As a Scot
Studied abroad in Madrid, Spain in Spring 2017
2015: Aldama ran 18:46 in her collegiate debut in the 4,000 meter at the St. Kate’s Invitational after struggling with injury that prevented her from competing during the 2014 season … She ran 29:15 in the 6,000 meter at the MIAC Championships
2016: Aldama raced a 6,000 meter PR of 28:00 at the Carleton Running of the Cows … She ran a time of 22:06 in her first collegiate 5,000 meter race at the St. Kate’s Invitational
Before Mac
Graduated in the top 5% of class from Louis D. Brandeis High School … Recognized as an AP Scholar
Why did you choose to attend Macalester?
I feel Mac can nurture my various interests while gaining a solid academic base that will prepare me for anything I end up doing in the future. I was also blown away by how friendly and helpful everyone was when I first visited, and even more so by how people actively pursue their passions while helping others along the way. Mac simply felt like a supportive place for my academic and social growth.
What has your experience at Macalester meant to you so far?
It is an incredibly supportive community here. Even if I don't know exactly what I want to do with my life, Macalester instills a sense of curiosity, adventure, and confidence in me to make myself open and prepared for anything that comes along in life. It's invigorating to see people here strike a balance between their passions, academics, and social life with genuine intensity and humility. I've also found myself willing to be more vulnerable, because, as I've come to learn here, my most vulnerable moments have become the most fruitful ones.
How has your experience as a student-athlete at Macalester helped shape you as an individual?
It's been a privilege to have the opportunity to be part of a supportive, hard-working, and strong group of women at Macalester so far. Being a student-athlete has taught me the discipline and perseverance to tackle challenges -- academic, physical, emotional -- that naturally arise in the intense (but fun!) college experience at Mac. I've also realized that being light-hearted and at peace with mistakes has allowed me to take risks and grow as a student and athlete. While it is challenging to juggle practice and schoolwork during the season, I've come to realize how far I can go when I truly set my mind and heart to it. One of the biggest things I've learned from my experience so far, then, is fully trusting myself in whatever I choose to tackle.
