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Monmouth College senior profile: Caring, goofy, hard-working Aspen Chadderdon

by Lillian Hucke

Monmouth, Ill. (04/22/2021) — Caring, goofy and hard-working are three words that Aspen Chadderdon '21 of Marshalltown, Iowa, uses to describe herself.

We might also add "intelligent." Chadderdon will graduate from Monmouth College in May with degrees in biochemistry and physics, then continue her education at Washington University in St. Louis, where she'll study biomedical engineering.

Thankful for Monmouth

Chadderdon chose Monmouth because of her connection with the soccer coach and the community she experienced on campus visits. Once enrolled, she began to fully understand what makes Monmouth so special. Chadderdon said she loves Monmouth for the friends she's made and the life lessons she's learned.

Despite another self-descriptive word - "introvert" - Chadderdon said Monmouth has taught her how to create friendships, especially with people from all types of backgrounds.

"Friendships don't have to look cookie-cutter," she said. "Being friends with people from different backgrounds is really cool to see and it has taught me so many things."

Some of those friendships have been fostered during late-night study sessions in Hewes Library. Others have come while enjoying the beauty of Monmouth's campus, participating in such activities as tolfing (golfing with a tennis ball), volleyball and spike ball, or relaxing in a hammock.

The sporting life

Chadderdon is a two-sport athlete, competing in lacrosse and soccer for the Fighting Scots.

One of her favorite soccer memories came in the fall of her junior year, when the women's soccer team won the Midwest Conference tournament. Chadderdon suffered an injury in the semifinal and couldn't compete in the championship game, which she said was "heartbreaking." But she still enjoyed her teammates making history, as the Fighting Scots qualified for the program's first NCAA tournament berth.

"It was one of the hardest things to not play in the game," she said. "(Teammate) Quinn Cutler told me if we won the game, she would carry me on her back out to the huddle. Not only did we win, but I had these teammates who literally put me on her back, so we could all celebrate together."

Chadderdon also loves the support from the College community. The amount of people who cheered the team and the positive energy they brought were also why the memory is so special.

Monmouth defeated Knox College in that memorable game, and Chadderdon said she enjoys the spirited competition between the Fighting Scots and the Prairie Fire.

"I love the whole Knox rivalry," she said. "It doesn't matter what sport it is, there is always huge support from the Monmouth College community."

Chadderdon has some advice for incoming or current students: "Come into college with a lot of humility. I mistook my shyness for humility, but once I got over myself, I had a much better college experience. Coming in with humility and willingness to grow will make your college experience better."

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