Q: Where are you from?
A: I am from Bielefeld in Germany.
Q: Why did you choose Kirkwood?
A: After my wife and I moved to Iowa City, I was looking for a college in the area to pursue my career goals. After visiting the Kirkwood campus and talking with advisors and other students, I knew that Kirkwood would be the right choice for me.
Q: What is your major and how did you choose it?
A: My major is Medical Assisting. I chose medical assisting because I was looking for a profession that helps other but also has meaning to me. After working different jobs in the years before, I felt like that it was time for a real change. I currently work in hospital in Jacksonville Florida.
Q: What has been your proudest moment at Kirkwood?
A: The proudest moment for me was at the commencement ceremony in 2019 when I received my diploma.
Q: What are your plans after Kirkwood?
A: After I have received my associate degree in December of last year, I am now looking into a degree in nursing.
Q: What inspires or motivates you?
A: What motivates me is the idea to getting something done and to finish what I have started.
Q: Tell us about who you are outside of Kirkwood – hobbies, family, other interests, etc.
A: My wife and I moved to the U.S. in 2015 from Germany. My parents and brother still live in Europe and we video-chat almost every day. My wife will graduate with her Doctor of Audiology Degree in May of this year. We have a Mini-Schanuzer named Jaeger who keeps us busy.
Q: What does being named an Outstanding Student mean to you?
A: Being named an Outstanding Student means a lot to me and makes me proud. I remember that when I first started at Kirkwood, I was very worried that I might not be able to handle the workload or that my English skills might not be good enough to be successful. Being named Outstanding Student is not just a great honor, it also teaches me the lection that hard work really pays off in the end.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
A: I would like to say Thank you to all the great people I have met during my time at Kirkwood. Without the incredible support of the instructors and staff throughout the years, this would not have been possible.
Categories: Outstanding Students
