Where did you grow up? Anything you want to share about your background.
I grew up in Kansas City, Missouri and have lived in Texas and Florida, but most of my life has been spent in Kansas City. I absolutely loved growing up in the Midwest/South as it provided a unique experience and opportunities that differ from those who grew up in the Northeast. My family is very goal-oriented, and they always pushed me to join as many things as possible, from sports and clubs to leadership roles. I am grateful that this mentality stuck with me through college, as it helped me pursue my goals and become successful on campus.
What brought you to Salem State University?
I was drawn to the idea of attending university in New England because I wanted to explore a new region of the country. Additionally, I was recruited to play tennis and have been a part of the team for all three years of my college experience. It's been a great opportunity to pursue my athletic passion while also furthering my education.
What has been one of your favorite classes that you have taken?
My favorite class in college has to be Civil Liberties and Civil Rights, taught by Professor Jackman. I loved that the class delved into Supreme Court cases, and we were given the chance to argue each one weekly, it was a great way to gain valuable experience in litigation work, which is exactly the field I aspire to work in. Professor Jackman was an excellent instructor who was passionate about the subject matter, and she made the class engaging and thought-provoking. I learned so much from that class, and it definitely solidified my interest in pursuing a career in law.
What are some of your favorite things about living on campus?
I really appreciate the sense of community I feel among my peers. Living on campus for three years has allowed me to fully immerse myself in campus life and explore different ways of living without the added stress of paying rent and utilities. I've also had the opportunity to take advantage of the many resources that Salem State offers to make living on campus a convenient and seamless experience. Overall, I'm grateful for the freedom and experiences that living on campus has provided me.
What classes or faculty members had the greatest impact on you?
I am incredibly grateful for the guidance and mentorship I received from the Politics, Policy, and International Relations department at my college, especially Professor Jackman. She has been my advisor since the beginning of my academic journey, and her classes have always been engaging and interesting. Professor Jackman has played an essential role in my success at SSU, and I am grateful for her continued support and encouragement. Her mentorship has helped me to grow as an individual, and I am confident that I would not be where I am today without her influence.
Was there a specific out-of-classroom learning experience that was especially significant to your career preparation?
During my sophomore year, I was fortunate to land a job at the Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics. This opportunity has been invaluable to me in terms of gaining experience and advancing my career. I am immensely grateful for all the chances that have come my way through my association with the IOP. It was thanks to the Berry IOP that I secured the Engaged Athletic Fellowship with The Team, which has been a tremendous learning experience for me. The networking opportunities and the chance to develop my skills in an office and administrative setting have been instrumental in my growth. I am excited to see how these experiences will serve me in law school and beyond.
What was one of your favorite moments at Salem State?
I do not think I have had a specific moment; to summarize my entire experience at Salem State into one moment would diminish the life I have made for myself here. So, it would have to be the bonds I have created with each person I come into contact with that I am proud of. Our individual accomplishments only hold so much meaning as their impact on others. The everyday encounters I have with people in the elevator, in my classes, or in the dining hall allow me to create a familiarity so that when I am working on a project to get students registered to vote or vote on election day, that bond is already made and ready to be called upon.
What are some good habits you put in place for yourself in college?
A routine. I struggled my freshman year with my tennis schedule, classes, and club involvement, and the best piece of advice I was given was to make a routine. I cannot emphasize how vital a good routine is to succeed at college. Even something as simple as doing a skincare routine every night works. Blocking out things to do when you are incredibly busy and holding yourself to them will ensure you excel in college.
What are some things that new students should check out on campus or in Salem?
Explore as much of Salem and surrounding areas. As someone who does not live by the ocean, any spot I could find that had a view of the water was always my favorite!
What do you wish you had known before starting college?
Learn how to let go. If you give 100% in your relationships, friends, roommates, partners, but only get 50% back it is okay to let go. As an incoming freshman you want to make friends as quickly as possible, but not everyone you meet is going to have your best interests at heart and putting so much effort into someone or something and not getting that in return is so mentally and physically exhausting. So, learn how to let go.
What advice do you have for prospective students looking at colleges?
I have two pieces of advice that go hand in hand for prospective students: It is okay not to be happy and make mistakes; what is not okay is not to own up and want to change. A mistake can only be made so many times before it becomes a pattern; once that happens, there is no change. So, own up and become a better person before you set a pattern. If you come to college ready to party and go crazy and not take things seriously, post-grad will be very hard for you. There is nothing wrong with having fun, but you must take your classes, your involvement on campus, and the relationships you are building seriously. College is where you learn to be an adult and how to be a productive member of society, but if you fail to do that in undergrad, you will struggle your whole life. Work hard, party hard is a moto to live by.
What is your favorite place to use your clippercard?
Minzu sushi! It is a fantastic place for those who love sushi but don't want to spend a lot.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
In the short term, I will be moving back home to Kansas City, Missouri, but I was very fortunate enough to graduate a full year early, so I will have about eight months of downtime to work and relax before I enter law school in the Spring 2024 semester. Once I finish law school, I have a few choices of what I wish to do: be a political crisis manager, a political litigation attorney, or a civil litigation attorney.
What is your favorite quote?
"I will either find a way, or I will make one" - Hannibal Barca
Anything else you would like to share or for people to know?
Here are a few more pieces of advice: Take everything with a grain of salt. The best advice I ever received was that if it is not going to matter in five years, do not spend more than five minutes being upset by it. Learn to be happy where you are before you go searching for happiness!