Tell us a little about your background. How did you end up at UNI?
I was a high school math teacher for years. I moved my family here to Cedar Falls after years of researching and using statistical analysis to determine the best places in the US to raise my children (within my budget, of course). However, the politics of teaching began to weigh on me, and I decided it was time for a career change.

Why did you choose to pursue this degree at UNI?
I loved teaching. I loved building relationships with students. I loved mentoring and guiding them. I did not love the politics and ever-changing restrictions that were being placed on us by people who had never set foot in a public classroom. So I set out to discover what career options would allow me to continue the aspects of education that I loved while minimizing the aspects that I did not. 

What’s been your favorite experience at UNI so far?
The staff and faculty. Everyone here is so supportive, kind, and passionate about their work. It is truly awe-inspiring. 

How has UNI helped you achieve your goals?
Through internships and graduate assistantships, I have worked with many people, and every single one of them has done so much to teach me what it means to be a Student Affairs professional. 

What challenges have you faced as you've worked toward this degree – and how have you overcome them?
As a nontraditional student, I always knew that I would have challenges. For starters, I have three children. But by carefully budgeting my time and energy, I have thus far been able to maintain a 4.0 while also spending quality time with my family every day.

We often say UNI is ... 1) student focused; 2) a place where professors care--and teach; 3) a place where learning happens in and out of the classroom; and 4) is perfectly sized. Do you have an example or experience of how one or more of these statements rings true for you?
I had the honor of working last semester with a dedicated team focused on mental health assistance. Our primary task was to learn about the struggles that our community was going through and find ways to improve the mental health of our campus as a whole. We made many recommendations, and not once did we hear "that's too expensive" as an excuse. The UNI community truly cares about its students and is actively looking for ways to improve itself.

What advice would you give to students considering coming to UNI?
Join the community. Attend events. Join clubs. Get to know people. UNI is such a wonderful place filled with amazing people. Don't miss out on that.

What three adjectives describe yourself?
Empathetic, loyal, supportive

What do you plan to do with your degree? Or, if you are graduating, do you already know next steps/have a position?
I plan on staying right here at UNI as a part of this amazing staff/faculty community.