I chose Heidelberg because of the small atmosphere. I love that everyone knows everyone and you can create personal relationships with faculty and staff members. From my very first visit to the 'Berg, I knew that this was the place that would give me the best college experience, and I was not wrong!
I majored in Political Science because this is a subject that matters a lot personally to me. This field of study was challenging at times, but overall I feel that I have learned a lot and am in a better position to contribute to society, especially with the climate our world is in now.
A major challenge I encountered while at Heidelberg was figuring out what I wanted to go into post-graduation. I had a few different majors before finally deciding to study Political Science, but my career goals are actually to go into Student Affairs. It was from my extracurriculars at Heidelberg that I found a love for helping students and working with the University to do so. While it did take a couple years to figure out, it all worked out in the end and I am grateful to all those who helped me during my time here.
Above all, Heidelberg has prepared me to work at a professional level with others. Through my coursework and extracurriculars, I have better developed my abilities to contribute to projects and work professionally. From meeting with the Board of Trustees to contributing to several different faculty and staff committees, I know if it weren't for Heidelberg, I would not have been able to receive these opportunities.
Outside of the classroom, I was involved in many different aspects of campus. I am a very proud member of Rho Eta Delta, one of the five social fraternities on campus, and also a proud corollary member of both Delta Sigma Chi and Kappa Psi Omega. Other than Greek life, I was also involved in religious life on campus as a member of Berg UCC for four years and a former member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I was also able to work as a Chaplain's Assistant for the last two years under Paul Sittason Stark. Another large aspect of my time here at Heidelberg was being a Student Senator for four years. I was also the Student Body President for the '20-'21 school year. And finally, I was also able to be a Resident Assistant for three years, working in both Talmage and Williard residence halls!
My favorite extracurricular activity was Student Senate because through this organization I was given so many opportunities. From representing the Student Body at faculty meetings and Board of Trustees meetings, to being able to go to leadership conferences, Senate has had such a positive impact on my time here. Being able to represent the students as a whole is a difficult task, but with the help from my fellow senators and our advisors, we had an excellent year in Senate!
One staff member that impacted my 'Berg experience would be Jacqueline Sironen. Jacqueline is the director of Student Engagement and the advisor to Greek Life and Student Senate. Over these last four years, Jacqueline has always been there to help out in any way and cares very deeply about the students. Her passion for Student Affairs is definitely a factor that played into my love for higher education and college life as well. I give the biggest thanks to Jacqueline and every other faculty/staff member that has helped me during my time at Heidelberg University.
My favorite Heidelberg memory would be being elected the Homecoming King in the fall of 2020. It was such a fun experience being on court with all the other members and I had so much fun making the videos with my friends. Homecoming also being on Halloween was a very fun time! It was a very special day that I will remember for a long time.
My plans for after graduation currently are to pursue my MBA here through the PlusOneAdvantage program. After that I plan to pursue a master's in Higher Education and hope to work in the Student Affairs department at a college/university eventually!
Thank you Heidelberg for the best four years of my life!