Outstanding Students

Viktorja Heires

Q: Where are you from? (city, state) 

A: Cedar Rapids, Iowa 

Q: Why did you choose Kirkwood? 

A: I chose Kirkwood because I liked that it was local and affordable. 

Q: What is your major and how did you choose it? 

A: AAS- Human Services. I chose it because I eventually want to be a trauma counselor, and this was the fastest way to get started on the road to a Masters. 

Q: What has been your proudest moment at Kirkwood?  

A: Getting through Psychology. The first time I went to college, Intro to Psych was a huge obstacle for me. This time, with the face-to-face classes, it was much easier to get through. 

Q: What are your plans after Kirkwood? 

A: I have transferred my credits to Mount Mercy and am a student there for a BSW with a minor in Spanish. 

Q: What inspires or motivates you?

A: I’m motivated by the number of people I see, vets and otherwise, who are not being treated for their PTSD and other traumatic experiences. Sometime they aren’t even recognized as having trauma. 

Q: Tell us about who you are outside of Kirkwood – hobbies, family, other interests, etc.

A: I read a lot. I also like to knit/crochet, take long drives and listen to music. I’m slowly teaching myself German.  I love road trips and have a passport that is waiting to be filled with stamps. 

Q: What does being named an Outstanding Student mean to you? 

A: It’s nice to have others recognize the hard work that goes into getting a degree.  It’s not “Just an associates”, it’s a HUGE accomplishment for many of us. I personally come from a family where high school diplomas are not a given, let alone getting a college education. 

Categories: Outstanding Students