Track & Field | February 21, 2024
Looking to end his track career on a high note, graduate transfer Zane Golpariani explains the importance that consistency, discipline, and self-care hold in his life in the latest “Getting To Know” feature.
Q: Being a student athlete is hard enough, but it has to be tougher when you’re earning your PHD. What led you to pursuing your PHD in chemistry?
Z.G.: I started applying to PHD programs because I thought I could do it and I also had a year of eligibility left which helped. But I also applied to schools that didn’t have any athletic programs because at the end of the day my career is still my main focus. If it was possible to pursue my PHD and still run, then that’s what I wanted to do and everything ended up working out.
Q: What is it that you plan to do once you earn your PHD?
Z.G.: I still have a long time because it’s a five-year program, but I definitely want to do something impactful and help move science forward. I’ll most likely go into industry research regarding helping the environment. I’m still figuring out what exact research group I’m joining here, so we’ll see.
Q: You’re a born and raised California native, have you ever thought about living somewhere else?
Z.G.: As of right now I don’t think I’ll leave. My family’s still here and there’s so many great opportunities for jobs and a ton of things to do. I’m open to maybe living somewhere else in the future, but for right now I’m good.
Q: Have you noticed any stark differences between undergrad and grad school?
Z.G.: There’s a really big difference. UCSB isn’t as big of an athletics school as some other schools. The big draw to the school is the fact that it’s a super pretty area with all the beaches, and its also a big party school. Athletics aren’t as emphasized compared to here. The resources at SC are unmatched. Having Little Galen and areas like that make me feel like I’m really being taken care of. I’d say the biggest difference is getting to use all of the athletic resources SC provides to make sure you can be the best athlete you can be.
Q: Is there something from this season that you’d like to take into the next?
Z.G.: I just want to stay consistent, keep track of all the little things, take everything day by day, and just make sure I’m taking care…
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