Kylie Adams

Wake Forest has lots of traditions, and sometimes students create their own. Do you have a favorite Wake Forest tradition?

The tradition of “rolling the quad” after a big sports win has been around for many years, and it continues to be an exciting event with each new season. This tradition is not limited to just football and basketball games; it has recently been reinstated for volleyball games as well, with a new tradition of rolling the “volleyball” tree. It has quickly become a favorite among family, friends, spectators, and alumni who get to join in on the fun and roll the tree. This tradition creates a great sense of pride and camaraderie among the entire student body, and it is a fantastic way to celebrate and show support for our sports teams. Seeing the rolled quad after a big win is truly something to behold!

Who most impacted your Wake Forest experience?

I wouldn’t say that any one person had a significant impact on my experience. Rather, every individual I come in contact with has played a role in shaping me in some way. My coaches, teammates, friends, and professors have all contributed to my growth and development. I am truly grateful for all the amazing people I have had the opportunity to meet and learn from.

What was the most rewarding experience you had as a Wake Forest student?

Being a member of the Wake Forest volleyball team has been an incredibly transformative and meaningful experience for me during my time at Wake Forest University. As a student-athlete, I have grown and learned a lot about myself, both on and off the court. The experience has been a true test of my character, and it has taught me the importance of grit, resilience, discipline, and accountability.

Throughout my time on the team, I have faced many challenges and obstacles, both physical and mental. However, through it all, I have gained a deep sense of personal strength, confidence, and determination that I know will help me in all areas of my life.

But I couldn’t have done it all alone. My teammates have been a huge part of my journey, and they have become some of my closest friends. We have formed a bond that goes beyond just playing volleyball together. They have been my biggest cheerleaders and supporters, always there to lift me up when I’m feeling down and to push me to be better every day.

Overall, this experience has helped me to truly blossom into the person I am today. I am incredibly grateful for every moment and every challenge that I have faced on the Wake Forest volleyball team, and I know that this experience will continue to impact me for years to come.

Now that you are a graduating student, what advice do you wish you could have given yourself as an incoming student four years ago?

If I could go back and talk to my freshman-year self, I would tell them to live in the moment and not be so hard on themselves. College is tough, and Wake Forest didn’t get the nickname “Work Forest” for nothing. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to work hard all the time. Have some fun, let loose, and make memories. This is a time to figure out who you are, so stop trying to grow up too fast and enjoy being young.

Compare your career plans as a first-year student with your career plans now. Why did your plans change or not change?

I have had the same plans since my first year of college. My aim has always been to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and in a few weeks, I will have achieved this goal. After graduation, I plan to work in the industry for a few years before applying to graduate school in Biochemistry. Although my plans have not changed, I have experienced tremendous personal growth that will positively impact my career.