I chose Heidelberg because it felt like home. Having gone to a Montessori high school for three years that was small and allowed me to have one-on-one connection with my teachers, was something that I was looking for. I wanted to make sure that my professors knew me. My parents were impressed by Dr. David Hogan’s honesty during our first meeting in how I should consider my future and the potential that I had to do more than I considered to do.
I majored in History and Political Science because I wanted to explore interests I established in high school and see how far I could take them and discover my true passions.
A major challenge I encountered while at Heidelberg was figuring out where I wanted to go after I left Heidelberg and I handled it by having a lot of discussions with professors and making sure that all projects I completed contributed to exploration of personal academic interests.
Above all, Heidelberg prepared me to think critically about current events and how important education is as I am looking to move forward.
Outside of the classroom, I was involved in Black Student Union, Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity (URGE), Heidelberg Historians, Honors Activity Board, Student Senate and the student representative on The Patricia Adams Lecture Series Selection Committee.
My favorite extra-curricular activity was participating in flute lessons and Flute Choir because it allowed me to continue to pursue my interest in music and continue to work on my skills within group performance.
There is not just one faculty member who has a had significant experience in my time here. I look at my entire department, consisting of Dr. Marc O'Reilly, Dr. Josh Bowman, Dr. David Hogan and Dr. Courtney DeMayo Pugno, as having a significant impact on my educational journey here at Heidelberg. Dr. Hogan was the one I thought of when considering schools due to his honesty and general kindness. Dr, DeMayo Pugno, since day one, has pushed me to be confident in my work and continue to work on all skills I have acquired. Dr. Bowman has helped me recognize and think about what I want to do for my future and I should handle it. Dr. Marc O'Reilly has helped me to become more vocal in class and honest about my opinions in writing, and being more concise in expressing my opinions.
My advice to new freshman would be to be yourself and use professors’ office hours. I have learned that forcing or trying to make myself something that I am not gets in the way of personal development. Also, speak to your professors after class and go to office hours with questions. Talk to your professors as much as you can; not only will it help you, but it makes your lifelong connections to Heidelberg and beyond.
My favorite Heidelberg memory is playing Cards Against Humanity and Salem with Heidelberg Historians during game nights.
My immediate plan after graduation is to pursue a Master’s degree in Global Governance, Policy, and Security Studies at American University in Washington D.C. I want to pursue a degree after the completion of my master’s and hopefully be a professor and or political analyst.