Why did you choose UNI? 

I was originally accepted into a few other programs in addition to UNI. However I compared cost, size and COVID-19 activities in my decision to attend. When I was choosing what school to attend, due to my father being in the military I had no idea where they would be living while I attended school. So, I chose to apply to schools that were within a day's driving distance of other family relatives. UNI was one of those schools. Overall, UNI was also the cheapest, while also providing a size I was most comfortable with. There are only ~10,000 undergraduates, which allows students to stand out or hide in the crowds if they so wish. I was also part of the class that entered after COVID-19 hit, and the other universities I was considering were not meeting in-person. UNI chose to allow its students to attend courses in person, with other regulations in place which also impacted my decision. 

What have you enjoyed the most about attending UNI? 

I enjoy the atmosphere of being able to connect with so many other students and the staff members. There are very few large courses, and the smaller class sizes allowed me to interact with others and make more friends and future career opportunities. 

How did you become interested in your major? 

I took a course in high school involving Human Anatomy and Physiology, with a small unit on forensic anthropology. I became intrigued and wondered if that was feasible as a career. A couple google searches later, I found that it was possible. I came to UNI with the idea that anthropology would be my major, but I was open to switching majors if it did not fit. However, my decision only solidified once I had taken a few courses and I fell further in love with my choice of major. 

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

I enjoyed the variety of courses offered by the limited number of professors within my department. I am grateful for the well-rounded approach to expose all areas of Anthropology. I have also enjoyed some of the smaller courses which allowed for more long lasting connections with other students of the same interests. 

How have you been involved outside of the classroom?

I am part of a campus ministry: Chi Alpha, which I have attended since I came to UNI in 2021. They have a very welcoming atmosphere and I have made lifelong friendships through the events that they host. I was also a Tutor at The Learning Center for two years, which helped me to grow in both personal and professional skills, as well as engaging and assisting other peers on campus. 

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

Three professors over the course of my time as an undergraduate influenced me: Scott Bredman, Dr. Dawn Del Carlo , and Dr. Tyler O’Brien. I took Bredman’s Oral Communication course my first semester at UNI and he made me feel very welcomed and seen as a freshman. He also assisted in my future confidence in public speaking. Dr. Del Carlo was my chemistry professor for both Chem I and II, and she helped to guide me through more difficult coursework as well as being a listening ear to struggles that I had my sophomore year. Dr. O’Brien has taught most of my higher level coursework within the Anthropology major and has aided in many different aspects of my last years as an undergraduate. I worked with him during an Independent Study in preparation for a field school in Poland that he helped me to find. He has also pushed me in my coursework and writing skills to improve, while also being enthusiastic about what he is teaching. He has made my experience so much more significant than if I had never taken a course with him. 

What are your post-graduation plans? 

I am currently working on submitting my applications to graduate schools in Tennessee, Texas, Montana, and Massachusetts. I hope to be accepted and enrolled in a Masters program for the fall of 2025. 

How has UNI helped prepare you for these plans? 

My major provided a well rounded approach to all aspects of anthropology, which is what is sought after by many graduate programs to build into more specialized knowledge. All of the professors and staff were also very helpful in providing advice on what to pursue to achieve my goals. They work with students to find the best opportunities, to prepare all of their students for the careers they are seeking. 

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

Do not be afraid to reach out to your professors in realms where you are unfamiliar. Most of the time when they see the effort you are putting in to understand, they will be elated to expand your knowledge on a more one on one basis to help you succeed. This major also requires you to rethink what you may have learned in high school about studying and preparing for class, expect it and do not shy away from difficulty. It may be difficult in the beginning, but by the end you will realize that your effort was worth it and walk away with valuable skills and knowledge.