This week’s Throwback Thursday features Heather Purnell (’09) and discusses her time at Stanford, with the team and what she is up to now.
Before coming to Stanford, Purnell was a decorated Canadian gymnast and served as captain of Canada’s 2004 Olympic team in Athens, Greece. She brought that talent and leadership to The Farm, where she was a member of the 2008 Pac-10 All-Academic team, helped Stanford secure a third-place finish at the 2008 NCAA Championships and served as SWG’s 2009 tri-captain with teammates Kelly Fee and Carly Janiga.
What did you major in at Stanford?
Psychology. I wasn't sure going in, but I think I lucked out choosing such an interesting field.
What were some of your favorite things to do at Stanford?
Being from Canada, I loved being outdoors in the warm sunshine, especially in the "winter." I remember many days spent reading outside at some of the coffee shops around campus. I also remember some failed attempts at trying to use my computer outside. They still need to make a computer that you can see outside!
I think the Band Run was another one of my favorite things to do. There is nothing better than trying to study at night, hearing our amazing band start playing outside of your dorm and running around campus dancing for a bit of a study break!
What was the most challenging aspect of Stanford? The most rewarding?
Coming into Stanford and SWG can be tough because it is a lot to balance and trying to excel in all areas can be difficult. However, I think people adjust fairly well to whatever their situation is, so it becomes normal and manageable with a little help from teammates.
The most rewarding part are the friendships and memories you get to take away with you.
Favorite SWG memory?
This is a tough question. There are so many incredible memories to look back on. It may sound strange, but something as simple as warming up for a competition knowing that you are part of an incredible team and every girl beside you has your back: a small moment of internalizing the love that is being part of SWG.
What piece of advice would you give SWG 2016?
Have fun! Your time at Stanford is too short to get frustrated or be too serious. Enjoy every minute and know that you are creating some of the most important memories of your life.
What are you up to now?
I am currently working as a psychologist back in Canada. I never imagined majoring in psych at Stanford would lead me to such a rewarding career but I'm truly grateful for what I get to do every day.
I am also incorporating some of my gymnastics background into therapy. I recently got certified as an Acro yoga instructor and my husband and I have developed a couples yoga workshop that incorporates Acro yoga and couples therapy.