• Hometown: Oxford, OH
• High School: Talawanda High School
• Class: 2016
• Major: Integrative Studies, Civic & Regional Development, and Business Management Technology
• Current Place of Employment: Shared Harvest Foodbank

Why Miami University?

Although I was initially redirected due to limited space at my first-choice location, I decided to stay at Miami because I loved the small classes and close-knit environment.  

How did you choose your major?

At the beginning of my college years, I was bouncing back and forth on what major I wanted to do until I decided on majoring in Integrative Studies (concentrations in Organizational Leadership & Cross Cultural Leadership). I chose this because of the flexibility of picking my own classes and tying that to the goals that I want to achieve going into the nonprofit field after I graduate. Later on, I decided to double major in Civic & Regional Development.

How have any faculty, staff, or mentors at the University played a significant role in your journey?

Both Sarah Woitesheck Pietzuch and Chris Bennett Klefeker have played a significant role in my Miami journey.

Other Notable Experience

I went to church as a student, and I still go to church today. My Christian faith plays a huge part in who I am today, and living like Jesus in everything I do. I was involved as a participant in Staycation. A program where you spend your spring break going to volunteer at different non-profit organizations and see how they help the people in their community. The next two years after that, I was a leader and helped lead the program.

Advice to Prospective Students

Build relationships and connections because they will help you land a job after graduating, which is what happened to me.

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

Some of my classes had a service-learning component, where I had to volunteer at a non-profit organization. For 2-3 years, I volunteered at different non-profit organizations around Hamilton to get a wide range of experiences and knowledge that were needed to help me better understand and serve my community.

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

The Miami experience helped me want to give back to the community.

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

Hanging out with my little is the best part of being a mentor and passing down the knowledge that I have to future generations.

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

Volunteering and building connections. I do take my little to volunteer out in the community.

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

To help kids prepare for the future.

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

If you love mentoring kids, this is the organization to join.