Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO

Year: Junior 

Major: Chemistry for Pre-Pharmacy

Involved in: Soccer, Chemistry Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Northern’s outstanding and innovative professors are committed to experiential learning and engaging you academically. Please share an example of this: 

I’ve had multiple professors who have aided in my engagement and experiential learning. One example I remember very clearly is when Dr. Pulis in my general biology lab sophomore year allowed us to explore different species and living organisms when we had completed a lab or weren’t as excited about looking at regular slides under a microscope. We were able to use a stereomicroscope also known as a dissecting microscope. Our give-it-a-go, fail-forward, entrepreneurial spirit in Aberdeen and on campus provides you with authentic opportunities to discover your gifts and develop your talents. Please share a time you felt you could relate: Of the various newly renovated campus facilities, I think my favorite has to be the Regional Jewett Science Center. I spend most of my time in this building in class and outside of class. It has great study spaces with natural lighting and is always a space where I see a lot of my classmates who I can ask questions and bounce ideas off of from class.

Northern’s welcoming and safe campus community, student organizations, teams, clubs and programs give you ample opportunities to find your people. Please share a fun story about what you are involved in and how it has impacted your experience positively:

I am part of the Northern State Women's Soccer team. Immediately coming to Northern I knew I would be part of a family. College can be a scary but exciting transition and when being really far away from home like myself, the team has never failed to make me feel like I have a new home. The team has become some of my best friends and the memories I have made with them I wouldn’t have asked for a different experience.

Starting with the scholars walk at convocation to the faculty cheering tunnel at graduation, your Northern Experience is marked with memorable milestones and traditions. What is a milestone highlight in your experience? 

Many times I have felt like I belong on campus. The main contributors to this are the professors and my fellow peers. Whether it be in the Science Center or just walking on campus I always see a friendly face who I can say hi or just talk to. Section 3: Integrity: Stretch yourself, say yes to new opportunities, and take chances in learning and leading in a place where people want you to succeed and help you when you fall.

Professors and staff care about you and are dedicated to helping you learn and grow as a person. Please share a story that relates and how it positively impacted you: 

Being a student athlete puts a lot of extra pressure on keeping up with school work. Dr. Pulis and Dr. Nora personally have always been great professors in the sense of helping make up an assignment or helping me to understand things during their free time. The professors are dedicated to helping all students learn and comprehend!

Explore your interests with a campus community who takes the time to get to know you and connect you to new adventures. Please share an example of your experience: 

Personally I know one worry that was taken off my shoulders coming to college were the expenses. Northern’s network of alumni and supporters provide scholarship money that has been extremely helpful.

What is your favorite thing/activity to do in Aberdeen? 

My favorite activity or thing to do in Aberdeen is go to the Humane Society and walk dogs with my teammates or friends. It’s a nice relaxing way to get outside and get some dog love.

What is your favorite place off-campus to hang out? 

My favorite place off-campus to hangout is The Market downtown. It is a place to reset, hangout, and do homework. Also a great place for coffee and sandwiches!

My favorite thing about NSU is… 

My favorite thing about NSU is the people that I have been able to meet. Through soccer and academics I have become friends with so many new people and created memories that will last a lifetime.

Why did you choose Northern? 

I chose Northern because it felt like a home away from home. When I first visited Northern I was purely coming to see the school because the soccer coach had invited me on an official visit. Little did I know I would fall in love with the amazing town, facilities, and team.

The people I look up to are… 

The people I look up to the most are my mom and dad. They are the most inspirational and influential people I have ever met. They push me to be the best individual I can be and work as hard as I can. At the end of the day, it's who you are as a person and how your loved ones will remember you that matters.

A motto I live by is… 

A motto I live by is “make the most of every moment.” I tend to think of this motto as something I can apply to my life everyday. In academics, athletics, everyday outings, and social interactions. I want to make an impact on people and their lives and I hope to do that by doing everything I can to make the most of every moment.