Q: Where are you from? (city, state)
A: I am from Wilton, Iowa
Q: Why did you choose Kirkwood?
A: I chose Kirkwood because it was the option that made the most sense to me. Outside of the low cost for courses that allowed me to get my basic credits out of the way, many of my siblings also attended the college, a couple of them even still lived in the area during my first year. Having people who were willing to help out during the confusing first days of college was certainly a God-send.
Q: What is your major and how did you choose it?
A: While at Kirkwood I simply went for my Associate of Arts, I plan on moving on to a 4-year university and getting a major in English. I have long-term aspirations to be a writer (whatever form that may take) due to my love of writing in general and, while not exactly a specific reason, I still think it’s important to have a specific goal while keeping my options open to whatever opportunities I may get in the future.
Q: What has been your proudest moment at Kirkwood?
A: Definitely my last semester where I received straight A’s. All of my previous semesters I spent involved me attempting to get straight A’s as a sort of standard to hold myself to, but every semester it seemed just out of reach. A B- here, a C+ there always seemed to foil the goal. But this last semester, due in large part to my teachers, I was finally able to achieve that goal. My parents can attest that I was more than excited when I found out.
Q: What are your plans after Kirkwood?
A: As of now, making money and paying off my debt is number 1 on the agenda. I do plan on attending a four-year university as stated previously, but I wouldn’t feel comfortable putting myself in a precarious financial situation that attending a university would put me in knowing I still had loans that needed to be paid off.
Q: What inspires or motivates you?
A: Good writing. The ability for someone to take complex human concepts, form them into pure imagination, to then form a narrative has always fascinated me, and the idea that I could one day do the same has me very excited.
Q: Tell us about who you are outside of Kirkwood – hobbies, family, other interests, etc.
A: Outside of Kirkwood, I am always looking for opportunities to see family or friends. My siblings are all particularly close, so anytime I have the opportunity to see them or to talk with them, I will almost always take it. While this is made hard by the fact that all of us live fairly far apart nowadays, we find workarounds. Other than time spent with other people, I spend most of my time daydreaming via reading, going for strolls, playing a game or two, etc. Fairly basic stuff, but I’m always ready for more exhilarating activities.
Q: What does be named an Outstanding Student mean to you?
A: I will admit I was shocked when I received the email. While I was proud of the grades I received while attending Kirkwood, I didn’t think I was doing anything special. Least of all to be titled an “Outstanding Student”. I have loved school for these past 3 years, and the idea that that garnered attention from my peers is endlessly exciting to me.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
A: I just want to extend a thank you to everyone who has been with me on this rollercoaster. The fantastic teachers and faculty I have met along the way are nothing short of extraordinary, there are many clearly passionate individuals here at this campus and it has been an honor to have been able to attend their classes, speak, and even work with them. Most importantly, I think my family has had a tremendous role in my success. I wouldn’t be anywhere close to where I am as a person without their advice, and hope one day I can return the favor for their constant love and support.
Categories: Outstanding Students
