Hunter College junior track and field competitor Bianca Rey was named the CUNYAC/Hospital for Special Surgery Scholar-Athlete of the Month for May 2018.
Rey, who is double majoring in English and Psychology, carries a spectacular 3.73 GPA in the classroom. She led the Hawks to an impressive second-place finish at the CUNYAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships, winning the 800-meter run and capturing All-Star honors in the process.
Though majoring in two disciplines and running track might seem like a heavy workload, Rey plans her time accordingly to fulfill her responsibilities.
"I find that by following a strict schedule and routine, I am able to work more efficiently," Rey said. "It definitely gets challenging to balance all the things that I do, but with patience and the help of the people who care about me, I am able to continuously execute."
Rey then added about being a student-athlete with two majors: "It took a lot of encouragement from a few special people to pursue what I love. At times, I get frightened at the thought of being a dreamer and following my dreams, but it gives me comfort knowing I’m not the only one doing so."
Rey doesn't stop there. In addition to managing a class schedule with a part-time job, she also finds the time for a poetry-related internship, and serves as Secretary of Hunter's Spoken World Poetry Club. Bianca has committed her time to the school's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, as well.
"Collegiate athletics has taught me to take advantage of the time and resources given," Rey stated. "By learning from seasoned coaches or fellow athletes and looking at certain professors as mentors, one is able to enrich and make the most of their time in college."
Track has played a large role in Bianca's life. What was once a childhood hobby in second grade eventually grew to a life-changing decision as an adult.
"The sport has given me the ability to cultivate my confidence as an individual," Rey commented. "Whatever happens on the track translates into other aspects of my life. When I run a good and smart race or attain a new personal record, I feel that newfound confidence influence the way I carry myself in other areas of my life."
Rey also said: "This past year, after vast improvement on the track, I realized that I became a more self-assured writer, student, and person. Likewise, when I have a bad race, I simply have to remind myself that life isn’t always easy. I feel forever indebted to the sport because it has brought to my life, the most special people I know: my dedicated coaches, my awesome friends, and a few other special people."
Rey was very humbled about being named the Scholar-Athlete of the Month, stating: "No matter how big or small the recognition may be, it continues fueling me to strive for further improvement."