Featured Senior: Jensine Rasmussen

What was your most memorable moment throughout your career at Willamette?

Once it set in that we probably wouldn't get a graduation ceremony, the swim team surprised the senior swimmers with a small ceremony. It doesn't really have to do with swimming or school, but it is something I will remember forever.

Describe your feelings when you found out the athletic events were canceled for the remainder of the year.

I was thankful that swimming was over in February and that I got to finish my season. I can't imagine having your senior year taken away from you so quickly, and I feel so bad for the seniors who did not get their full senior season. I am also sad that I will not be able to attend other athletic events and support the Bearcats because of the cancelations.

How have you been handling life in quarantine? Are you home or on campus? What's it like learning online and not being around your teammates?

It's been interesting, definitely an adjustment, but I've found ways to keep in touch with my friends and teammates. I am still in Salem, but I live in house off campus. Not being able to see my friends, teammates, and coaches is the hardest part, but we've found fun things to do over FaceTime and Zoom.

What has your experience as a Bearcat taught you?

It has taught me how to be respectful and how to work hard. Also many lessons that I can apply to life outside of the pool. Most importantly how to have fun.

If you could leave one piece of advice for future Bearcats, what would it be?

Live in the moment and don't take anything for granted. Always give it your all and have fun.

What are your future plans following graduation?

Start working

From their teammates

What was your most memorable moment of Jensine?

Min Wei: My most memorable moment of Jensine was meeting her for the very first time during Bearcat Days. From then on, I knew that her positivity could influence other people's days.

Surya Lee: The first time I met Jensine for real I told her I remembered her from Bearcat Days and I told her I thought she was funny. She turns BRIGHT red and kind of shakes her head, smiles, and backs up and says "Oh, well thank you," and chuckles. It was such a pure Jensine reaction.

How has Jensine impacted you in your sport or in life?

Min Wei: Jensine is always so energetic, no matter where she is at and what she is doing. She will always cheer you on and be there for you. She always gave people high fives after they had finished swimming an event, and always encouraged you to push beyond your limits.

Min Wei: Jensine is always so cheerful. She makes you laugh with her sense of humor.

Surya Lee: Last year Jensine kind of took me under her wing. She always got so excited when she saw me. This meant a lot as a nervous first-year. An upperclass teammate kind of telling you: "Yeah, you're just fine how you are." She made me feel so welcomed and fully part of the team, and I will forever be grateful.

What makes Jensine special?

Min Wei: Her great dance moves and her jokes are something that we look forward to everyday!

Surya Lee: I think we would all say her goofiness. She is unapologetic for who she is.

Is there anything Jensine brought to the program that will have a lasting impact?

Min Wei: Jensine is one of our greatest IM and backstroke swimmers, and her hard-working and never-give-up attitude will be impactful to our swimming career.

Surya Lee: The dance moves for sure. Also just her love for fun and the example she sets for inclusivity.