11-06-2023
If you told me during high school that I’d attend Purdue University, I don’t think I’d believe you. As a native of the greater St. Louis area, I always dreamed of pursuing education outside of Missouri, but the journey to get where I am today came with its fair share of obstacles.
From the time I was very little, my parents provided me with opportunities to learn and excel. By the time I was in kindergarten, I was reading chapter books, and by elementary school I was doing introductory algebra. Being introduced to advanced learning from a young age helped me uncover a passion for learning and my parents were the driving force behind it. Both of my parents were invested early in my education because they didn’t have the opportunity to complete bachelor’s degrees. While they found successful career paths without college, they encouraged me to pursue higher education to maximize my gifts and talents. I knew this meant navigating the college landscape as a first-generation college student, and that I would need to work even harder to reach my goals.
Me with some of my brothers at a Delta Sigma Pi event! The connections and friendships I’ve made through this organization have made my Purdue experience even better.
My exposure to higher education began during high school. I attended a newly established high school which offered an opportunity to earn my associate’s degree alongside my traditional course load. This program exposed me to many college level courses, including a survey of economics class. As I learned about the principles of economics, I realized how much I loved it. Everything clicked! My teacher and I explored what pursuing a future in economics could look like, and the combination of business and math was the perfect mix for me. Initially, I planned to complete the program and graduate in three years, attend college for two, and then enter the workforce. However, after discovering economics, I decided to stay in high school for four years, and completed a professional development program in addition to my senior year classes. This helped me build up my professional network and skills to best prepare for college applications in order to get into a strong economics program.
While I felt confident in my focus of study, the application process felt pretty daunting. My parents gave their wholehearted support, but they had not experienced the application and scholarship process. As a result, I had to navigate an unfamiliar landscape with limited scope. I knew I needed to apply for scholarships but was unsure where to start. This lack of knowledge caused a lot of stress, but thankfully, I could lean on the support of my sisters and peers as they worked alongside me. While I didn’t have all the answers, I proactively sought them and worked hard to stay on top of applications.
When I first began the college application process, I planned to attend a large state school in Missouri. My older sisters attended St. Louis University, so I figured I’d also stay in-state. Though staying in Missouri would be more practical, I deeply desired to explore the world and attend college elsewhere and took advantage of a college application fee waiver, applying to Purdue on a whim. While I didn’t expect it to go anywhere, I was accepted! When I told my parents, they were over the moon! They were so proud that I had been accepted and received a scholarship to such a prestigious public university and my mom insisted we visit. I obliged, and upon visiting campus, I absolutely fell in love. I especially loved the strong community and the Economics program within the business school, which had just been revamped, and knew that attending Purdue would be a worthy investment for my development. What started with a leap of faith quickly turned into a reality!
Adjusting to life at Purdue wasn’t easy. I was excited to explore my new home, but being in an unfamiliar place far from home was challenging. While I didn’t want to admit it, I missed my friends and family. Not only did I miss home, but I also had to figure out how to be a college student and young professional without much previous knowledge or advice.
Working at GE this summer was an incredibly transformative experience in my professional journey. I’m so glad I could contribute meaningful change to such a prestigious company!
The first semester was a big adjustment. During the fall semester of my first year, I found ways to get connected on campus, such as rushing Delta Sigma Pi (DSP), a co-ed professional fraternity at Purdue. After becoming a member of DSP, second semester was infinitely more enjoyable, and it changed my college experience for the better. Especially as a first-gen college student, DSP provided me with student mentors who supported and challenged me personally and academically and provided me with a community I could connect and relate with. In my first few months as a member, I built on my professional skills like networking, interviewing, and my brand image, all while creating bonds with other motivated students. Now, I have the honor to serve as the President of DSP here at Purdue and give the same opportunity back to other students.
As I’ve continued my studies at Purdue, I’ve gained knowledge and experience in countless ways. This summer, I interned with GE Aerospace in Cincinnati, where I created a new data collection process and dashboard to analyze important financial values, allowing the company to make informed financial decisions. I had the opportunity to learn an automation software, and my manager even thought my project was impossible. However, I completed and implemented the project and worked directly with GE executives as they utilized my dashboard!
Another one of my greatest joys is giving back. I tutor other first-generation college students at Purdue, and it’s so rewarding to develop personal relationships and encourage them in their educational and professional journeys. To all the first-generation college students: college is not done well in isolation! My biggest advice is to actively seek out a network and be proactive in asking for help. Putting yourself in new situations might feel uncomfortable, but the growth and character produced are invaluable.
I’m incredibly proud of my story and journey here at Purdue. As I approach graduation in May, I realize how incredible the community at the Daniels School of Business truly is. I can’t wait to continue leading and learning this year! I am a Boilermaker through and through, and I’m so excited to see where my path leads.
