FAIRFAX, Va. - This out of the pool features Rebecca Anderson, also known as Becky and a native of Essex, Vermont where she attended Essex High School. Anderson is a junior and swims the Distance Free and IM for Mason

GoMason.com: Why did you choose George Mason University?

Anderson: I was interested in getting a Master's in Education and Mason has a program with great connections to the Fairfax County Public School system.

GoMason.com: How did you get into swimming?

Anderson: My parents threw my sisters and I into swim lessons and swim team at a young age. I am not a particularly coordinated person, so I wasn't too successful in the other sports that I had tried.

GoMason.com: What is your favorite swimming event, and why?

Anderson: I like swimming the 500 free because it is a quick race but still long enough to have a race plan.

GoMason.com: Do you have any pre-meet rituals that you have to do before you swim?

Anderson: I have a particular stretch cycle that helps me get into my race mentality. When my parents get the chance to come to my meets, I always hear my dad yell my name before I swim and that gives me a boost of energy.

GoMason.com: Who would you say you look up to the most?

Anderson: My two sisters have both given me huge shoes to fill. They are supportive of my goals and are very encouraging. They have both accomplished a lot with their lives in their own way and this helps motivate me to work hard for my goals.

GoMason.com: What was your favorite swimming moment from the 2012 London Olympics?

Anderson: I loved watching Missy Franklin swim the 200 Back. She is an inspiration to swimmers with her tenacious and fierce competitive swimming and her kind and generous heart. She knows exactly what she wants and I admire that.

GoMason.com: What is your biggest pet peeve?

Anderson: My biggest pet peeve is when people do not appreciate all of the good things they have in their life and dwell on their life negatively.

GoMason.com: What would you like to do after college?

Anderson: I would like to travel and explore the world. Realistically, I would have a job at a Fairfax County Public School, coaching on the side and I would have two kittens to go home to every night.

GoMason.com: If you could visit any place in the world, where would you go?

Anderson: I would like to spend two weeks in every single U.S. state and territory.

GoMason.com: What is something that most people don't know about you?

Anderson: I was born and raised for eight years in Glasgow, Scotland. I only speak with my Scottish accent when I am with my family or talk to them on my phone.

Rebecca Anderson's Favorites:

Color: Purple

Ice-cream flavors: Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough or Black Raspberry.

Quote: "Risk, Care, Dream, Expect."

TV Show: Grey's Anatomy

Movie: Braveheart

Foods: Grilled Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Asparagus