Hana Pechackova

College: Baruch
Collegiate Sport: Cross Country
Origin: Tabor, Czech Republic
Resides: Upper East Side, Manhattan
Year in College: Senior
Major: Economics
Hobbies: Photography, running, swimming, biking and going to museums.

What has been the best part of being on the Cross Country team?
Spending time with people who have something in common with you. I like running with others, it's fun and is a great way to find good friendships.

What do you wish to accomplish this year?
I just want to be happy, and for me to be happy I have to feel that I am helpful for my team. I want to become more and more educated to be helpful for society.

What is your fondest memory of any season that you have run?
I think all races are important and I try to remember each and every one of them. In cross country this year, I think the race I will remember the most was the Bard invitational, it was such a confusing course, and so long. But I really will always remember the New York City Marathon. It is really something when you get to finish a race that is so enduring.

What do you think is your best attribute or contribution to the team?
The fact that I always try my best and I try to help my team mates to do the same. I like to show people that common efforts and goals bring a team together.

What would you change about the team?
It would be really great if we could all train together. We don't have a good place to train, so we train apart and sometimes on our own.

Are you glad to be at Baruch?
Yes, of course, they have offered me great opportunities to succeed in life.

Do you find it difficult to play a sport and attending college?
Yes, it's sometimes really difficult, but it's challenging and rewarding. I have learned to organize my time and it's really worthy.

Do you work? How many hours a week?
Yes, I work a full time job, about 40 hours a week.

What are some of your future plans, academically?
I would like to earn my M.B.A. in economics in New York and then go back to my country to work in international relations, obviously in the economics area.

Do you think that you will stay running after finishing college? Why?
Yes, it may not be competitively because that would require lots of time. But I would still do it for fun. I have been running since 5th grade, and running will always be part of my life. It makes me happy.

Is this the only sport that you do?
No, I also swim and bike.