Britni is another New England Patriots cheerleader pursuing a science career (did we mention there are 13 of them on the Patriots?). Look for them on TV, Super Bowl Sunday!
You have a BA in Psychology from the University of New Hampshire with a focus on child development and family studies. What were your favorite college courses?
Britni: Forensic Psychology. This class was based on how forensics use psychology to catch a criminal, understand a crime, understand why a crime may have been committed and even predict the next approach of a similar crime. Some of my other favorite courses were based around child development. I found those courses very intriguing. I’m hoping to be a mom one day and feel certain that I will benefit from the topics and information I learned and will use them for future reference. American Sign Language was another great course I took. I feel privileged to have been able to work with, and use my ASL skills with special needs children at the local preschool I worked at for four years during college. Psychometrics was a very interesting course, as it combines mathematics with Psychology to measure the success of different tests in order to relate them to the matter they test. I can’t really think of a least favorite class I experienced preparing for a degree, however I always dreaded class presentations!!
Have you cheered for other teams?
Britni: I’m a New England girl all the way! I was born and raised in New Hampshire on Lake Winnipesaukee. I wouldn’t want to cheer for any other team but the New England Patriots. It has been such an honor to be able to represent the organization. This is my second year as a member of the New England Patriots Cheerleaders squad. I joined the team in 2009 and then I took a year off to focus on my studies and finish school. I had the incredible opportunity to try out again and return to the squad after graduating from UNH to start my second year cheering for the 2011/2012 season. I was never a cheerleader growing up, but I always had a love for dance. Seeing what the ladies of previous years on the squads before me had accomplished, both on and off the field, always inspired me to want to be a part of such a great organization.
Which came first, your interest in science or cheerleading?
Britni: School was always important to me and ever since I was little I had more of an interest in science classes over anything else. So my education was very important, but I still had intentions of reaching another goal to become a cheerleader.
Do you find that stereotypes about cheerleaders helped or hindered your studies or professional experiences?
Britni: I have never felt hindered in any way in regards to my studies or professional experiences being a cheerleader. What I find most helpful is the ability to give back to the community. Having the opportunity to assist with and appear at charity events and meet so many wonderful people has been such a great experience.
Do you have any advice for youngsters who might feel torn between following one dream and another?
Britni: I’m a total geek! My closest friends laugh at all my quirky habits and joke with me all the time. My advice is “live for yourself!” Follow any dream that you may have. No one should place a boundary or a title on your dreams except for you. Plus, what could be better than a geeky cheerleader? It sounds both funny and talented!
What are your plans for the future?
Britni: I don’t have any set plans for the future. I like to take one step at a time and live life to the fullest. I couldn’t think of anything else I would rather be doing at this point in my life.
Best cheerleading experience?
Britni: Going to London! In October 2009, my rookie year, I was given the opportunity to travel with the team to London for the international game against Tampa Bay.
What’s one thing people might find especially surprising about you?
Britni: I’m shy. I was always very quiet growing up. People have asked how it’s possible for me to be shy and quiet and yet still appear in front of thousands of people as an NFL cheerleader. Game days give you such an adrenaline rush that you totally forget about any shyness you may have. Also, appearing at promotional events throughout all six New England states has helped me overcome my shyness.
If you could rewind the clock and change your degree, would you? If so, to what and why? If not, why not?
Britni: I would not change my degree. I love the idea of Psychology and all the doors it can open for you. There are so many things you can do with Psychology and it’s easily relatable to any field. It is a very interesting major.
Why do you want to be a Science Cheerleader?
Britni: Who wouldn’t want to be a science cheerleader?!
Britni: Patriots cheerleader with a psychology degree.
