Political Science Major
What made you choose Heidelberg and when did it start to feel like home?
I remember on my very first visit to Heidelberg President Huntington complimented my white converse shoes. This is the exact thing that sets Heidelberg apart, faculty makes you feel seen and welcomed. Although I had familiarity with Tiffin, I didn't have that with Heidelberg but upon my first visit I felt like I was already a part of the Berg community. I also loved how aesthetically pleasing campus is during the Fall and the coffee at The Heidelbean!
What’s a class, club, or activity you joined on a whim and ended up loving?
Model United Nations last spring was something I was nervous to do at first because I had not had much experience with a conference like this. My knowledge on the country of Oman was very limited, I don't think I would have been able to label it on a map until taking this course. It was such a fun and rewarding experience, one that I will remember for the rest of my life! I got to experience San Francisco and meet other individuals from all over the country. Model UN really helped me with my writing, research, and public speaking skills. I recommend this course to every student at Heidelberg even if you aren't a Political Science major.
What opportunity outside the classroom shaped you the most?
Being apart of Tri-Alpha and getting to speak on the first-generation student panel. It was a rewarding opportunity to be featured in this, as well as in the first-generation video about students.
What is a lesson from college that you will carry with you forever?
Always be authentic and don’t worry about who is watching because college is the place to be uniquely you! Even though Heidelberg is a small school, it is so different than high school. The right people will embrace you as you are. Even if it feels scary at first, you will find your people and place on campus. The four years go by faster than you think so remember to slow down and find joy in the ordinary moments.
What memory still makes you smile, no matter what?
In my Women, Gender, and Crime course with Sarah Lazzari we got to hold a book club at Crosswaeh which is a correctional based facility located in Tiffin. Getting to do this and hearing the women's stories was super powerful. Along with all the other Sarah Lazzari courses, that one really stuck out to me. It has furthered my passion for helping individuals, especially those who have been impacted by the criminal justice system.
What experience at Heidelberg best prepared you for your next step?
Last semester I got the chance to research and write a capstone project. I worked closely with my professor, Dr. Hogan and researched nurses during the Vietnam war. In my paper, I discussed these nurses through a gendered perspective challenging the notion of women and war, and carried out research on what these women did for the United States. As part of the project, I got to interview Lou Eisenbrandt who served as a nurse during the Vietnam war, her experiences and how she has dealt with trauma deeply impacted and empowered me. Having the opportunity to hear someone's first hand experience was eye-opening and really changed my perspective in many ways. I learned that she has written two books and has navigated Parkinson’s disease from exposure to agent orange. She told me she will never forget the trauma she endured, but telling her story has kept her going for all these years. This is evidence that human connection keeps us strong and healthy. This capstone helped grow my research, writing, and interview skills. It also showed me how important advocating for individuals like the Vietnam war nurses is.
What advice would you give to incoming freshmen about how to be successful at Heidelberg?
Always advocate for yourself and reach out for support. The transition from high school to college can feel daunting especially now that you are living on your own but change is needed for growth. At Heidelberg, there are many faulty members who are more than willing to listen and help you on your academic and personal journey. Reach out to your RA’s, The Owen Center, and professors! That’s what they are here for.
What are your plans following graduation?
I am pursuing my Masters of Social Work at The Ohio State University.
Finally, what’s one thing you hope never changes about Heidelberg?
The “Heidelberg Hi”