What makes you a Difference Maker?
It is an honor to be recognized as a Difference Maker. The fact that someone noticed the extra mile I try to go in all my activities means a lot. I believe that my passion to help others succeed and achieve their goals is what has afforded me this honor. Nothing is more rewarding to me than seeing someone grow into the person they are capable of being. Whether this is in the classroom, in a student organization, or just in life I strive to be someone who helps build others up. I've had a lot of people help me along the way and I know how much that has meant to me. You grow and learn a lot about yourself when you help others. The University of Michigan Dearborn has opened up a lot of doors for me and I want future students to experience that same opportunity.
Tell us about your leadership experience.
Currently, I serve as President of Beta Alpha Psi which is an accounting, finance, and information systems honors organization on campus. I've chosen to pursue this role as President because Beta Alpha Psi has helped me tremendously. It is my responsibility to give back to the organization that has made such a significant impact on my college experience and future career. It is truly amazing to see students join as freshman/sophomores and by junior/senior year they have grown into themselves with endless opportunities to succeed. It is an honor and a privilege to have this formal role. However, what is probably more important is how you interact with others around you. As a leader, I try to be someone that people can turn to and count on. It's not your words that mean the most but rather the actions you take.
What is your dream career or goal?
Working as an accountant for the PGA tour would be my dream career. If I am lucky maybe even get to play a few of the courses along the way. In all seriousness, I don't exactly know what the future holds. My goal is to obtain my CPA license and start a career in public accounting. I hope to be able to find my niche within the accounting world. The ultimate goal is to love what I do and be able to make an impact in my field or business. I've heard countless times that if you imagine where your career will take you in 10 years in reality it will probably be very different. This is not to say I don't have goals, but more that I am open to wherever my career takes me and where I find the most joy.
What is your most defining moment?
The most defining moment as a student at UM-Dearborn was when I had the opportunity to travel to my student organization's regional conference. The regional conference was in Cincinnati over a long weekend. Six other students and I had the chance to listen to keynote speakers, attend professional development workshops, and network with professionals from around the country. What was even more special was the relationships I was able to start building with fellow classmates and our faculty advisor. As a transfer student, I did not know anyone on campus and this experience helped me feel like a part of the larger community. It was an amazing experience and has driven me to be an active member of campus.