Dear Washington: Wenyan Ma
Women's Golf
6/7/2021
Dear Washington,
Oh, dear…Where should I start? So many memories are flashing by so vividly.
Remembering coming to the UW campus during the fall of 2016 for the official visit, I knew I belonged here from Day 1.
It didn’t take me a long time to understand that Washington is a special place. Located in an innovative city and the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Washington has it all.
Freshman year, shuttling between classes, enjoying dorm life, and playing different golf courses were the main themes. Sophomore year, exploring Seattle, doing community service, and giving a speech on the Red Square were quite memorable. Junior year, doing yoga and cooking good food helped me to stay sane during the pandemic. Senior year, reunions and separations made me more thankful for what I have.
The academic experience at Washington was remarkable. Every day, I am inspired by people around me, and I couldn’t be more appreciative of the connections I made during these four years. I will never forget the early classes at Gowen Hall, countless study time at Mary Gates Hall, late afternoon lab sessions at Guthrie Hall, field trips to the UW Farm, the lovely cherry blossoms each spring, and strolling around campus, I feel truly blessed and honored to be a Washington Husky.
Walking across the upper campus to the athletic village on Montlake, the college golf and student-athlete experience here taught me so much.
I always remember the quote “Leave it better than you found it” from Coach, playing Broadmoor Golf Club on a sunny Tuesday fall afternoon with my squad, morning workouts with the team, playing UNOs, traveling to new places, and eating good food with my teammates.
Aside from these happy times, college golf was full of ups and downs. But if you asked me to do it again, I wouldn’t want to change a thing, and I would still say “Yes” to Washington. It’s the people from Washington that supported me along the way, and I wouldn’t be here without them. They are Coach and Courtney, athletic trainers Gabby and Gab, academic advisors Matt and Ink, Amy and Erica from the Boundless Futures team, and many other incredible human beings that guided me in this process of learning and becoming.
Approaching the end of this wild ride, all I have is appreciation. Thank you to my beloved family and friends for believing in me. Thank you to coaches and teammates for allowing me to be myself. Lastly, thank you to me for always trying new things, always giving my best, and always enjoying the moment.
Peace out, Washington. I will miss you deeply.
Wenyan Ma
Women’s Golf
Class of 2021