What are some of your earliest memories on campus? 

I will always remember On Iowa! And Kickoff at Kinnick where all the freshmen made the big “I” for Iowa. And then I remember sitting on the Pentacrest for convocation, which was really special. We all received a tassel that day, and the president said a lot of us probably wouldn’t keep it or would lose it along the way. But that's something I have always kept. 

What was your most memorable experience or your best memory? 

I had never been to a football game before coming to Iowa. I had never tailgated, either, so that was a brand-new experience, but I felt like I fit right in. Everyone was so welcoming, and it was fun to hop from tailgate to tailgate and meet new people through the years.

Another favorite memory was the pancake man during finals week. I went to every single finals week breakfast during undergrad and made it to most of them during pharmacy school. One time, I got to catch the pancakes he flipped. I was pretty proud! 

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

When I walk through airports across the country and someone's wearing a Hawkeye sweatshirt, I'll say, “Go Hawks!” and they’ll say,” Go Hawks!” right back. It makes me feel like I’m part of something bigger than just being here on campus. It’s special being part of the Hawkeye family.

What provided you with the greatest sense of belonging while at the University of Iowa?

I knew no one when I stepped foot on campus, and now I know so many people. This is my home, and this is where my people are. I’ve been fortunate to collect people through undergrad and through pharmacy school. I am still best friends with my undergrad roommate, and I have built long-lasting relationships through pharmacy school as we bonded through the years studying late into the nights. I know these are the people I'm going to stay connected with for years to come.

Who was your most important mentor here, and what role did they play in your experience?

I'm so thankful for a lot of people, but there is one in particular, Amy Greenwood, who is a clinical assistant professor at the College of Dentistry and the College of Pharmacy. She has been my professor and my boss at the dental pharmacy. She also was an advisor for the student organization APhA Academy of Student Pharmacists. So, I’ve had numerous professional working relationships with her, and now we are developing a personal relationship and have become friends beyond working and beyond class. I'm so thankful for her. She's been an incredible mentor throughout my four years in pharmacy school.

What advice would you give future Hawkeyes?

Take advantage of the opportunities and the resources that are provided to you by Iowa. Say yes as much as you can. There will be people who will help you along the way. People who want you to be successful and only want the best for you. So, take advantage of opportunities and immerse yourself and keep your eyes open, because it's going go by like the blink of an eye.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank? 

I would like to thank my parents. My mom and my dad really made it possible for me to come to the University of Iowa, and they have supported me in every decision I’ve made. They've been there for me through every step of the way, and they've been my biggest cheerleaders. So, thanks, Mom and Dad.

My fiancé has been there for me through pharmacy school, and he's seen the ups and downs and the successes and the areas of improvement. He’s been my rock, and I'm really thankful.

And lastly, all the faculty, preceptors, and mentors here who have shaped me into the pharmacist I will become, and the person who I am growing to be. This wouldn't be possible without so many people, and I will be forever grateful.