Major: Political Science
Minor: Geography
Year in School: Senior
Hometown: Lake Mills, WI

What residence hall will you be living in this year? This will be my 3rd year living in Bridgman Hall.

Any comment on the residence halls experience?  Some of my best friends to this day are people that I’ve met in the residence halls. There’s always something fun going on or an activity to get involved with. I tribute a lot of my success in college to having a great experience in the residence halls right away as a first-semester freshman.

What activities/organizations are you involved in? Blugold Fellowship (student/faculty research), Bridgman Hall Council, National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH), intramural sports, University Band

Have you done research? If so, tell us about it and how it’s helping you. This will be my third year doing research on one of my favorite topics – food! I’ve studied world hunger and am now focusing my efforts on food insecurity in Wisconsin, specifically in the Eau Claire region. I’ve been able to present at the UWEC Research Day as well as the World Affairs Seminar at Carroll University. My research experience has really helped me get to know some of my professors on a personal level, and I’ve really gained a lot of independence.

During what time of year is UWEC truly “Wisconsin’s Most Beautiful Campus?”  I think fall is really when UWEC showcases its beauty best. The color along the Chippewa River is gorgeous.

If you only had $5 in your pocket, how would you spend it either downtown or on Water Street? I’d go to a movie at the Budget Theater and grab some dessert/enjoy some music at the Acoustic Café following, all for $5.

Best class so far (and why): Geography 335 was the most demanding course I ever took, yet the one in which I probably learned the most. I was the only non-Geography major in the room, but I put in the extra work and was able to get help from my professor. It was very challenging and at times frustrating, but today it’s the “A” that I’m most proud of.

What’s an instance of a professor reaching out to help you outside of the classroom? Dr. Paul Kaldjian has really helped me a lot with my research. He’s willing to meet with me at almost any time of day, whether it means giving up some of his prep time or staying late in the evening. Dr. Kaldjian also takes an interest in your life outside of our research, and will keep updated about my family, other classes, my plans after college, and my marathon running.

Best advice for getting the most out of college: Make 3 good mistakes every day. It might sound strange, but it's true. Much too often we are too focused on being "perfect" and get too worked up over the simple things. We're afraid to raise our hand in class because we might share the wrong response, we're afraid to try a new sport because we might not be good at it, or we don't introduce ourselves to that cute guy/girl because they might not like us. We need to be willing to make mistakes, but learn from them.

Best memory/experience in college so far: Homecoming Week during my freshman year was a lot of fun. There are so many activities that go on that week, and everyone is really excited to show off their UWEC pride. I also participated in the annual Bridgman Hall Kazoo Band in the parade, and of course went to the football game that weekend.

Why you want to be on my tour (5 words or less): I make "The Hill" fun!