Meet Elisabeth Marek ’26 Marek chose W&L for the ability to prioritize her academics with the goal of entering medical school, while also pursuing her love of riding.

Elisabeth Marek ’26
Major: Neuroscience, pre-med track
Hometown: Houston, Texas

Why did you choose to come to W&L?

I chose W&L because I knew it would give me the opportunity to prioritize my academics without sacrificing my love for horses and riding. Riding in college was something I wanted, but medical school was always the plan. I also valued the close-knit community here, where I’ve been able to form meaningful relationships with professors, coaches and classmates who have all supported me along the way.

Have you discovered a course or topic that you didn’t expect to study when you first came to W&L?

There’s a running joke — what my mother would call a “requirement” — that everyone should take one accounting class in college. I was really anxious about it since it seems like people either get it or they hate it. However, it wound up being one of my favorite classes I have taken! I loved having the opportunity to take something completely different than my regular “sciency” course load — shoutout to Professor Megan Hess for making accounting exciting.

Where is your “home” on campus?

I spend my time pretty equally between the Science Center and barn. I love how friendly everyone is in the Science Center — I actually got to know Dr. Uffelman from him just always saying hello to me while I was studying in the atrium. The barn is a completely different scene — I love the rolling hills of Virginia and being able to escape to somewhere calm when things get stressful.

What has been your most impactful experience at W&L, either on or off-campus?

I’ve had the opportunity to be one of the equestrian captains both my junior and senior years. I’ve enjoyed mentoring newer riders and teammates in and out of the ring. As a team we are super supportive of each other, and I am privileged to be a part of that.

Who is your mentor on campus, and how have they helped you develop as a student?

I think something special about W&L is the sheer amount of people who contribute to your development as a student and as a person. I think my list would be a mile long if I tried to include everyone, but Sophia Taylor ’26, Kiera Stankewich ’25, Charlotte Baker ’25, Matea Sucic ’25 and Jillian Rossenwasser ’23 make the short list for their academic support and friendship. Additionally, I owe a special thank you to my professors, especially Dr. Irina Mazilu, Dr. Kyle Friend and Dr. Lisa Alty for fostering an appreciation for the sciences and hard work.

What was your favorite class and why?

For me, it’s hard to choose between organic chemistry and biochemistry, the two most difficult classes I have taken at W&L. I loved the formulaic nature of organic and the ability to apply everything I learned in biochemistry to everyday life. It definitely helped that both Dr. Alty and Dr. Friend were masters at explaining complex topics and supporting students in and out of class.

What are your hobbies/interests?

Besides riding and school, I don’t have much time for weekend outings or after-school extras. Instead, I love watching bad movies with my roommates. Eating Golden Garden through a B-rated film is our perfect way to decompress after a long day in the classroom and in the barn.

How has W&L helped you develop and pursue them?

W&L has allowed me to work hard at school while enjoying simple pleasures in my daily life. The friends I’ve made here share a similar work-life balance and help keep me motivated; at the same time, they are the ones who encourage me to put the books down, sometimes.

What has been your greatest accomplishment since arriving at W&L?

Both as a captain and as a rider, I’m proud of how the equestrian team has performed in the last three years. However, my greatest accomplishment since arriving at W&L will always be the effort I put into my schoolwork. I am proud of the hours I’ve logged in the Science Center and the results of it.

How have your experiences at W&L prepared you for post-graduate success?

I plan to attend medical school post-grad. I am extremely aware of the effort that this path requires, but I’m confident that W&L has prepared me to succeed. In the last three years, I’ve fostered a strong work-life balance and a sense of pride in my work that will continue to define my next chapter.

Who or what inspires you?

My parents. As the two hardest-working people I know, they’ve modeled for me and my siblings honesty, integrity and success. Since arriving at W&L, I’ve grown to appreciate the values they’ve imparted on us. Having a strong moral compass doesn’t just define the Mareks; it defines W&L students as a whole.

If you are a student-athlete, what do you like about being a DIII athlete?

First and foremost, I love how W&L makes a point that we must be great students before we are great athletes. I was worried about balancing both going to college, but my coaches and professors have been so supportive with helping me juggle my busy academic schedule with my riding. Whether it was professors meeting with me outside their usual office hours or my coaches scheduling my practices so that I could maximize my time, W&L and DIII athletics has made my goals a reality.