Former WHS star athlete shifts focus to academics to achieve long-term goals

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High graduate Ezra Foster is currently a sophomore at the University of Maine Orono studying mechanical engineering. While at Windham High School he played football and ran track in the spring and played in the prestigious senior Lobster Bowl in 2024. Once he got to college though, he decided to hang up his cleats and focus on academics as he felt this was the best decision for his long-term goals.

Windham High and University of
Maine Orono sophomore Ezra
Foster is majoring in mechanical
engineering. He made the decision
to hang up his cleats and focus on
his academics and says this was best
for his long-term goals.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

“I was very interested in residential real estate development, which is something I grew up watching my father do,” said Foster who started his time at the University of Maine Orono majoring in finance and accounting with a minor in construction engineering. “I thought that path would give me useful financial and planning skills, along with some technical knowledge for that field. However, after my first year, I realized I was more drawn to the technical and problem-solving side of things. Mechanical engineering felt like a better fit for my interests and strengths, and I also liked that it would give me a wider range of career opportunities across different industries.”

While hanging up his cleats for good, Foster says that he loves everything about being part of a team. Foster stays active through intramural sports like flag football and floor hockey. He also enjoys playing pickup basketball in his free time. It’s nice for him to be part of a team environment in a fun, competitive way.

“I met Ezra through my cousin Jake who also attended Windham high school,” said University of Maine Orono sophomore Richard Marston. “I became closer with Ezra as we started to hangout when we got to college and take courses in accounting and management together. Ezra is a leader because of his go-getter attitude. He doesn’t fret over obstacles or roadblocks. He just figures out ways to execute and solve. Ezra has presence in every room he enters. He is friendly, creative, and always looking to help others. Anyone you ask at UMaine that has encountered Ezra has nothing but positive things to say about him. Above all they appreciate his hustle and work ethic.”

Since Foster started at the University of Maine Orono, he’s maintained a 3.98 GPA with a full course load.

“Growing up playing sports in Windham taught me discipline, time management, and accountability at an early age,” said Foster. “My coaches played a huge role in reinforcing those values and pushing me to be consistent and responsible both on and off the field. Those lessons have carried over into college and continue to influence the way I conduct myself every day.”

Since switching his major to mechanical engineering, Foster was a little nervous about the increased workload. However, he earned a 4.0 GPA during his first semester in the engineering program.

Foster received the Construction Financial Management Association scholarship last spring. The Construction Financial Management Association’s goal is to help construction financial professionals through education, networking and information.

“Don’t be afraid to change your direction if you discover something you are passionate about,” said Foster in giving advice to current high school students looking to attend college. “It's okay to not know exactly what direction you'd like to take right out of the gate. Often, you get a better understanding of what you want to do as you continue to have new experiences and meet new people. Building good habits early on can make a big difference; it’s ... important to get involved, meet new people and make the most of your experience.” <