Frostburg State senior field hockey defender Tori Suess is studying psychology, English and Spanish, but it’s not hard to spot her extensive reading background.  She references Harry Potter quotes and a Victorian-era woman author.  She’s also focused on the health and well-being of children and, of course, “Frostburg Field Hockey!” … INTRODUCING … Tori Suess.

Briefly, what is your background in the sport you play?   I played field hockey for Sussex Tech High School. We won the Delaware State Championship my senior year.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?   I am a Psychology and English double major with a minor in Spanish. In Psychology, the most important thing I’ve learned is objectivity and critical thinking skills. As an educated individual, it is my responsibility to read, interpret, and analyze information in order to make informed decisions. Furthermore, in my English discipline, I’ve learned the most important and useful skill of eloquently and effectively communicating through written work as well as oral presentations.

What is your favorite spot on campus?   My favorite spot on campus is probably the athletic center. When I go to the athletic building, I know almost everyone I see, whether they are administrators, coaches, friends, or other athletes, and there is something extremely comforting in that. There’s always a sense of belonging.

Outside of your home and campus, where is your favorite place to visit?  My favorite place to visit, and probably my most favorite place in the entire world, is my MomMom and PopPop’s beach house.  It’s my favorite place because it’s always filled with my favorite people and it represents the most important things to me: family, love, laughter, precious memories and youth.

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in (on campus or off campus)?   In addition to playing field hockey, I’m also a writing tutor on campus and a SAAC executive. Recently, I was selected as a member of the 2013 President Leadership Circle, which involves monthly meetings and mentoring opportunities with President (Jonathan) Gibralter as well as an international experience.

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your collegiate athletic career.   The most memorable experience during my collegiate athletic career occurred during the first round of the CAC tournament my junior year. Scheduled to play Wesley, my team suddenly lost two extremely valuable players from the starting lineup days before the contest. While we thought missing specific players would devastate our chances, we showed up and played the best game for Frostburg Field Hockey yet.  I’ll never forget the look of absolute pride and pleasant surprise on my teammates’ faces. Although Wesley took the victory, as a team and as an entire program, Frostburg Field Hockey won big.

If you could change any one item in the world (in your personal life, school, community, amateur or professional sports, national/international issue, etc.), what would it be, why, and how would you do it?  If I could change one thing in the world, I would change the support systems available to children and adolescents. Unfortunately, several of the most violent crimes in the U.S. are committed against youths and by youths, including school shootings. This is both problematic and troublesome.  The individuals that are the most impressionable with the most potential and the least experience are the members of society struggling to succeed and survive. I would attempt to design and initiate a psychological screening program for middle school aged students to help determine students’ mental health and family support systems. This would help find specific adolescents that need specialized attention and help. Overall, I think all adolescents need greater access to mental health and support services, independent of the teachers. Currently, the system relies too heavily on teachers to identify and report all problems, stretching teachers thin and allowing kids to slip through the cracks. Instead, I would create programs and positions within the schools in order to help all students maximize their potentials, overcome challenges, positively solve problems, and succeed.

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?   The most influential people in my life would be my two high school English teachers, Mr. and Mrs. Forcucci. They introduced me to literature that opened my eyes, allowing me to see the world and the power of written words.

What is your favorite form of entertainment?   Netflix!

What is your favorite source of information (TV, book, magazine, website, friends in dining hall, etc.)?    With the risk of sounding like a nerd, books are my favorite source of information. I’m an English major, I almost feel required to say books.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?   Be conscious and careful of the words you choose.  They are powerful and once used, they can’t be taken back.  In the words of Albus Dumbledore, “Words are…our most inexhaustible source of magic - capable of both inflicting injury, and remedying it.”

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with?    

J.K Rowling –She has a fantastic imagination and an inspiring personal story of making something out of nothing. Plus, I’m a huge HP fan!

Elizabeth Gaskill – In Britain, during the Victorian age, in an extremely unpopular time for female writers, Gaskill wrote stories to inspire and promote much needed social reform, hoping to change the role of woman and protect children, but only if the reader was intelligent enough to understand the moral. She was so brave and steadfast to her integrity.

Jesus – Just to ask him how he did it: how he kept turning the other cheek while still having faith in the goodness of people.