Making the Goal: Graduate Shines in Scholastics, Soccer

College Spotlight on Hayley Oligane

Hayley Oligane knows she might not be graduating from Nova Southeastern University or going to medical school if not for the encouragement of the orthopedic surgeon who repaired her knee after a soccer injury sent her to the sidelines.

“He told me I could recover. He instilled hope in me that I had a college career ahead of me,” said Hayley, who was a high-school senior when she injured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), one of four ligaments connecting the bones of the knee joint. “I worked hard, and I came back four months after the surgery.”

About four months later, Hayley was recruited by Mike Goodrich, head coach of the NSU women’s soccer team.

“The scholarship was my tool to come here,” said Hayley, recalling how the events surrounding her injury influenced her decision to come to NSU to play soccer and pursue a career as an orthopedic surgeon. “It made me appreciate how much power you have as a surgeon to change someone’s life.”

Four years later, Hayley has graduated from the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences as the recipient of the 2009 James Farquhar Award. The biology major was recognized at commencement as one of the year’s 10 Outstanding Graduating Students. She hopes to begin medical school this fall.

The James Farquhar Award is presented to one graduating undergraduate student each year to recognize excellence in scholarship, service, and leadership. These domains reflect the commitment and qualities of James Farquhar, a founding member of the Nova College Board of Trustees and the namesake of the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences.

“I believe that scholarship, service, and leadership demonstrate a critical balance of the important outcomes for an undergraduate experience,” said Don Rosenblum, Ph.D., dean of the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences. “Hayley Oligane has been a strong student academically, and she has been a leader in campus life and athletics. She has a strong record of campus and community service. Hayley is a true role model and a well-rounded and engaged student.”

Hayley grew up in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, where she played soccer and basketball. At NSU, she excelled in the classroom and on the soccer field.

She was a participant in the Undergraduate Honors Program and the Dual Admission Program for the Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine. Her research on aquatic endangered species won first-place honors at the Undergraduate Student Symposium in 2008.

This year, she was named the Female Scholar Athlete of the Year. She also is a nominee for the NCAA 2009 Woman of the Year Award.

In academics, Hayley was curious enough to stray from her field of science and engage in other disciplines, such as the Honors class taught by Kate Waites, Ph.D., a professor in the Division of Humanities.

“She entered my Honors class [The ‘F’ Word: Feminism and Culture] with a very skeptical outlook,” Waites said. “A science-oriented student, this class was a real stretch for her. Within a couple of weeks, she was the most engaged student in a class that was both challenging and highly participatory. She completely broadened her outlook on women’s history and feminism, and social justice issues—it was an astounding transformation. She was an outstanding student—critical and curious, incisive and articulate, passionate and reasoned in both her written and class work…This young woman is bound for success.”

Hayley credits her success to the college’s opportunities, including a chance to participate in scientific research, and an athletic program and coach who allowed her to “put academics first.”

“Doing research was really exciting,” she said. “When I was offered that opportunity, I was exposed to million-dollar machines that not a lot of undergraduate students even touch. It was exciting that I had that chance.”

Although knee problems sidelined Hayley this past season, she served as captain of the women’s soccer team, attending games and practices and mentoring young players.
“Her teammates recognized that she would never ask them to do something that she couldn’t or wouldn’t do herself,” Goodrich said. “Immediately, they had a lot of respect for her.

“Very few people whom I’ve come across combine her level of scholarship, athleticism, and her strong work ethic,” Goodrich said. “She combines all the traits that make people successful. She is inherently intelligent. She has compassion for others. She works for the group ahead of her own personal agenda. When she is committed to something, she is 100 percent committed.”

 Said Hayley: “I think I learned a lot just from overcoming my injuries. I had to work hard. That transcended throughout my college career... I study hard. I work hard. I have good time-management skills. I’ve never procrastinated. I don’t watch a lot of TV. I don’t get on Facebook. If you balance your time, you can do everything.”

  

Moving to South Florida and NSU changed her life. 

“Not only in the classroom, but in the lessons I’ve learned from people and being on a team with 30 girls,” Hayley said. “I come from a very small town. I’m half Filipino. I did not go to a diverse high school. Coming from a small town to NSU, I had teammates from all over the world. It was like having sisters from all different cultures and different countries. It has been an enriching journey for me.”

Besides medical school, her next goal is running a marathon. She trains by running a half marathon (13 miles) twice a week. She also finds time for boxing and spinning.
“Anyone can be successful if they’re really willing to put in the work and if they’re passionate about what they do,” Hayley said. “You don’t have to become a doctor or a world-class athlete to be successful. You do need to do something that’s fulfilling and be passionate about what you do.”