What are you are currently doing for work and how did you get to this point?
I am a military admission counselor at Southern New Hampshire University. I have always loved education, and applied for the admission counselor position to help others further their own. I help students every day to pick their programs, explore their classes, register, and give them the resources they need to succeed in their educational journey (and beyond!)
How did your education in COLA prepare you for life after college?
I was chosen specifically to help military (active duty, vets, and their spouses) because of my background in language and culture! My students come from all over the world and not a single day has gone by that we don’t get to exchange our travel stories and mutual passion for it. Each time a student tells me that they’ve been to Germany, they are always excited to practice exchanging a few words in German. My experience at UNH and in the German Department in particular set a standard for me in what a student should expect from their school, and I strive every day to go above and beyond that standard of support.
What person or course most influenced you while at UNH?
The staff in the German Department were always endlessly supportive of my academic ambition and ready to give me every resource they had. They all care for their students above and beyond expectation. Not to mention, they care for their students as their authentic selves: All interests, every crazy personality (even mine).
What do you know now that you wish you'd known while at UNH?
That I don’t want to be in front of the classroom, I want to be behind it! I love having a special bond with students, but it is behind the scenes helping them prepare, creating resources, and giving extra support that I love. For now, teaching is no longer in my immediate future. I do hope to soon move up into the Learning & Development team, however, taking the next steps in helping change the world of education.
What advice do you have for students interested in your field?
For those entering the education field, find a school that aligns with your values and do NOT compromise. SNHU is a non-profit, student forward, diverse institution that truly challenges the status quo. I couldn’t ask for anything more in touch with what I believe in for education.
