Tell us a little about your background. How did you end up at UNI?
My love for education began early on as I had the privilege of joining TRIO programs that made me realize education was the way to go in life. Upward Bound, located in Waterloo, Iowa, was what set me on the path to end up at UNI. Early on, I knew UNI was home because of the way that people cared about me. When they would help me through classes and assist me with problems, I knew that I wasn’t alone. It brought me joy to know I made the right choice at UNI, and I know it will always have a special place in my heart. 

Why did you choose to pursue this degree at UNI?
I decided on postsecondary: student affairs for many reasons. First, I was a student worker in the Financial Aid Office in my undergrad years and loved assisting students with problems or questions they had. During that time, I loved that I was able to help students understand financial aid, and it felt so good when they would thank me for my help. Second, I had taken the course "Exploring Student Affairs" my senior year of undergrad, and I LOVED IT. I never knew what I was doing in financial aid, and assisting students, could be a job. So, I did lots of research within colleges and different departments and knew this was my fate. And last, it was the mentors and advisors in my life that helped me become the person I am today. They believed in me before I did and knew I was passionate about education. Giving back to students, being there to solve problems, and seeing that smile or light in their eyes makes me feel confident that I found my career path.

What’s been your favorite experience at UNI so far?
My favorite part of my experience at UNI would be conversations that I have had throughout my years. Reminiscing on the past brings smiles and tears because of the impact of knowing that I made it this far. UNI creates a special place where you can meet people, have community, and participate in traditions on campus to make you feel like a proud panther. As an alum from my undergrad years and completing my master's degree now, I feel a sense of pride and knowing the memories I have made will last a lifetime. 

How has UNI helped you achieve your goals?
UNI has helped me achieve my goals by never giving up on me and offering hands-on experience. The people I centered myself around, the willingness of others to help guide and assist me, and the goals UNI helped me reach all kept me going while earning my degree. UNI changed my perspective of what it means to never give up on yourself always keep trying. The hands-on experience piece has also been present throughout my master’s program in discussions in my classes, field experiences throughout my courses, and conversations I've had with professionals in my career field.

What challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?
A challenge I faced working towards this degree was the pandemic. When COVID-19 hit hard in March 2020, I was completing my first year in the program, and my world flipped upside down. Everyone was faced with so many difficulties and hardships, but education has now forever changed. I have learned so much personally, professionally, and in balancing my life through the craziness. I overcame many struggles by centering myself on what is most important, keeping true relationships, and asking for help when I need it. I had to keep reminding myself that I wasn’t alone.

We often say UNI is student-focused ... a place where professors care – and teach ... a place where learning happens in and out of the classroom; and is perfectly sized. How do those statements ring true for you?
I can definitely agree that learning happens both in and out of the classroom. I have learned so much more by having conversations with others and putting myself out there than I could have in a classroom setting. Classrooms can be limited sometimes, and your whole college experience should encompass many different areas. 

What advice do you have for students considering UNI?
My advice would be to be open to different possibilities, listen more than talk, and know that you aren’t alone. Ask for help when you need it and understand that you will make mistakes but learn from it and move on.

What three adjectives describe you?
Determined, honest and open-minded

What do you plan to do with your degree?
My plan for my master’s degree is to find a career within financial, international relations/admissions or student engagement. I am keeping my mind open to many possibilities so that I do not limit myself or my options for the future. With the journey I have been on these past few years, I know I do not want to take anything for granted when moving into this next phase. I want to enjoy every moment, be grateful for what I have and continue blessing others through acts of service in education.