What made you choose the University of Northern Iowa?

I chose UNI because I came from a small school with a graduating class of ~ 26 people. I loved the size of UNI and how small the class sizes were. Being able to get to know professors and to see the same people in your classes makes it easier to build connections. I was also able to be as involved on campus as I wanted with the number of student organizations we have and my jobs within housing. Coming from a small school where I was able to be involved in almost everything, I found it important to have opportunities to balance my schedule with everything I wanted to do.

What have you enjoyed the most about your experience at UNI? 

The thing I have enjoyed most about my time at UNI is the people I have been able to help during my time here. I was a resident assistant (RA) for two years in Hagemann Hall. During this time, I had  freshmen residents whom I helped navigate their first year of college. Some of my former residents still come to me with questions 3 years later, and I am so happy I got to play a small part in their lives. I have also been able to volunteer around the Cedar Valley, especially at Cedar Valley Angels (CVA) in Waterloo. CVA is a nonprofit organization that supports children experiencing foster care and foster families. Being able to work with and for this community is rewarding each and every day. I am currently working at CVA and have made amazing friendships there.

What first sparked your interest in your major?

I have always been interested in psychology and mental health, but my interest was sparked in high school. I had a teacher in high school, Mr. Chase Petty, who taught a psychology class. He made it fun but also pushed me to my fullest potential. I was a good student, but when I would try to take the easy way out, he would push me to create better work. I have always been interested in how people’s thought processes worked and what went into their decision-making. 

My spark for my family services major came from Dr. Nathan Taylor’s relationship dynamic class. His classes were always super interactive while still being informative and applicable. Family Services is typically a found major at UNI, and I am so happy I found the major that will help me in my future career when working with families and kiddos from different backgrounds. 

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

Above all else, the aspect I love most about my majors is the emphasis on others. There is so much to learn about relationships, interactions, supporting others, and both of these majors focus largely on these aspects. I also love how I was able to curate my schedules and majors to my interests and desires. I was able to branch out and find out what I am truly interested in.

Both of these majors are considered helping majors. I always want to help anyone that I come into contact with, and these majors have given me the opportunity and knowledge to do just that. 

How have you been involved outside the classroom?

I have recently conducted an archival analysis on educational resources to educate school-age children about sexual abuse, in partnership with Dr. Kimberly MacLin, and was able to present this information at the INSPIRE conference. I plan to continue this research because well-rounded resources on this topic are so important, so children have an understanding of how to have their own voice about their bodies and help friends who may come to them with concerns.

I have been involved in Best Buddies, Shine On, National Residence Hall Honorary, and SABRs. Being a part of these student organizations gave me the opportunity to work with individuals and communities I am passionate about. 

Which professors or mentors have had the biggest impact on your time at UNI, and how?

I have met so many amazing people during my time at UNI. Some who have had the largest impact on me are Dr. Anne Plagge, Dr. Nathan Taylor, Dr. Rowena Tan, Dr. Nikki Harken, and Sav Culver. Each and every one of these individuals has taught me something new about myself or the career fields I am interested in. Dr. Nikki Harken and Sav Culver especially helped to make UNI feel like a second home for me, and through some major life transitions, from being a freshman at UNI to graduating and navigating life.

What are your plans after graduation?

I will be moving to Lawrence, Kansas, where my Fiancé currently resides. I am taking a year off and then attending the University of Kansas for the Ed.S. program in School Psychology. 

In what ways has UNI and your major helped prepare you for your next steps?

I believe that my majors have given me a great foundation of knowledge to build upon and learn even more. I have also developed skills that are powerful in the workforce and appealing to employers. Some of these skills include a strong work ethic, emotional intelligence, initiative, adaptability, and teamworking skills. I have also had the opportunity to work with people in different settings and learn about different cultures and backgrounds, which will help me with my next steps.

What advice would you give to students who are thinking about pursuing this major?

Go for it! (and if not… throw on a mental health minor!). Take classes that interest you and help you learn what demographic you want to work with. These majors are genuinely what you make of them, so give it your all. Do what makes you happy, because if you do that, you genuinely won’t despise your work.

Anything else you’d like to share? 

I would just like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout these four years. I want to thank my family, fiancé Trevor, and his family. I would also like to thank my friends and anyone I have worked with during my time at UNI.