coxswain for the girls varsity 1 4+ that won the public schools state and national championships two years in a row and also participated in Head of the Charles River Regatta. This year I am again coxswain for the girls varsity 1 4+ also participating in Head of the Charles River Regatta.

I believe the combination of Fine Arts with philosophy and/or journalism builds on my personal interests and strengths and will provide me with a unique perspective for my longer-term aspirations to work in fashion journalism and as a professional artist. I am an active member of the yearbook staff, focusing on creative layout and publishing ideas. I am active on fashion-related social media, especially Instagram that reaches my target peer group. I have won multiple art awards for my painting, including a National Silver Key this year in a competition where great artists like Andy Warhol also first made their mark. I am an A student taking AP, Honors, and college credit courses.

Crew has been an important part of my personal and school life. The discipline of training and competing helps me focus in school and my outside interests, and therefore I see college crew as a critical part of my successful education. While I believe I can immediately contribute to a top-tier crew program, I also believe I can continue to improve my skills as a coxswain under the direction of a successful coach and with quality athletes at a leading Division I school.