Why did you choose UNI? 

I chose UNI because when I first toured the campus, it was a place I could envision myself finding community! I liked that the campus was on the smaller side but was still a place where I could have new experiences and meet new people all four years. 

What have you enjoyed the most about attending UNI? 

I most enjoyed my involvement with the WRC and the group fitness program. I met so many new people while working at the WRC and it provided a great opportunity to develop strong friendships. I also built relationships with faculty and staff at the WRC that supported me. 

How did you become interested in your major? 

I’ve had an interest in law enforcement for as long as I can remember. I took criminal justice classes at DMACC in high school and those helped enforce that criminology was the right path for me! 

What have been some of your favorite aspects of the major? 

I appreciated that I got to know students and professors through the major. I had multiple classes with the same students and professors which helped me not to feel alone when the class work was hard. I also liked the wide variety of classes offered within the major which allowed me to customize my learning experience to fit my needs and interests. 

How have you been involved outside of the classroom?

I am in the honors program, so I had the opportunity to do research and write a thesis in my last two semesters at UNI. This was a great experience that challenged me and allowed me to grow in my academics. I also studied abroad in the spring of my freshman year. I went to Greece for a semester and this was an amazing opportunity to grow in my independence, explore another continent, and experience another culture. I was also involved in Salt Company, a campus ministry. I was a student leader for my junior year. I made many lasting friendships through Salt Company and grew in my understanding of who I am and what my passions are. Lastly, I was the program assistant for the group fitness program at the WRC. This job allowed me to grow in my leadership skills as I managed the program. It also helped me find a passion for group fitness and overall health and wellness, which led me to minoring in strength and conditioning. 

What professors have been most influential through your time here at UNI? 

Dr. Gayle Rhineberger, Bettina Fabos, and Kelsey Bourbeau all were very influential professors for me. They all were passionate about teaching which helped make me excited to learn. Chris Denison was also very influential and supportive as I worked at the WRC. 

What are your post-graduation plans?

I currently work at Wings of Refuge in Ames, IA. I am a residential program manager and I manage our Transitional Living Center for survivors of sex trafficking. I started working at Wings of Refuge in May of 2023, and I was offered a full time position starting in May of 2024. I have been living in Ames since then and working full time as I finished my last semester of college remotely. 

How has UNI helped prepare you for these plans? 

My major has helped prepare me for my work at Wings of Refuge by teaching me about crime, criminology theory, and victimization. This has helped me understand human trafficking and how to best support victims as they heal from their experiences. I was able to take a class on human trafficking and a class on mental health in the criminal justice system, both of which were directly applicable to my job. Additionally, I received field experience credit for two semesters because of my job, which provided me the opportunity to make connections between what I was learning in my job and what I was learning in my classes.

What advice would you give to students who are considering this major? 

I would advise students to do what they can to get experience related to the major! This could look like doing ride alongs with police officers, talking to people in their desired profession, or getting involved with the criminology club on campus. Hearing directly from people or experiencing things yourself is extremely valuable in this field, and it might help make a decision or discover a new passion! 

Anything else you’d like to add? 

I am so appreciative of UNI for my amazing experience! I will always look back on my time at UNI fondly. I made so many lasting memories and friendships here, and I am grateful to my professors for all that I learned!