Why did you choose UNI? 

I chose UNI originally because I was recruited for athletics. However, I fell in love with this community and I knew that there were so many opportunities to make connections. 

What have you enjoyed the most about attending UNI? 

I’ve enjoyed getting to know my professors in my department over the years and establishing great connections with many of them that I’ll cherish forever. 

How did you become interested in your major at UNI? 

I chose to be a Family Services major simply because I want to help others and make a difference in their lives. I’ve always loved working with children and their families and would love to pursue a career after graduation, continuing to do that work. 

How have you been involved outside of the classroom?

I am on the UNI Swim & Dive team, and being a student-athlete, I’ve made the most of it by getting involved outside the pool and the classroom. I’ve completed two research studies with Dr. Melinda Heinz (How Older Adults are Portrayed in Children’s Media, and Piloting Curriculum about Living to 100: A New Approach with Elementary Students). I had the opportunity to go to Seattle and present my research last November at the Gerontological Society of America Conference. I am currently completing an internship with Allen Child Protection Center, where I work on the prevention side of their operations. I go around to local elementary schools in the Cedar Valley area and teach students how to keep their bodies safe and healthy. In addition, I work at a daycare center in Hudson, and in my spare time, I teach swim lessons to children with special needs or disabilities. 

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

There are so many professors that I could name, but Dr. Melinda Heinz has been the most influential professor here throughout my time at UNI. I had the privilege of working with her for both of my research projects and traveling to Seattle with her for the GSA conference last November. She has helped me discover all these opportunities that are available to undergraduate students, and I cannot thank her enough for helping me achieve so much over the past few years. 

What are your post-graduation plans? 

Upon graduation, I will be attending Drake University to pursue a Master’s Degree in School Counseling with the goal of becoming an elementary school counselor in the Des Moines area. 

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

The Family Services program has taught me so many great skills that I know I will be able to use once I become a school counselor. I’ve learned so much from my courses, and it has prepared me well to continue to work with children and their families. 

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

Don’t be scared to try new things. Get involved in the community and get to know your professors. They truly are the greatest professors on campus, and they want to help you succeed because they know you're capable of accomplishing anything here at UNI! 

Anything else you’d like to add? 

Go CATS!!!