Why did you choose this degree -- and UNI?
I originally came to UNI as a business major, but I realized I needed a switch to something that aligned more with my passions. I’ve always been interested in becoming a park ranger and working in emergency response, and this degree felt like the right path to get there. UNI was close to home, which made the transition easier, and it ended up being the right place to explore a career I’m truly excited about.

What path did you take to achieve your degree? 
In high school, I ran my own lawn care business, which initially led me to UNI to pursue a business degree. But once I got here, my path started to shift. I spent time at the rock wall on campus and got involved with outdoor programs, where I met Andy Martin and learned more about careers in the outdoors. That’s when everything clicked — I discovered a passion for outdoor recreation and emergency response, and I knew I needed to change direction. Switching majors was the best decision I made at UNI.

Describe your internship experience and how it has prepared you for your career. 
My field experience was unlike any other. I had the chance to tap into the nonprofit leadership side of my degree and secure an opportunity with our local fire department. Through this experience, I’ve grown tremendously — not just as a responder, but as a leader. Thanks to my internship, I’ve earned certifications in Hazmat Awareness and Operations, Hazmat Technician, and by the time I’m finished, I’ll also have Firefighter 1, Response to Bombing Incidents, and Highway Emergency Response Specialist under my belt. I can confidently say I’m the only RTNL student who was inside a burning building as part of their field experience — and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

What does completing your degree mean to you?
My journey to a degree wasn’t easy. I’ve never been the best student, and I’ve always struggled with lecture-style learning. Before I found the RTNL program, I took a gap year — and honestly, I wasn’t sure if I’d ever finish a degree at all. That’s why this moment means so much to me. I’m proud of myself for pushing through the doubts and challenges and finding a path that actually fit who I am. Completing this degree isn’t just about a diploma — it’s proof that I kept going, even when it wasn’t easy. And I’m really glad I did.

What challenges did you face as you worked toward this degree – and how did you overcome them?
Most of my challenges came before I switched to RTNL. Business just didn’t align with  what I wanted to do. Once I found RTNL, things started to click — but it still wasn’t easy. I worked a lot throughout my time in the program and even deployed to three different hurricane responses while finishing my degree. What made the difference was the support I received from my professors. They understood my passion for emergency response and worked with me to stay on track. That flexibility, along with their encouragement helped me keep moving forward. 

How did UNI help you achieve your goals?
UNI opened my eyes to what was possible. From the climbing wall to the classroom, I was exposed to opportunities I didn’t even know existed. Once I saw the path, I went after it.

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 any of those statements ring true for you? 
I think UNI still has some room to grow when it comes to being fully student-focused, but the RTNL program stood out in a big way. Professors like Gassman, Kowalski and Hanson truly cared about me as a person — and they were also great teachers. They built real relationships while pushing me to grow both in and out of the classroom. I also appreciated how much learning happened beyond lectures — through field experiences, hands-on training, and meaningful conversations. And UNI’s size really worked for me. It was big enough to open doors, but small enough that I always felt like more than just a number.

What’s your best memory of your time at UNI?*
After five years, it’s hard to pick just one.

What advice would you give to students considering UNI?*
Explore every option. Meet new people. Do job shadows. Get out and live a little. Don’t get tunnel vision — you never know where the right opportunity might come from.

What do you plan to do with your degree? Do you already know next steps/have a position?*
I plan to work full time in an emergency response role. While joining the National Park Service was my original goal, current budget cuts have made that path more challenging. Right now, I’m focused on pursuing a career as a firefighter — a role where I can make a real impact and continue growing in the field.