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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The goal of the NCAA in Division II is to see student-athletes achieve what it calls "life in the balance," and American International College senior field hockey player Lauren Silva (New City, N.Y.) is a shining example of that approach at work.

The NCAA states its life-in-the-balance commitment "by providing growth opportunities through academic achievement, learning in high-level athletic competition and development of positive societal attitudes in service to community. The balance and integration of these different areas of learning opportunity provide Division II student-athletes a path to graduation while cultivating a variety of skills and knowledge for life ahead."

Lauren is in her fourth season as a member of the field hockey team as defensive midfielder and back. She also played two years of lacrosse for the Yellow Jackets.

Once she got to AIC Lauren also decided that she wanted to get more involved in activities on campus – more so than she ever did in high school.

"I became motivated to get involved at AIC, because I wanted to gain experience outside of the classroom to support my education," said Silva. "I knew that by attending a diverse school, there would be much to gain by collaborating with my peers for fundraising and community service."

Lauren is the SAAC president at AIC, a role she assumed after serving as secretary when she was a sophomore. There has also been a noticeable difference in the SAAC at AIC since Lauren became involved.

"I recruit members for the committee to strengthen our voice and efforts, and hold monthly meetings," explained Silva, "but I also represent the AIC student-athletes at administrative meetings for bodies such as the Athletic Department and the Alumni Varsity Club.

"The AIC SAAC has grown tremendously in previous years in terms of its accomplishments and responsibilities. Some recent endeavors include increasing the annual amount of money raised for the Make-A-Wish foundation and the reviving of the Swarm Fan Club."

Lauren was also elected the President of the Northeast-10 SAAC in November 2008, giving her the chance to work for the betterment of every student-athlete that competes at the conference's 16 member institutions.

"My role as NE-10 SAAC President is to represent the conference on the National SAAC. Each year, the National SAAC meets for three in-person meetings and one conference call. These meetings allow me to be privy to information that affects all of Division II, which I then relay back to the institutions of the Northeast-10. This includes NCAA legislation, fundraising and student-athlete well-being. The flow of communication works both ways, and I am able to share ideas that have worked for our institutions at the National level."

Lauren's involvement on campus isn't just limited to athletics. She joined the Student Government Association (SGA) as an at-large representative, a role that allows her to help improve the undergraduate experience for everyone at the College.

"Besides attending weekly meetings, I serve on sub-committees within the SGA, and am a representative for the entire association on administrative committees. My desire to become involved in this organization was derived from athletics so that a relationship could exist between student-athletes and the rest of the student body."

You might think that a workload like this would be more than enough for anyone, but a college student needs money, too. So it should come as no surprise that Lauren has managed to fit a job into her busy schedule. It should also come as no surprise that she moved into a supervisory role.

"I do have a job on campus with the intramural department. I began working as a scorekeeper and referee during my freshman year. Since then, I have become a supervisor for the program and occasionally do promotional work to recruit participants and to fundraise for the department."

When asked about finding the time to do everything, Silva said "balancing everything can be difficult at times. I have found that the best way to handle my schedule is simply to complete one task at a time, and then move on to the next. Those who I work with on a regular basis in each venue have also been helpful and understanding when a conflict does arise, so I definitely have to thank them for putting up with my busy schedule! "

Once she leaves AIC, the marketing major plans to one day pursuing her master's and would like to work in collegiate athletics.

"Eventually, I'd like to work in collegiate athletic administration, a desire that originated from my involvement in SAAC."