Finance Major
What made you choose Heidelberg, and when did it start to feel like home?
I chose Heidelberg University for the opportunity to play both football and wrestle, as well as the strong connections I had with the coaching staff. What initially drew me in were the athletics and relationships, but it truly began to feel like home once I started building meaningful friendships. Those connections truly made this the place I belonged.
What’s a class, club, or activity you joined on a whim and ended up loving?
One activity I joined and ended up loving was Enactus. I was invited to join during my second year, and at first I wasn’t very interested. However, over time, I became more invested and eventually took on leadership roles as a project manager and treasurer.
Through Enactus, I had the opportunity to lead a project focused on creating meaningful impact. Our team worked to turn organic waste from our school into compost, which we then sold and reinvested to expand our composting efforts. It was rewarding to see a simple idea grow into something sustainable and impactful.
The experience also allowed me to collaborate with other driven students and attend an Expo in Denver, where we will present our project and compete against teams from other schools. What started as something I almost passed up became a valuable and fulfilling part of my college experience.
What is a lesson from college that you will carry with you forever?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in college is to “just ask.” I’ve realized that when you’re willing to reach out, whether it’s to professors, classmates, or professionals, people are usually more than willing to help. Taking that initiative has opened doors to new opportunities, provided helpful advice, and expanded my knowledge in ways I wouldn’t have experienced otherwise.
What memory still makes you smile, no matter what?
A memory that will always make me smile happened during our home opener against Hiram. I scored my first touchdown of the season, but what made it truly unforgettable was what I saw right before the play. My wrestling teammates were standing in the student section right behind the end zone with my name painted across their chests. After I scored, I ran straight into the student section to celebrate with them. It was the coolest feeling, knowing my wrestling brothers were there supporting me. I have a photo of that moment, and every time I look at it, I can't help but smile.
What are your plans following graduation?
Following graduation, I plan to pursue an MBA at Heidelberg starting in the fall while I finish my last year of eligibility for Football and Wrestling. I will also work for River Caddis Group, a commercial real estate development company.
Finally, what’s one thing you hope never changes about Heidelberg?
One thing I hope never changes about Heidelberg is its strong sense of community. As both a student and an athlete, I always felt genuinely supported, whether I was in the classroom, on the field, or just walking across campus. This is something that I think makes Heidelberg stand out.