WILDCAT SPOTLIGHT

A Path Less Traveled

The discomfort of pursuing new dreams and passions has not detered Leah Stednick from wanting to impact the world

by marissa dolson ’24

The love for furthering one’s connection with the natural world has become something Linfield University women’s lacrosse player Leah Stednick has admired.

During her year-and-a-half journey at Linfield, Stednick traveled abroad, providing the sophomore from Mercer Island, Washington, with her fondest memories thus far.

“Through the different cities we traveled to in New Zealand, each brought its own unique experience,” says Stednick. “Fascinating conversations with locals, star gazing with no light pollution, swimming in the Tasman Sea, hiking in national parks and furthering our connection to the environment by confronting plant blindness.”

As her foreign study wrapped up, her love for the world flourished sufficiently to alter her choice of college degrees. Before her newfound passion, Stednick was an aspiring marketing major. She had enjoyed a history of serving in DECA, being involved in International Entrepreneur ship, and working hand-in-hand with the Young Women’s Leadership Summit at the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business. Stednick realized that her heart didn’t follow her comfort and experience within business or marketing.

“My senior year of high school, I participated in a course called International Entrepreneur ship. For the course, we created an international corporation and established international trading partners with other countries.”

“I was elected as President of Socially Responsible Businesses in the Eastern Hemisphere. My division of the corporation worked with businesses in India to procure and sell goods through our online store. It was a phe nomenal learning experience to manage a busi ness, especially during COVID times.”

Once she enrolled at Linfield, Stednick de cided it was time to explore an entirely different pathway with new and exciting challenges.

“Last fall, I realized marketing might not be the perfect match for me. In my senior year of high school, I took AP Macroeconomics and I found it both challenging and interesting, so I decided to take an economics class. I took Economics 210 and loved the course.

“With a newfound intrigue in economics, some additional courses, and the encouragement of my Professor Eric Schuck, I changed my declared major to economics this year and plan to pursue a minor in environmental sciences. I would love to find a career that combines my interest in economics with my passion for the natural world.” s love for the natural world can be found not only in her academics but also as part of her extracurricular activities, saying she’s “always loved spending time outdoors doing activities such as trail running and hiking. In particular, I love swimming and spending time in the ocean. This summer, I hope to gain my scuba diving license. It’s been a goal of mine for a long time.” s family has always encouraged her to create goals and work toward them relentlessly. Returning home to Mercer Island, she is encouraged by her mother, Greta, father, Dan, and brother, Travis. Her family’s advocacy has been an influential factor growing up for Leah.

“My parents both grew up in the Seattle area and have always been big advocates of the Pacific Northwest. They both encourage me to pursue my interests and have always supported me as a student-athlete. They trust that I will get the work done and have complete confidence in me,” she says. “Travis has also been very supportive and I can always count on him for late-night chats.” s continuous involvement in different organizations, she enjoys traveling the world and sports. Stednick admits to a love for simple things, such as “burning cookies with my roommate in the dorm kitchen, team dinners at the dining hall, and study sessions with

It’s clear to say that Leah Stednick has found passions through Linfield she will forever hold close to her heart. The discomfort of pursuing new dreams and passions has not discouraged her from exploring a less-traveled path. Her love for the natural world will be something that will guide her in discovering her future career niche.