Outstanding Students

Tia Slippy

Where are you from? I am from Cedar Rapids, IA.

Why did you choose Kirkwood? I chose Kirkwood because it is affordable and right here in town. All my immediate family lives here and I didn’t want to move away.

What is your major and how did you choose it? I am currently dual enrolled in Liberal Arts and Digital Arts, but I graduate from my Liberal Arts this semester. I started with my Liberal Arts so I could have my gen eds completed, then I would transfer to a four-year school. However, I took some Digital Arts classes last semester and loved them, which led me to start the Digital Arts program this semester.

What has been your proudest moment at Kirkwood? An exciting moment at Kirkwood was when our KSP (Kirkwood Student Productions) club won First place in a category at the ICMAs. Our group put a lot of effort in the video, and they all did a fantastic job! I am so thankful that I got to be a part of it.

What are your plans after Kirkwood? I don’t really have any major plans after Kirkwood. I am just praying to God about it and I will see where He takes me.

What inspires or motivates you? What motivates me is Jesus Christ and His love for me. He so freely took my place, died for my sin and constantly forgives me from my sin. That amount of love that God shows me daily is a big motivator. God has given me a perfect example to follow and that is His son, Jesus. I want to be like Jesus. I want to do what Jesus did. I want to love like Jesus loves. I love people because God loves me. If God can forgive me for what I have done, I can forgive others for what they have done. I am far from perfect. That is why I constantly need Jesus to help me. He is the one who motivates me to work hard and love people. I love Him so much.

Tell us about who you are outside of Kirkwood. Outside of Kirkwood I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends. I like to watch movies and eat food. And yes, eating food is a hobby. I love anything Korean: k-pop, k-dramas, Korean food, etc. My mom is from South Korea, so I guess it’s in my blood. I have seven sibling and two fabulous in-laws, so there is never a dull moment when we are together. They are the best and I love them all so much!

What does being named an Outstanding Student mean to you? Being named an Outstanding Student means a lot to me. When I first got the letter in the mail, I was so confused. I asked one of my professors about it because I wasn’t sure what it was. I thought, “There is no way I would be picked for something like this,” yet I was. I am grateful that God has allowed me to have an impact here at Kirkwood. I am so blessed to be able to be as involved as I am. I am very thankful to the ones who nominated me and chose me for this award. And I am grateful to God for giving me the abilities that let me receive this award.

Is there anything else you’d like to add? Thank you to all of those who supported me: God, my family, my friends, professors, etc.

Categories: Outstanding Students