MOSCOW, Idaho – Natalie Crocker and Sully Shannon have been recognized as this week's Vandals of the Week, for their exceptional work in the classroom.
Crocker, who wrapped up her junior season in February with Idaho swimming and diving, is studying interior architecture and design with an architecture minor, and currently boasts a cumulative grade-point average of 3.16.
"I really like the design field," said Crocker. "I feel like it is a lot more my style to be in the creative field. You have a lot more creative freedom than a lot of other subjects I was taking in middle school or high school."
Crocker's childhood influenced her decision to go into the design field.
"My nanny growing up was in to design and as a kid I would be painting hand prints on the walls," said Crocker. "I've been creative ever since."
Shannon, a sophomore on the Idaho football team, is majoring in advertising and earned a 3.25 grade-point average in the fall semester.
"I chose advertising because I thought it would give me the best opportunity after college," said Shannon. "The business school was interesting to me, but I thought advertising was more along the lines of what I wanted to do after school."
Shannon intends to use his advertising degree to get into the sports marketing field after college.
Both have had great experiences during their time at Idaho so far, and really appreciated the support of faculty and advisors along the way, especially during the different year it has been.
"It's been a really hectic year," said Shannon. "The main thing for me was using the resources and tools that Krista and Sydney have offered me. The tutoring sessions have saved me."
This year has presented some challenges for Crocker in her hands-on program but has had a really great experience.
"The class I'm taking right now is furniture construction," said Crocker. That has been interesting for me and I have definitely had some frustrating times. It is not necessarily something that I was comfortable with, so it has been interesting figuring out how to woodwork and design furniture."
As always, both were also appreciative of the recognition for their hard work in the classroom.
"It's great," said Crocker. "I feel like usually we our know for our athletics so it's great to be noticed for something else. "
"I was pretty surprised when I got this award," said Shannon. "I had a rough freshman year academically, but I've really turned things around and have accepted the help the academic staff has offered me. I'm really proud of myself and am just thankful for the help I've gotten."
