The Emory Senior Spotlight Series continues with a look at current track & field student-athlete Laura Sheckter.
Name: Laura Sheckter
Hometown (HS): Manhattan Beach, CA (Mira Costa)
Sport: Women's Track & Field
Major: Human Health
** How did you start getting involved with track & field? How old were you when you started competing?
I was lucky enough to join the Emory Track and Field team during my freshman year. I had a few friends who were throwers on the team, and they loved it which piqued my interest.
** Do you have any current plans for after graduation?
I will be going to graduate school in the fall to get my MPH.
** What is one piece of advice you would give to your freshman self?
Cherish the moments with your friends because you never know when a global pandemic might occur.
** Which Emory faculty or staff member has made the greatest impact on you and why?
My coach, Luke (Johnson) has made a tremendous difference in my Emory experience. He took a chance on me, having never thrown before, and turned me into the athlete I am today.
** What is one class would you retake just for fun and why?
HLTH 385 Drama Therapy because I took it with four of my good friends and it was just a fun class to take, you never knew what type of improve we would be doing each class.
** What is the most unique thing about your hometown?
People wear sandals 365 days a year.
** What is something that people may not know about you but should?
I love playing the stock market. It has always intrigued me and during the quarantine I have gotten even more into learning and playing the market based off what is going on with the pandemic.
** Other than throwing, what is another sport or activity you think you could play at a high level?
I think I could be good at CrossFit.
** What is one professional athlete (past or present) would you like to have a conversation with and why?
Serena William's tenacity on and off the court has inspired me for many years. I have always looked up to her as an athlete, businesswoman, and leader.
** How have you been trying to occupy your time with given the current COVID environment?
I have been listening to podcasts, going on long walks, and cooking for my family.
** Food you hate that everybody else seems to enjoy?
I really do not like glazed donuts. They seem to always hurt my teeth.
** What would you say are your top three movies or television shows of all time?
1. Curb Your Enthusiasm 2. Fleabag 3. Parks and Recreation
** What is your favorite thing to do around Atlanta?
Walk on the Beltline with my friends and stop at a different restaurant each time.
** What is your favorite Atlanta restaurant?
Parish (RIP)
** What has been your most memorable moment during competition during your Eagles career?
Going to New York for UAAs. All the throwers killed the competition, and it was a great experience to have as a unit.
** Favorite non-athletic moment from your past few years at Emory?
Having the opportunity to work in the Ob/Gyn clinic at the Emory Hospital. I got to witness and be a part of amazing research.
** Favorite team activity or tradition?
Anytime the throwers get together it is a good time.
** What would be one thing you'd like to impart to the underclassmen before finishing your career?
I would like to impart that hard work does pay off, if you're not having fun throwing you are doing something wrong, and to always bet on yourself.