When you meet with students, what's most important to you?

I value the relationships that I have with the students I work with and strive to create meaningful connections with each individual. I take a holistic, strengths-based approach when working with students and am mindful of the different roles and responsibilities each person holds, such as student, partner, employee, parent, or friend. My goal is to support students as they work toward their academic and personal goals and create their own definition of success.

What's one experience outside the classroom that shaped who you are today?

Working in various spaces on campus definitely shaped who I am, particularly getting involved with the Orientation and Campus Life teams. These roles allowed me to meet folks across a wide variety of disciplines, develop friendships across campus, led to strong relationships with staff, and served as a starting point for my career in higher education.

What's one challenge you experienced in college, and what advice would you give a student facing a similar one now?

As a first generation college student I wasn't too sure what to expect from school. Getting involved on campus through work and student organizations was a great way to build community and establish a support network. I also utilized different academic and career services regularly to make sure I was on track to achieve the goals I had put in place for myself.

What are some places you've lived or traveled to? How have those places influenced who you are or how you see the world today?

Southeastern Michigan has always been my home. I love taking trips with friends and family. I've been to many places within the US, though I'd like to travel internationally! I will typically compile music listened to over the course of trips to create playlists that are unique to the trip and the people I'm with so I can listen along later and indulge in some nostalgia.