Where are you from? Iowa City, Iowa
Why did you choose Kirkwood? I graduated from City High in 2005 – I briefly attended Kirkwood in Spring 2006 but due to struggling academically due to domestic abuse I reluctantly chose to leave Kirkwood after that semester. In Fall 2021 I returned to prove to myself and my daughter that I would not be defined by my disabilities (post covid) and to pursue my passions after experiencing a near death experience from severe pneumonia in November 2019 that gave me greater appreciation regarding the fragility of life. The last year and a half have flown by, and the next thing I know, I am preparing to graduate after Summer 2023.
What is your major and how did you choose it? I am planning to attain my Liberal Arts AA degree in August 2023. I chose this major because of my interest within environmental science and policy as well as criminal justice.
What has been your proudest moment at Kirkwood? It is hard to pinpoint one single moment as my proudest moment because it is a tie between when I first received my invitation to join PTK and participate in an honors project as well as when I was accepted into a Global Leadership course through Kirkwood Community College that involved a handful of students from all over the world tacking issues occurring within rural villages in Thailand. It was such an amazing experience that it invigorated a passion to not only advocate for the environment but (globally) the people within it as well.
What are your plans after Kirkwood? I am planning to continue my education to attain a BA/BS. My area of interest is within Environmental Science/Studies involving Sustainability Science and policy. I think it would be incredibly interesting to pursue a career in green criminology.
What inspires or motivates you? Prior to contracting Covid-19, I was a functional adult – after the numerous disabilities that I have acquired from both of my covid infections, my drive to pursue a normal life and to better myself is what truly drives me. I want to provide the best that I can for my family while pursuing my passions and to contribute my education to a better future.
Tell us about who you are outside of Kirkwood. I am a mother to a 6-year-old and two poodles. I enjoy anything outdoor, or nature related, and I collect carnivorous plants (nepenthes).
What does being named an Outstanding Student mean to you? Being an Outstanding Student is an incredible honor and I am deeply grateful for the recognition. I am so proud of what I have achieved since returning to Kirkwood. I have been on the Dean’s List for 3 consecutive semesters, I participated in an honors project in Fall 2022 regarding pathogenic release due to deforestation and global warming, etc. Being an Outstanding Student drives me to want to achieve more and to do the very best that I can while fostering resilience due to my personal challenges and disabilities.
Is there anything else you’d like to add? Kirkwood Community College has been a wonderful education experience. The educators have been amazing – questions, clarification and communication have been key for my success at Kirkwood while also knowing my own boundaries health wise to be able to make sure that I can set myself up for success. I want to thank my family as well for being immensely supportive regarding me returning to school, and stepping in to help take care of the kiddo during finals or if I was inundated with homework. I could not have achieved all that I have without your love and support.
Categories: Outstanding Students
