In the Spotlight

What three traits define you?

1. Determined: Once I set my eyes on getting something done, I don’t stop until I’ve completed it.
2. Reliable: I pride myself on being a person that people can lean on to get work done, or can come to for advice. Whatever the task, I have your back no matter what.
3. Compassionate: I care deeply about the people around me and always try to be a positive light in their life.

What do you think is the most important quality you need to have for success?

1. Learning how to collaborate with others towards a common goal, and being able to put differences aside to get a task done.
2. Being able and willing to admit when you’re wrong.
3. Being able to see the ‘big picture’ of a project, and not getting bogged down with the little things that may get in the way.

What do you value most in a job?

I value the ability to grow and learn from the people around me. I think it’s important to continuously be pushing yourself to grow as a person through the different opportunities that are available to you.

What personality trait are you always trying to improve?

I’m a people pleaser at heart. I want people around me to always be enjoying themselves that sometimes I forget about my own wellbeing.

What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?

My dream job has always been to be a photographer for National Geographic and travel the world. I’ve had a love for photography since I was really young and I absolutely love the outdoors. I’m also really into graphic design and marketing. There’s a lot of psychology that goes into marketing tactics, and I think its super fascinating how companies will tailor certain messages towards specific audiences to increase sales of a particular product.

Which day of the work week are you the most productive?

The start of the work week for me! I love looking at my task list and mapping out what all I have going on for the week ahead and getting a jump start at tackling it. I find that starting out productive at the beginning of the week sets the tone for the next few days.

Have any “hidden talents” ?

During my undergrad years at UW I toured nationally with the Wisconsin Singers, which is a performing organization on campus. Over the four years I was in the group, I sang and danced in over 100+ shows for hundreds of thousands of people. I love baking and cake decorating, and can make some mean cupcakes from scratch!

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

This past year I served as an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America) in Akron, Ohio. It was a pretty challenging year for me, as I moved away from home and everything that was ‘familiar.’ I have very close friends and family, so being away from them was hard. But I proved to myself that I could make it on my own without depending on other people, and I now have a greater self-confidence because of it.

Best advice you ever received and how it carries you throughout life

My mom would always tell me before a test at school to “do the best I can in that moment” and I really try to live by that. As long as you give it your all in the exact moment that something is happening, that’s all you can really hope for. It might not be the absolute best you could’ve done, but given the situation and resources you gave it your all. I find that this way of thinking really helps alleviate the “what if” thoughts from racing in my mind and makes me appreciate the opportunities I’ve been given.

Best advice when encountering a new situation

Being nervous and uncomfortable is OKAY! Whether we believe it or not, everyone at one time or another will feel uneasy about a new situation, so don’t think you’re alone! If a new situation makes you nervous it probably means you’re pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and that’s a great thing! By pushing ourselves we continue to grow as people.