Q: Why did you choose TCU? A: I chose TCU for many reasons, but the biggest is the atmosphere that TCU offers. Unlike many other universities, TCU provided me with the greatest opportunity to become a more well-rounded person. It is rare that a large group of “best friends” from high school all choose to attend TCU. Realistically, there might be a couple of people from the same high school who choose to attend, but for the most part everyone who attends TCU has made a proactive decision to meet to new people and step out of their comfort zone. Therefore, in one way, shape, or form, everyone has chosen to be a leader of their lives. I was attracted to the atmosphere this mindset creates. TCU gave me the opportunity to surround myself with motivated, dedicated students.
Q: What makes TCU a special place to attend TCU? A: In my opinion, the defining characteristic of any university should be the dedication to their students. TCU illustrates its dedication from the ground up, literally. The four new residence halls on campus were designed, in part, by the students and with every student’s best interest in mind. The new halls offer living learning communities for students to expand their special interest; the residential halls have lounges, movie rooms, and computer rooms designed to help students study and relax. In addition, TCU is also scheduled to renovate every other residence hall on campus. That is dedication financially to the betterment of the students. However, the dedication of the professors to student development is what makes TCU a special place for me. I have had a professor meet me in the library at 10 o’clock at night to help my group with a project. My economics professor met with me every week for half of the semester to help me understand his lectures. There are professors who host end-of-the-year dinners at their homes. One of my professors took every student with an “A” in their class out for dinner in the middle of the semester. This dedication to students is what makes TCU a special place.
Q: Where are you from originally? A: I am originally from Overland Park, Kansas, although, I have now lived in Fort Worth on my own for almost three years. I finally broke down and bought a Texas flag for my room, so I guess that makes me half Texan now.
Q: What has been your best experience so far at TCU? A: I was given the opportunity to throw the javelin on the TCU Track and Field Team as a freshman. Walking onto the Track Team was very difficult. The balancing act it forced me to play with my academics was equally as challenging, but it has proven to be the best decision I have ever made. The challenge of being a student athlete forced me to focus on my time management skills and allowed me a forum to hone my leadership skills. As a result I am now the captain of the Field Team, I hold the TCU school record and the Mountain West Conference javelin records, and I was named to the NCAA All-Academic Team.
Q: How would you describe TCU someone outside the university? A: TCU is a place where motivated students come to prepare themselves to be active participants in the future of the world. I say world because TCU students have, and will continue to, make an impact worldwide. The amount of international focus that TCU provides allows for diversity and creates excitement about the future. There are a handful of graduate programs at TCU, but for the most part the primary focus of this university is on the undergrad and preparing them for the next phase of their life. I feel that in coming to TCU, I am more amply prepared to make a difference sooner rather than later.
Q: What are your hobbies/activities? A: I am heavily involved around campus. I am on the TCU Track and Field Team, the emcee and tour guide the program that hosts prospective students called “Monday at TCU,” and facilitator for the First Year Experience orientation program, Frog Camp. In addition, I am part of the Next Generation Leadership Program and Neeley Associate Program both of which are run through the Neeley School of Business. My activities also include a social fraternity, the Mortar Board Senior Honor Society, and Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society. Finally, I spend a large portion of my time serving residential services as the head resident assistant to Waits Hall.
Q: What is your major? A: I have a double major in marketing and management with an emphasis in leadership.
Q: What are your plans after graduation (at this point)? A: Upon graduation, which is only a year away, I plan on pursuing a career in sales en route to a management position later in my career. Sales will allow me to apply my marketing major and management will allow me to apply my entrepreneurial management major and leadership emphasis. As far as what type of sales and in what field I am still waiting to see my options.
