What brought you to UNI?

My sister graduated from UNI so from a young age I was interested in attending. After two visits to campus, I fell in love with the University. I moved here with my best friend right after high school and the rest is history. 

How did you become interested in your major? 

I changed my degree four times before changing one last time to psychology. I found it interesting to study and I was correct. I have loved my classes these last few semesters. 

What did you enjoy most about attending UNI?

I've really enjoyed my classes and my professors. The professors I have had have been very thorough in their lectures as well as kind, helpful, and understanding. I have built positive and encouraging relationships with some of them over the last few years. 

How have you been involved outside of the classroom?

I live off of campus and work full time so I haven't had much student involvement outside of class. If there is one thing I could change about my years at UNI, I would live on campus for at least one year and be more involved in organizations and activities and building up a community around me. 

Post-graduation plans?

As long as I live in the Cedar Valley (for the next 6 months or so) I will stay at my current job which is a serving job at a fantastic local restaurant downtown. Once I move to Iowa City I will look for a job that will allow me to use my degree in a more "professional" manner. The job I have now is great and I interact with a lot of people daily which allows me the opportunity to use my degree. 

I am excited to close my university chapter and see what my next chapter holds. I hope to have new adventures in the next few years. 

How did UNI prepare you for your post-graduation plans?

I have learned to work with people and being a college student has helped define my discipline and work ethic. This is very much applied to my life daily and crucial for navigating the world outside of academics. 

What advice would you give to students considering this major?

My years at UNI were not a traditional 4-year plan. I chose a degree to study as a senior in high school and found out I did not like what I was studying once I started classes. I did poorly my freshman year and missed a lot of classes. I had to take some time off from school but when I came back I was more determined than ever to do well and it has shown in my performance and grades. Don't be afraid to change your degree and explore other classes. It can be a fun process. I started at UNI in 2017 with an academic break and a semester at Iowa State in the middle of it but I have no regrets. I loved my time at UNI and I wish I had more. Also, go to your classes, and if you don't think you can get up 2-3 times a week for an 8 am class, take the 9 or 10 am class instead. My last piece of advice for success is to ask for help. Don't be afraid to reach out to your professors for anything and they will help guide you in the right direction. Utilize the learning center and the tutors they have. If you don't ask for help or communicate problems or circumstances with your professors, they won't know you need the help or accommodations.