What are some of your earliest memories on campus?

My earliest memory on campus was freshman year during orientation week, when we all got to leave our dorms and head towards Kinnick to make the “Big I.” However, that year, there was a thunderstorm warning that night, and they had to cancel us making the “I” at Kinnick. We all had to head back toward our dorms or to the Field House, where they had a bunch of activities planned out for us. One of my favorite moments from that night was just how much everybody came together because of this thunderstorm warning — I made so many friends that night.

What surprised you most about the University of Iowa?

Before I came to the University of Iowa, I was very wrapped up in this idea of who my social circles would consist of. What surprised me most about coming to Iowa was how you can become friends and build community with people from all these different walks of life.

I have friends who have grown up on farms; I have friends who have grown up in the suburbs of Chicago; and I have friends who have grown up in almost every state in the country with such different life experiences. But somehow, we still managed to come together, share meals, share laughs, and enjoy games together, and that’s just such a beautiful thing.

What was your most memorable experience at Iowa?

Earlier this year, my business case competition team finally won first place in a case competition. We beat six different countries, 22 universities, and it was just such a proud moment for all of us. I have been competing with my best friend in case competitions since 2024, and it began with a single competition together.

What’s the best way to describe being a Hawkeye, to be part of the Hawkeye community?

I felt it after celebrating our win in a basketball game. We were all sitting together, and no one really knew everyone, but we had somehow come together by the end of the night. We were hugging and cheering, and there were people sitting at a table across from me who came up to our table and were just so excited about the fact that we had won. I think I felt Hawkeye pride in that moment, having a shared sense of belonging and community regardless of where you are.

I was also at the Chicago airport for spring break, and I saw someone with an Iowa hat. They were traveling, and I said, “Go Hawks,” and they said, “Go Hawks” back. That was the sweetest thing ever — to know that you will find someone who belongs to this community and is willing to give you time, share whatever resources they have, and is always willing to help.

Who has been your most important mentor at Iowa?

Someone who’s been a mentor to me academically would be Kristine Arens (business analytics professor). She’s been really incredible at supporting my journey from sophomore year when I joined Tippie all the way up to my senior year, including getting my full-time job offer. She’s been instrumental in helping me connect with the right resources, utilize the alumni network to its full potential, and take advantage of opportunities at Tippie that I didn’t even know existed.

On a much broader and everyday level, Iowa introduced me to one of my best friends in the whole world. She has financially supported herself since the time she started college. She is so inspirational — that to me is someone that I truly live and aspire to be like.

What’s the biggest takeaway from your Iowa experience?

Iowa opened me up as a person. You should really be willing to say yes to any opportunity that comes your way because you don’t know where you will find a new chance to learn. Learning isn’t defined by curriculum and textbooks only; it’s also defined by life experiences, and the university really prioritizes that.

Don’t conform yourself to what you think you want to do. Be willing to try new things out; if you fall in love with it, you might just end up switching your major. There are so many safeguards and people here who genuinely care about you and want you to succeed and want the very best for you, so just take full advantage of that.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank?

My parents, because none of college would have been anything without their support. Thank you for always sending me food every weekend. I appreciate you, Mom — you always made that happen. Dad, for looking over every résumé I’ve submitted, every job application, and reading over postings.

I have so many friends to thank; they’ve all impacted my experience in such different ways. My best friend, Heidi, thank you so much for saying yes to every crazy idea I’ve had and doing all the case competitions with me. And my boyfriend, because he’s going to be flying in from New York just to watch me graduate.