Joe Link

Joe Link
Major/Job Title:
Public Administration and Political Science
Hometown:
Peosta, Iowa
Class Year:
2022

Joe Link

What brought you to UNI?

My high school counselor suggested that I visit multiple schools before making a final decision of where I would go to college. When I came to UNI for a visit, I was impressed by how welcoming, friendly, and positive people were. The size of the campus seemed manageable, and I even got to sit in on some sort of history class, which was really interesting. On the ride home after that visit, I developed a vision in my head of attending UNI. It was a vision that seemed realistic and comfortable, I knew UNI was a place where I could be successful and was somewhere I wanted to be––I didn't know what I wanted to study, but I knew I wanted to be at UNI.

What did you enjoy most about attending UNI?

It all comes down to the people. UNI is truly a special place where people are welcoming. Through my classes and involvements, I've been fortunate enough to meet so many people and make good friendships. In my time at UNI, it never failed that I would see someone I knew while walking to class or a meeting. Faculty and staff are also friendly people. I've been able to get to know and have conversations with custodians, food workers, professors, secretaries, and administrators. Seeing people you know all over campus really makes UNI feel like home, and I'm not sure if you can get that experience elsewhere.

How did you become interested in your major? 

I developed an interest in politics and government during my high school government class, but arrived at UNI as an undecided major. During my first semester at UNI, I took an Introduction to International Relations class to fulfill a general education requirement. On the first day of class, the professor began to lecture about why politics and government matters in our everyday world, and I was soon enthralled with the topic. Throughout the semester, my enthusiasm and excitement remained constant, and I found the class readings and lectures to be fascinating. On the day of the final exam, I stood up and walked to the front of the room to turn in my test. On the way out, the professor told me that I should really considering being a Political Science major––so I took his advice, and have been very pleased with this field of study.

What were some of your favorite classes? 

International Relations, The Modern Presidency, Iowa Politics, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties

How have you been involved outside of the classroom?

  • I was involved in residence hall government and the Residence Hall Association for one year
  • I've worked in the residence halls as an RA for three years
  • I served as the Co-President of Political Science Society for one year
  • I served as a Student Government Senator for one year
  • I advocated for UNI at the Statehouse as a member of our Student Government's Legislative Liaison Team for two years
  • I was on the Executive Board of Active Minds, a mental health advocacy student organization, for one semester
  • I interned in the Black Hawk County Election Office for one semester
  • I interned in the Public Defender's Office for one semester

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

I had some great opportunities at UNI through student organizations. Through being a member of the NISG Legislative Liaison Team, I was able to travel to the Statehouse, speak with lawmakers, and advocate for UNI. Through being a NISG Senator, I was able to represent students and serve on a committee tasked with rewriting the student government constitution. Through being an RA, I gained valuable experience planning events, meetings, and activities. If you get involved on campus, you won't just be standing and watching on the sidelines, you'll have the opportunity to get valuable hands-on experience. All of these experiences I've had and skills I've developed at UNI have made me better prepared for the real world.

What advice would you give to high school seniors (and/or transfer students)?

I would simply say don't take time for granted. These are four years (or more) years of your life that you won't be able to repeat again, so make the most of them, because they go by very quickly. Get involved in student organizations, talk to and befriend the people you sit next to in class, take the time to get to know your professors, and got to sporting events. You would be doing yourself a great disservice by being a student that just simply shows up to class and goes home. There's a whole campus and and a whole world that is operating all around you––be a part of it!