Since she was young, ocean engineering graduate student Lisa Bratton has taken to the water as a swimmer – playing multiple sports in her childhood before committing herself to the pool. Now, she is preparing to take on the 2020 Olympic trials.
Her Olympic dreams started when she tried out for the global competition in 2012 when she was 16, and were rekindled in 2016 with another shot at the Olympics. Her achievements and experience in the water inspire her to continue pushing forward for more.
“I've been through not making it to the Olympics and I think that kind of adds to the desire to go,” Bratton said. “But it also helps me know where I need to be mentally in order to get there. So, the spring is just going to be managing the mental game.”
Having always loved the ocean, Bratton was introduced to the Department of Ocean Engineering at Texas A&M University through an undergraduate event – excitedly discovering how it merged her passion for water with her desire to dive into renewable energy.
“I come from a family of civil engineers,” she said. “My dad, my dad's dad and my mom's dad are all civil engineers. So, from a very early stage I kind of knew I was going to be an engineer. What I have loved about the ocean engineering department throughout my undergrad was how small it is and really getting to know people. I think that's our biggest plug to incoming general engineers: you get to have a face here. And that's something really special.”
So, what can an aspiring ocean engineer take away from competitive swimming?
Drive, determination and focus.
“I always strive to do my best,” she said. “You don’t become a college athlete unless you really want to put in the hours. It’s kind of the same thing with your education: you don’t get an engineering degree if you don’t put in the hours.”
That said, Bratton stressed the importance of focus. When she is swimming, that is her priority. When she is in the classroom, her education takes the torch. When she is taking some time for herself, she commits to relaxing and recovering both mentally and physically.
“What I always like to tell everyone is to find the balance,” she said. “Engineering is obviously crazy, especially freshman and sophomore year with all those general credits. There’s a lot to do. But there is time to get it all done. Just learn to manage your time, and once you get that down, it’s smooth sailing.”