University of Washington Graduate

My college journey came with many trials and tribulations. I am incredibly proud of my experiences in college, because they shaped who I am today. I attended University of Oregon, where I was very, very good at going to college. With 2 girlfriends, Sigma Chi Fraternity, and constant obstacles regarding my college curriculum, I completed the required courses and was admitted to the Lundquist College of Business. As the "Great Recession" depleted my college funds, I was not sure I would ever get that diploma. When I moved to Tacoma Washington to take care of my grandfather, I had an opportunity to complete my education at University of Washington, where I would enroll in classes I had worked tirelessly to get to. With Poppop's support, I graduated with a degree in Marketing and a minor in sports business. This was a difficult path, and because of my maturity, I got the most out of my classes. I took learning to the next level as the founder of the "Bark No Bite" public speaking club. Here I ran and organized meetings and delivered countless speeches. I applied my public speaking skills, applying to give the commencement speech at commencement. I was not chosen but felt I provided a strong representation of the students experience at school.

I gained valuable lessons in group projects as well as the required courses, even enrolling in electives with the UW Athletic Director and the President of the Tacoma Rainiers minor league baseball team. As I walked across that stage with a diploma in hand, I hugged the Chancellor (who I had met at the Milgard School of Business etiquette dinner) and received a rousing ovation from my peers. I overlooked walking up the steps and tripped because I could not fathom that I actually DID IT. However, in reflection, I found that I truly got an education instead of "going through the motions" to walk across the stage. I truly learned about the class topics but more about myself, and found that I could add real value to whatever company I chose. I look forward to my future with aspirations and excitement and believe I can tackle real world issues and benefit whatever field I find. The cap and gown is just the beginning.