• Hometown: Hamilton, OH
• High School: Talawanda High School
• Class: 2021
• Major: Nonprofit Community Studies and Applied Social Science
• Current Place of Employment: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butler County

Why Miami University?

During my freshman year, I was at a private liberal arts college. Despite excelling academically and receiving many scholarships, I realized that if I stayed at said university, I would have ended up with about $40,000 in debt. Thanks to the affordable tuition at Miami University, I graduated debt-free by commuting to classes and working two jobs. Just this past year, I bought my first house at 26 years old — this would not have been possible if I had accumulated all that debt from the private liberal arts college I started at. There's nothing wrong with going to a private liberal arts college; it works and makes sense for some people, but I realized I didn't want to be burdened with that much debt so young. Going to Miami provided me with a lot of financial freedom as I started my post-college life.

How did you choose your major?

I chose Nonprofit Community Studies and Applied Social Science because I've always had a passion for community service and investing in the lives of children. This degree made sense for me.

Please list the groups, clubs, jobs, etc. that you were/are involved with.

I was involved in the International Club, MUH Pride, and Miami's Climbing Club.

How has your involvement on campus shaped you as a leader and/or prepared you for your career?

Student clubs helped me grow my event planning and time management skills.

Advice to Prospective Students

Carefully consider where you want to be, not just professionally, but financially, in 10 years when deciding where to go to college. For me, going to Miami with affordable tuition made a lot of sense for the future careers I could see myself in. Make sure the cost of your tuition will be a good ROI in comparison to the starting salaries of the careers you can see yourself in. If you calculate you're going to be $40,000-$50,000 in debt after 4 years of college, see if that is something you can realistically manage with what your monthly earnings will be. Talk to people, ask questions, and job shadow.

Other Notable Experience

I remember one day I ran into a teacher from high school, and when I told her about my transfer to Miami, she said to me, ‘That’s okay, some people have to take it a little slow.’ I remember being so taken aback. I wasn't taking anything slow - I was working two jobs and double-majoring. I'm really not trying to toot my own horn, but it’s not often someone in my generation can buy a house, and I am ahead of my peers in that regard. I was able to do so because I went to Miami.

How did your Miami experience influence your decision to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters?

I had a grant writing class at Miami, where I had a project that we partnered with BBBS for. That introduced me to the organization!

What is a meaningful moment you’ve had as a mentor, staff member, or board member with BBBS?

Being part of major milestones in a child's life. Seeing them grow their confidence, emotional regulation skills, and really start to shine. Last Christmas, a little wrote me a card that said, "I have so much fun being with you. I am so thankful to have you in my life," and that really showed me the impact we are having that this 11-year-old would write to me about that.

What skills or values from your time at Miami do you find yourself using in this role?

Technical writing, grant writing, organization/management skills, and marketing skills. All of which I took specific classes in those areas. 

Why do you think so many Miami alumni are involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters?

I found that Miami students are really involved in and contribute to the Hamilton and Middletown communities. When your students become involved in a community, they care about it and end up wanting to stay and invest in it.

What would you say to encourage other Miami students or alumni to consider volunteering with BBBS?

Being a big is really being part of something special. It's not like other volunteer opportunities where you are assigned to multiple children and your attention is torn in a bunch of directions. You are able to watch how your investment of time and attention in your little has an impact, how you make them feel special, cared for, and seen. I think that's one of the greatest gifts you can give a child - show them that they matter, that someone is on their team.