Why did you choose UNI? 

I chose UNI due to the deep connections between Waterloo, Cedar Falls, and the campus. My father and my grandmother graduated from UNI, and thus a long legacy in connection to the campus. It is tight-knit, with a multitude of opportunities, and the closeness of the campus to the Cedar Valley community especially in connection with Waterloo is what drew me to attend the University of Northern Iowa. 

What have you enjoyed the most about attending UNI? 

I have enjoyed the multitude of opportunities to become deeply involved in the change-making processes at UNI via my experiences as an appointed At-Large Senator, elected CSBS Senator, and elected Speaker of the Senate within the Northern Iowa Student Government. I also honorably partook of the opportunity to sit on university committees, such as the President’s Budget Advisory committee, to lobby on behalf of the student body and my peers to improve my own as well as their experience at the university. I have enjoyed the massive number of opportunities to become involved in campus, through different campus events and other organizations, such as Active Minds, Green Dot and Green Bandana Project, CATS, amongst many others. 

How did you become interested in your major? 

In my senior year of high school I job-shadowed the current mayor of Waterloo, Mayor Quientin Hart. Since early high school I had a very keen interest in political science, however the mayor recommended that if I truly wished to become involved in governance and proper representation I study public administration at the University of Northern Iowa. With this recommendation, I began my four-year career in the public administration and political science majors at UNI. 

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

Representing the public administration major via creating advertisements for the department, planting trees and combating the disastrous impacts of redlining in the local community of Waterloo via Trees for Cedar Valley in the public administration seminar. Discussing and arguing for reformations to the American republic in the political science senior seminar. Guest lectures, the wonderful professors and engaging learning environment. 

How have you been involved outside of the classroom?

Beyond Northern Iowa Student Government, I had the opportunities to study abroad with the study abroad program and the two-week faculty led program in France. This was in order to add additional credits for my French Language Studies program certificate, however it was beyond words can describe the experience and cross-cultural comparisons. I have attended conferences, such as the Iowa Student Leadership Experience (ISLE) at Iowa State University to expand and encourage my leadership skills and abilities while in NISG, as well as attending the Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement (CLDE) conference in Minneapolis to learn how universities and higher-education institutions around the country are evolving and encouraging civic learning and engagement in our democracy. 

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

It is impossible to select one, or even a select few. The most influential professors from my time here have been Prof. Christopher Larimer, Prof. Jayme Renfro, Prof. Ana Kogl, Prof. Donna Hoffman, Prof. Justin Holmes, and Prof. and Department Head Dr. Scott Peters. Ultimately, many of the professors within the UNI Department of Political Science. 

What are your post-graduation plans? 

I plan to apply to graduate school for a Masters in Public Administration program at George Washington University in Washington, District of Columbia. 

How has UNI helped prepare you for these plans? 

The public administration major, the department of political science and the professors therein, as well as the opportunities to engage in a change-making process at the university via Northern Iowa Student Government have all prepared me to continue my education in public administration and strive for a career in public service. 

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

It is beyond worth it. Learn all you can, add multiple majors and minors as well as program certificates, shoot for the stars. The public administration major opens doors for so many wonderful opportunities, volunteer, career, or otherwise that will change your life and your perspectives. Public and civil service will improve your life greatly, in service of your peers and your fellow citizens.  Become engaged on campus, study hard, read a lot and often. Engage in discussions. 

Anything else you’d like to add? 

Thank you, UNI, and the Department of Political Science, for all you have done for me, and my education, my growth as a citizen and as an individual. These four years, all of my experiences, from the tiniest moments will forever alter positively who I am as a person. I am eternally grateful.