ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú

• Hometown: Cary, IL
• Class: 2027
• Major(s):  Individualized Studies, Psychology
• Minor(s): Community-Based ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúhip, Human Capital ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúhip and Management
• Other Activities, Honors, and Awards:
  • Honors College
  • Honors Student Advisory and Activities Board
  • Ox-wee
  • Memory and Learning Club
  • Sincerely Students Podcast
  • President's List 3x
  • Undergraduate Assistant for UNV 101

Why ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú?

I'm definitely a bit of an overthinker, so what made me ultimately choose ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú was a combination of different aspects. The Honors College at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú was a large part of why I came here, as it has provided me with many unique opportunities that I couldn't get elsewhere. I also love the small town feel that this college has, with it being fairly easy to walk around campus or uptown. The college is a perfect balance between being large enough to offer variety in opportunities and small enough to ensure students don't just feel like a number. Finally, ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú is also recognized as a public ivy, which made it stand out to me.

How did you choose your major?

I actually came into ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú undecided, with four different pathways I was considering. I knew I liked education and psychology as disciplines, but I had also always had a passion for conservation and I wanted to go into pre-law. Ultimately, the combination of my diverse interests and being in the college environment made me realize that what I wanted to do might have been in front of me all along. Now, I'm taking Psychology and Individualized Studies to craft a nuanced education to help me get a career in higher education administration.

Key Moment at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú

I took a class last semester called "WST 301: ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Problems." This class was set up unlike any other I'd had before, with the classes being very informal and the homework more variable. But I would argue that the class itself might be the most valuable one I've taken in my life. At the beginning of the semester, we did small assignments based around the theme of the class: happiness. Then, our main project/paper for the class involved crafting our own "perfect week," as backed by research and evidence, and attempting to live it. This was one of the coolest projects I've ever done because it forced me to step outside the tunnel-vision mindset I get into during the semester and actually consider why I was doing the things I was doing. In the end, this class gave me deep insight into both myself and my position in the world around me, and has caused to me to be more intentional in my own life.

Other Notable Experience

Before my first semester of my freshman year had even started, I attended a ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú admissions program called "Discovery Bound." This was a two-day-long program that allowed a group of freshmen to move in early and participate in events around campus to ease their transition to ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú and help them understand their academic paths better. I signed up for this program on a bit of a whim, based on my mom's advice to try to get involved early. She couldn't have been more right. I'm entering the second half of my sophomore year right now, and at least half of my closest friends came directly from this program. It was only pure luck that caused us to meet each other, and I don't think I would have any of these friends if I didn't participate in the program. In addition to my friends, the program also gave me a really positive and exciting introduction to ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, and it helped ease my transition a bit. I highly highly recommend these programs to any freshman entering ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú!

Advice to Prospective Students

Say yes!! And I don't just mean to the college. During my first semester at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, I made saying "yes" my motto to live by. "I know we just met, but do you want to get coffee together?" Yes. "I've never been to a farmer's market, but there's one on Saturday. Do you want to go?" Yes. "Should I try out this new club?" Yes. "My professor has office hours, but I haven't really talked to her much. Should I still go?" Yes. Most things the first semester of your college experience are going to be a bit intimidating at first. But by just going along and seeing what happens, you'll get so many opportunities for connections and experiences you can't get in a dorm room. Using the "yes" motto has given me most of my closest friends at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, connections with faculty I never would have had, and the confidence to try new things. Say yes!

What are your career goals?  

After ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, I'm planning to go to graduate school to get my master's degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education (or something similar). I have a passion for education, specifically at the college level, and I want to carry that passion over to a career in higher education administration (although I'm not sure what section yet).