• Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
  
• High School: Ross High School
• Class: 2026
• Major: Digital Commerce

Why Miami University?

I chose Miami because of its strong reputation for academic excellence and the value of a Miami degree. When I was deciding where to finish my education, I wanted a university that was known for high standards, supportive faculty, and a program that would challenge me in the right ways.

How did you choose your major?

I didn’t start out in the major I ultimately graduated with. When I first returned to school, I chose a different path, but as I moved into a new department at my company, my day‑to‑day work began shifting toward marketing and communications. Switching my major made sense. Miami made the transition smooth, and the coursework reinforced that I had made the right direction. I discovered my major through real‑world experience.

As a Miami student, what are some of your awards and accomplishments?

As a full‑time working mom, balancing a career, three young kids, and school, my primary focus at Miami was academic success. I didn’t have the extra time to take on leadership roles or join student organizations, but I poured my energy into my studies. I think it paid off. I’m proud to have graduated summa cum laude.

What are your plans after you graduate from Miami? What sort of career are you aiming for? What is your dream job?

I’m already working full time, and I’ve been fortunate to build a career by proving myself and growing within my company, even without a degree when I first started. I knew from the beginning that many opportunities at larger companies required a degree. My goal now is to take the experience I’ve gained and combine it with my degree to move into a larger organization with stronger benefits, more growth potential, and long‑term stability for my family. I want to build a career where I can continue developing in marketing and communications, contribute in meaningful ways, and create a better future for my kids. My dream job is one where I can use both my professional experience and my education to make an impact, ideally in a company that provides a valuable impact to the world, supports its employees, and offers room to grow.

Advice to Prospective Students

I would tell them that Miami is a place where your effort truly matters. The reputation is strong for a reason; the faculty care, the programs challenge you, and the experience prepares you for what comes next.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your Miami experience that we didn't cover? 

One of the highlights of my Miami experience was Professor Thomas Mays. He was truly exceptional; always responsive, supportive, and willing to help with any question I had.

What did it mean to have your children walk across the stage with you?

Having my kids walk across the stage with me was a moment that tied everything together: the late nights, the early mornings, the juggling act of work, school, and being a mom. Sharing that stage with them felt like honoring the journey we took as a family. It wasn’t just my achievement; it was ours. Seeing their excitement and pride made every sacrifice feel meaningful.  

When your kids are older, what do you hope they'll say about this chapter of your life?

I hope they’ll say, “Mom kept going, even when it was hard.” I want them to remember that I didn’t chase a degree for myself alone, but to build something better for all of us. I hope they see that growth doesn’t have an age limit, and that life doesn’t pause just because things get busy or complicated. More than anything, I hope they remember that they were my motivation. They were the reason I pushed through the tough days and the reason I crossed that finish line.  

Describe the moment you stepped onto the stage with your children.

Stepping onto the stage with my kids was overwhelming in the best way. Reality hit me in waves. The years of effort, the moments of doubt, the sacrifices, the tiny victories. Tears of joy kept sneaking up on me because I could feel the weight of what we had accomplished together. At that moment, I felt both proud and humbled. It was a moment I’ll carry with me forever.

Were there moments when you wondered if finishing would be possible? What helped you keep going?

Absolutely. There were many moments when I questioned whether I could balance it all; working full time, raising three kids, and trying to be a student again. What kept me going was remembering why I started. COVID reminded me how quickly life can change, and I didn’t want to look back wishing I had finished something that mattered so deeply. My kids were my anchor. Even when they were too young to understand, they were the reason I kept going, even on the days when it felt impossible.

 "Graduating with my kids beside me means..."

Graduating with my kids beside me means showing them that perseverance matters, that dreams don’t expire, and that even in the busiest seasons of life, we can still choose to grow.