About
What is your advising philosophy? Relationship-building and a holistic approach are at the heart of my advising philosophy. I believe creating meaningful connections is important in supporting students on their academic journey. I consider a student’s wellbeing, uniqueness, and strengths in order to understand their distinct path. Relatedly, I believe collaboration is essential in relationships. I strive to work with students to discover their story, map out a plan that meets their needs, and support their success as they progress on their journey.
What was your path to Newnan? As a “double wolverine”, I have studied at UM as an undergraduate and graduate student. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from LSA and completed the teaching certification program in the School of Education. I was drawn to political science for its focus on systems, relations, and social movements. I am passionate about advocacy and equity and appreciated the opportunity to consider large-scale structures and how they helped (or hindered) equity. Following graduation, I worked as a high school history teacher for several years. My favorite part of being a teacher was building meaningful relationships with my students, which is what brought me to academic advising! I am completing a Master's degree in Higher Education with a concentration in Student Access and Success at UM’s School of Education. I value relationships, curiosity, and advocacy, so the Newnan Advising Center was a perfect fit for me!
Why did you join Newnan? I am passionate about the benefits of a liberal arts degree and the wide range of opportunities available for students to explore. I consider myself a lifelong learner; I love to continually learn and reflect on my experiences. The experiences I had as an LSA student helped shape my values and provided opportunities for growth. Thus, it is an exciting opportunity for me to return to LSA as an alum. Advisors were critical in my undergraduate education journey at LSA to help me navigate opportunities and challenges at UM. I hope to also help students uncover their assets, appreciate their quirks, and clarify their paths.
Class you loved and why? HIST 497- The History of Educational Policy is one of my favorite classes that I have taken. I enjoyed this class because it blended two of my biggest interests-- education and policy. I appreciated the opportunity to analyze how systems and laws shaped the education system as a whole. It was interesting to consider how different legislation shaped educational opportunities, content, teaching strategies, and public opinion. I wrote a 30 page research paper for this course, which was an accomplishment that I never previously imagined for myself!
Interests and hobbies: In my free time, I enjoy reading fiction, traveling (especially somewhere up north by a lake!), exploring new trails in the Ann Arbor area with my dog, journaling (I love to slow down and process through writing), and spending quality time with my support system!