Degree(s) completed and special minors or areas of emphasis:
Physical education BA with a health education minor

Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in a small town of roughly 3,800 people in northwest Iowa. Growing up in a small town, I was fortunate enough to participate in four sports (volleyball, basketball, softball, and track). My mom is a teacher and I quickly realized I loved the atmosphere of the teaching profession. I ultimately decided to become a physical education major because of the amazing professors at UNI, my mom (a fellow teacher) and my love of sports and physical activity! I like to spend my free time with family or friends and working out and moving my body!

Why did you choose to attend UNI?
I chose to attend UNI because some of my best friends were already attending the university, and it was big enough without being too small. 

What is the most important thing you learned during your time at UNI?
A little kindness goes a long way—showing up each day with energy and a positive attitude. 

Share your best memory from your time at UNI.
The best memory I have from attending UNI was traveling to Washington, DC, to attend a conference advocating for funding for physical education programs across the United States.

Describe your career path after school. 
This fall 2021, I will be starting my career pathway as a physical and health education teacher as well as coaching volleyball. 

What is your area of expertise? What do you see as your greatest accomplishment since entering the workforce?
My area of expertise is physical competency, my ability to move my body in different forms of physical activity. I feel that my greatest accomplishment since entering the workforce is building rapport and relationships with my students. 

Our goal is to help students achieve perhaps more than they ever imagined. How does that relate to your own experience?
My time at UNI taught me that working hard and having a positive attitude will result in a positive outcome in the end. I feel that all the people I had the opportunity to meet and build relationships with while at UNI have helped shape me into the well-rounded individual I am today. 

What is your advice to students interested in your field?
Attend conferences when given the opportunity, get to know the cooperating teachers you will work with, and create networking opportunities for yourself. 

What does the future hold for you?
My future holds a job at a school that I am very passionate about where I can teach and coach. I also plan to start a master's degree shortly.