| As if being a double major in political science and mass communications while competing for Cal’s women’s water polo team wasn’t enough, senior Holly Farlin is making time to gain direct insight into the inner workings of state and federal government.
A top Golden Bear student-athlete with a 3.4 GPA and a 2005 member of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation All-Academic squad, Farlin is working this year as an intern for John Dutra of Hayward, who is running in a June 6 election for the California state senate.
“I am fascinated with the behind-the-scenes aspects of campaigning,” said Farlin, who beganassisting Dutra in the organization of his website last June and spent up to 20 hours a week during the summer on his campaign. “I am amazed with the amount of work that is involved in getting the word out on a candidate.”
Trying to fit in everything she has on her plate – from school to water polo to her internship – has certainly provided a challenge for the 21-year-old from Moraga, and sometimes, her activities collide. When she had the opportunity to meet former U.S. Sen. John Edwards during his visit to the Cal campus last fall, she faced a dilemma that she was hesitant to bring to head coach Rich Corso’s attention.
“I was torn between practice and the chance to meet a vice presidential candidate,” said Farlin. “I was nervous to ask coach Corso for the time off, but I am a graduating senior and have to look toward the future. He said I could go, but ‘I couldn’t come back without a job offer!”’
Although she didn’t return with a job offer in hand, Farlin did get to meet Edwards briefly after his speech, before hurrying to Spieker Aquatics Center for the remainder of that day’s practice.
With some great practical experience under her belt, Farlin is wrapping up her academic and athletic career at Cal, and the future looks bright. She has completed all her requirements for both of her majors, and will be studying in Berlin next fall semester, taking a class in German. Farlin is currently a key component on the Bears’ water polo squad, as well, as the left-hander is one of the team’s leading scorers with a strong outside shot.
“The great thing about Holly is she is an outstanding student-athlete and a fabulous role model for young women,” said Corso. “She has always been just fantastic in the classroom. Now, she is gaining nearly as much confidence in the pool. She is starting to make as much impact in the water as she does in the classroom.” By Scott Ball
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