I chose Heidelberg because I felt at home as soon as I arrived on campus. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, which really helped me feel like I could succeed here.
I majored in communication because it is a major that provides skills that are useful in any field or workplace. I was not sure what to switch my major to sophomore year, and a broad major seemed like the smartest choice.
A major challenge I encountered while at Heidelberg was realizing I did not enjoy my major anymore at the beginning of sophomore year, and I handled it by asking Dr. Robin Heaton for help with transitioning to a communication major and making sure that I would still graduate on time. I also was not at all sure of my career plans at the time. I resolved this by taking advantage of all of the opportunities that were made available to me through the Division of Enrollment, working as a student ambassador, student manager, and now an outreach and recruitment intern, as well as the opportunities presented to me through the Division of Student Affairs, working as an orientation leader. These experiences led me to a path in higher education.
Above all, Heidelberg prepared me to live a fuller life and value my relationships with family, friends, and fellows above all else.
Outside of the classroom, I was involved in Rho Eta Delta, Zeta Theta Psi (Zeta Gents), Delta Sigma Chi (Delt Guys), Greek Life Council, Order of Omega, Jazz Ensemble and working in the Admission Office.
My favorite extracurricular activity was Rho Eta Delta because there have been times over the past few years that I would not have made it through college without the support of the group and its members.
One faculty or staff mentor or advisor who impacted my ‘Berg experience is Sara Gebhardt because she has served as an excellent mentor and boss for me for the last two years.
My favorite Heidelberg memory is serving as an orientation leader in the summer of 2019 and having several students in my orientation groups be students that I remembered giving tours to while working in Admission. It was great being there to impact their college decision as well as their transition into being a student at Heidelberg.
My plans after graduation are to stay in Tiffin and transition from student to staff when I start working full time as an admission counselor at Heidelberg this June. I hope to take a year or two off from school before starting a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration.