Rather than considering “the group of white male lacrosse players” beneficiaries of the divisive system that Bowdoin has in place, why not praise them for chasing the passions that they found during their Bowdoin tenures? It is no coincidence that Bowdoin athletes, like the ones aforementioned, were successful in their job search. Athletes, by nature, are encouraging leaders, motivated teammates and fierce competitors; for these reasons, they know accountability, how to manage their time and how to receive and respond to constructive criticism. These skills build a foundation for self-sufficiency, team efficiency and proactivity, all of which are characteristics that employers look for in applicants. Athletes can and do use their varsity membership as an in with potential employers, but they are not handed their jobs because of a Bowdoin connection. Athletic membership is an icebreaker, not a be-all and end-all. Bowdoin athletes do not exploit the system that is in place; they make the most of it, just as everyone else at Bowdoin does.
Chad Martin is a member of the class of 2016.
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