• Hometown: Springfield, Ohio
• Class: 2024
• Majors: American Studies, Film Studies (co-major), Journalism
• Other Activities:
  • Member of the Honors College
  • The Miami Student
  • Resident Assistant 

Why Miami?

It was a different experience for me trying to find a college. I was behind a lot of my peers visiting colleges, mainly because my family and I were so busy when I was in high school that it was difficult to find good times to visit. I never got a chance to schedule a tour before the COVID-19 lockdown hit.

I don't even remember what convinced me to apply to Miami. I think a teacher who went there swayed me to do it, but I'm certainly glad I did. I didn't come in as a journalism major, but James Tobin, a journalism professor who was leading a scholars group for MJF, gave me a call one day, just a few weeks before I had to make my commitment decision. His phone call and his demonstration of outreach and support were ultimately what made me decide to come here.

How did you choose your major?

I always knew I wanted to be a film studies major. I love movies, and I knew I wanted to incorporate them in some way into my future.

However, film studies requires another major, and on my application to Miami I had chosen Media and Communication because it sounded the most similar, even though that technically wasn't allowed.

I didn't decide to be a journalism major until I had taken two journalism classes and had received good feedback from my professors. I knew I wanted to write, so it worked well.

My third major, American Studies, kind of snowballed to where it is today. It started with me just needing a thematic sequence. I had already taken an American Studies class and enjoyed it, so it made the most sense. Then I realized it would be only a few more classes for a minor and when I went to add it, my professor said it would be only a few more classes to do the major, and I had the time in my schedule to do it, so I went for it.

Key Moment at Miami

Other Notable Experience

The two experiences at Miami that have really impacted me are being a resident assistant and working with The Miami Student, and that's why I'm still doing both today. My first year was difficult adjusting to college. I didn't feel like I really had a place yet.

But, I joined The Miami Student working in the audio section and loved it. It was a great way to keep me from just staying in my dorm all the time, and I got to meet some really great people. I gradually worked my way up; started doing writing and reporting as well. I'm really proud of what I've done, and I'm so happy to have met so many people from it. So many of my friends have come from there.

I became an RA my second year of college, and I've stayed an RA every year since. I was drawn to stay an RA for so long because the Office of Residence Life here is just so great. Everyone's super invested and joyful. I've developed great relationships with my co-workers and bosses, and I'm also just so gratified being able to help all these students who are trying to find their footing in college.

Advice to Prospective Students

I'd let them know that Miami is very supportive of its students. I've loved almost every professor I've had, and they're always willing to listen. I've also met so many people who work with student life and can tell you how great they all are. Our Dean of Students is excellent and really cares, the student body president and vice president would love to hear from you and having worked in residence life for most of my time here, I can tell you so many people there want to make your time at Miami one of the best parts of your life.

There are so many opportunities, events and organizations at Miami; you will find your place here.

What are your career goals?  

I'm really open to the next phase of my life. My dream is to be a film critic, but I wear many hats, so it makes it hard to decide. I've thought about local newsrooms, multimedia production, data jobs, author, etc. I really like to do a lot of things, and I don't want to be limited to just one thing when I graduate.