What brought you to UNI?

From a young age, I attended many sporting events and truly enjoyed the atmosphere at UNI. As I began going on college visits, I loved it even more. It was the perfect size and distance from home and also allowed me to continue playing softball for 4 more years. As I began speaking with current students, many of them discussed how welcoming everyone was and the close relationships that you could have with professors, which would make a huge impact in the future.

What did you enjoy most about attending UNI?

I have had some of the most flexible, understanding, and encouraging professors here, which have helped me tremendously throughout my 4 years. Although college can be extremely fun, there were times in which it felt extremely overwhelming. Many of my professors were open to feedback and talking to me through those times, in order to make me more successful in the future. I owe a lot to them for encouraging me to stick through it in some very difficult times.

How did you become interested in your major? 

I have always been interested in mental health, along with the idea of diversity and difference, related to how small differences can effect each and every one of our lives. It's always been a huge desire of mine to work with minority populations, whether that is in relation to race, religion, socioeconomic status, ability, or anything else. I want to find a way to help as many people as possible to lead more successful lives.

What were some of your favorite classes? 

I enjoyed Introduction to Social Work because of the requirement to complete community service hours. Although I originally took this course because it was general and I was unsure of what I wanted to study, it has made the biggest difference in my college experience. Throughout the course, I was able to listen to presentations from employees of all different social work agencies. Because of this, I found somewhere I was truly interested in to complete my community service hours which absolutely sold me on the idea of being a Social Work major. After that experience, I knew exactly what I wanted to study.

How have you been involved outside of the classroom?

I completed an internship at Pathways Behavioral Services, doing work in Integrated Health Home, along with shadowing many other specific areas within the agency. I have been a member of the UNI Softball team throughout my entire college career, along with a member of the UNI Student Athlete Advisory Committee. I also serve as the UNI female athletics representative on the Missouri Valley Conference Student Athlete Advisory Committee.

Post-graduation plans?

I am planning to begin working at Pathways Behavioral Services in May, as a BHIS provider, along with starting my Social Work Master's Program in June.

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

My experiences at UNI have taught me the importance of communication and organization. They have also taught me the importance of knowing who your people are and allowing people to help you through difficult times. There will always be ups and downs throughout life, but it is extremely important to have those positive supports in your life to help get you through.

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

If you are unsure in any way of what you want to study, leave it open and take a variety of classes. There is something out there for everyone, and you will find it if you allow yourself to have an open mind and become accepting to new ideas.