Hometown: Waconia, MN
What was your first job? I was a Kennel Attendant at the Waconia Vet Clinic. I would take care of the dogs and cats that were being boarded at the clinic by feeding them, taking them outside, and making sure they had enough blankets to stay warm.
Why did you choose to attend the University? Ever since I was about 7 years old, my dad, a U of M alumn, has been taking me to the U of M campus multiple times a year (in any weather) to walk around, watch the Gopher sports games, and eat at the restaurants that are right on campus (Campus Pizza was always a favorite before it closed). Having such a huge part of my childhood taking place on campus was one of the main reasons why I chose to go here; it felt like the U was already home to me.
What are your majors/minors? Major: Agriculture and Food Business Management; Minor: Marketing and I graduate in 2023.
What are a few of your hobbies? My all-time favorite hobby is watching documentaries/informational videos on whales (specifically humpback whales). Whales are the coolest animals on earth and I would suggest everyone watch some documentary on them if you never have before.
What is your favorite spot on campus? Walter Library is by far my favorite spot at the U because it is the prettiest library I have ever seen but also because I have spent an ungodly amount of time there doing school work so it has almost turned into a safe place for me.
What are your favorite sport(s) or activities? My favorite sport to play and watch is soccer (specifically the US Women's National Team) but I also enjoy watching football but only because my family is full of Vikings fanatics so I was forced against my will to be a football fan growing up.
If you could have one superpower what would it be? I would probably choose the ability to teleport because walking to and from class in the cold weather is never enjoyable.
What do you think is the best advice you’ve ever received? Most of the things happening to you at this moment in time will not matter a year from now so don't get too worked up over them.
Do you have any tips for new or current students? KEEP AN OPEN MIND! I changed my major after my first year and it was the hardest thing I've ever had to do because I wasn't open to the idea of a new career path when I already had one planned out. My mind was tightly closed on switching to a new major which caused my mental health to plummet because I was extremely unhappy in my field of study at that time. If you keep an open mind you can avoid going through what I did.
What is your favorite quote? "Stand up for what you believe in even if you're standing alone."
