Why did you choose UNI? 

I originally learned about UNI through the Women’s Soccer program, but once I got here for my tour I fell in love with the campus and people.

What have you enjoyed the most about attending UNI? 

Since coming to UNI, I have enjoyed getting to know new people and having new experiences. I have been able to meet people and form friendships that will last a lifetime. I have also been able to do things I otherwise wouldn’t if I hadn’t come to UNI.

How did you become interested in your major? 

Both of my parents were involved in the legal field while I was growing up and while I was reluctant at first, I eventually decided that the classes I found the most interesting were related to the legal field. After some research, I eventually decided to pursue criminology and criminal justice. 

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

I have really enjoyed being able to apply the content I learn in classes to real world situations. Being able to see the content I learn in school to the stories I see in the news and other current events has really motivated me to continue and even go deeper in my learning. I have also really enjoyed being able to learn how content covered in class can be applied and used outside the classroom to have an impact on whatever community I am a part of. Lastly, I have really enjoyed how the criminology and criminal justice major here at UNI allows and encourages learning in related disciplines like psychology and legal studies, which I have been lucky enough to minor in.

How have you been involved outside of the classroom?

The summer between my sophomore and junior year I was able to intern at the Office of U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar. I worked at her constituent office in downtown Minneapolis which meant that I had got the opportunity to impact my community. Aside from my everyday internship duties, I worked primarily with passports and immigration which was an eye opening and inspiring experience. 

The next spring semester I was also able to intern for Dr. Stalp as the Iowa Sociological Association intern. I was primarily tasked with creating a working website that could be transferred and continue to grow after the first year. Alongside Dr. Stalp, we were able to bring the Iowa Sociological Association back to an in-person conference and ensure it ran smoothly. 

Throughout my time here at UNI I have also been a part of the women’s soccer team. Although balancing an almost 40-hour week with soccer on top of the demands of school was not easy, I have had the amazing opportunity to travel the country, volunteer in the community, and inspire so many little girls all alongside some of my best friends. 

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

One of the most influential professors during my time here at UNI was Dr. Rhineberger. I took my senior seminar with Dr. Rhineberger and ultimately asked her to advise my honors thesis research. Her ability to teach the content in an authentic and engaging way made it more interesting to learn and apply to the real world. 

Another influential professor I had during my time at UNI was Dr. Kogl in the political science department. I was lucky enough to take a class from her my freshman year and when the time came to finish out my last semester I sought out another one of her classes. Dr. Kogl creates a comfortable and authentic environment in which students can discuss challenging and thought-provoking topics. 

What are your post-graduation plans?

I haven’t decided where yet, but I plan to attend law school this fall after I graduate.

How has UNI/your major helped prepare you for these plans? 

UNI has allowed me the opportunity to apply the concepts I learn in class to the real world which gives me a leg up not only for law school but for a future career. UNI has also encouraged active participation and interaction with people from different backgrounds which is definitely going to translate in my future endeavors. Lastly, the ability and encouragement from UNI to do internships related to my potential future career has allowed me to have practical experience in related fields.  

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

The best piece of advice I could give is to do an internship. Whether that’s during the semester, the summer, or another break in classes I would highly recommend it. Doing an internship not only gets you course credit, but it also gives you the opportunity to “try out” a career path you might be interested in. Even if you don’t end up going into that specific job you make connections with people in a professional way outside of your school environment. The other piece of advice I would give is to seek out help from your professors. They want to help you succeed and even a short conversation with them creates that connection, which may help you later in your college career or even further.