Why did you choose this degree -- and UNI?
Growing up, I was heavily involved in athletics and other activities through my local recreation department. I knew I wanted to pursue a career helping others stay active in their community. During college, I started working with people with disabilities. I realized my passion for helping people with disabilities reach their goals. I liked how UNI was able to help me pursue both paths. 

What path did you take to achieve your degree?
Right out of high school, I knew I wanted to do something with athletics. I went from pre-physical therapy to physical education, but knew that it wasn't my passion. Though I didn't choose these careers, exploring them helped me realize what I wanted to do. The recreation, tourism, and nonprofit leadership degree was perfect for me and what I wanted to do for my profession.

How has an internship or other in-the-field experience prepared you for your career. 
I am currently completing my internship which will satisfy my degree requirements. So far, it has confirmed my passion: working with people with disabilities and providing them with ways to stay active and make new connections. 

What does completing your degree mean to you?
Knowing that I have completed my degree makes me excited for the future. I have many ideas of what I would like to do in my profession and how I can help people with disabilities reach their goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

What challenges did you face as you worked toward this degree – and how did you overcome them?
Throughout school, I was financially independent. I had to learn to balance my school life, work life, and social life. I was approached about a job at Goodwill Industries as a community trainer. They provided me with flexible hours and overnights as I worked around my school schedule. I created connections with my consumers and coworkers which has helped me tremendously in my current position. 

How did UNI help you achieve your goals?
UNI helped me achieve my goals by achieving an education in recreational programming, accommodating people with disabilities, and feeling prepared to enter into my new role combining recreation and nonprofit. 

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;  is perfectly sized. How do one or more of these statements ring true for you?
UNI has excellent professors which helped me get to the place I am today. Professors Christopher Kowalski, Dr. Rodney Dieser, and Dr. Heather Olsen took time out of their busy schedules to meet with me, challenged me to be a better student, kept me engaged in the classroom, and showed me they cared about me as a student and person. 

What’s your best memory of your time at UNI?
My best memories from UNI include my classes taken with Christopher Kowalski. He knew how to make his students laugh while helping them learn the profession.

What advice would you give to students considering UNI?
Don't be afraid to meet new people and step outside your comfort zone. 

What do you plan to do with your degree? Do you already know your next steps/have a position?
I have accepted a position with Goodwill Industries as a recreation leisure specialist. My responsibilities include providing recreational and leisure opportunities for the clients that we serve. This could include exercising, social activities, and travel events. I am thankful that I have the opportunity to work in the nonprofit field while also combining my passion for recreation.