I am the youngest of four children, all of whom attended Utah Valley University, so I practically grew up running around the school's halls, imagining the day when it would be my turn. Because my parents taught us to be lifelong learners and encouraged us to follow our dreams and go to college, I initially didn't even realize that I was a first-generation student. I am eternally grateful that I always had such generous support. Because of my upbringing, when it came time to apply for college, my choice was easy as to which one I would attend. Plus, UVU gave me the best chances of succeeding financially through scholarships.

On my first day of school, I was the typical nervous and eager freshman. But on top of that, I was super lost. I tried to act as if I knew where I was going, but the more I tried to find my class, the more turned around I got. I finally decided to ask for directions when I felt a tap on my shoulder. As I turned around, I looked up and recognized the president of the university, President Matthew S. Holland. He warmly smiled at me and asked if I was lost and needed help finding my class. Instead of just pointing directions out, he walked me to my course and told me how happy he was that I was there and welcomed me to UVU.

That moment had a profound effect on me. The president of the university took the time to show a statistically insignificant student that she was significant. He showed me that I was necessary, and, from that moment on, I knew that if he would take his time to help me, what wouldn't the VP's, the faculty, staff, and UVU's professors do for the success of the one?

From that day forward, my college experience was a dream for me! UVU felt like home. I made lifelong friends and had life-changing learning through my studies and engaging experiences in the communication department. My abilities in public speaking, crucial conversations, critical thinking, social behavior, intercultural interactions, and organizational communication grew exponentially. I owe so much to the men and women I am privileged to call my teachers and mentors.

My mom gave me some excellent advice as I began my college career. She told me, "The more you invest your time and energy into college, the more your college experience will invest in you and your success." I took that to heart and decided that I wanted to make a difference and get involved in leadership.

I want to talk about mentorship. Mentorship is something that UVU does so beautifully and quite uniquely. I have not seen it done as powerfully as at UVU. I owe my early leadership development to the Wolverine Ambassador Program and the LEAD Program. It was there that I began to bleed green and love UVU. I was able to be mentored and mentor others. I gained skills in giving tours and managing teams of other leadership students. I loved being able to represent UVU and get high school seniors excited about college! Over the next three years, I joined the Institute of Religion's leadership council and UVU's Housing Residential Community Leadership program. I loved my time being able to represent our school out in the community.

As my senior year approached, my thoughts turned to my first day of school and President Holland's kindnesses shown to me. I knew that I wanted to increase my leadership experience by becoming a presidential intern and surrounding myself with influential leaders. I am humbled to say that I was chosen to intern for the VP of Student Affairs, Michelle Taylor, and then Kyle Reyes. This experience opened a world of opportunity for me. I am so grateful for those who took me under their wings, guided me through hard decisions, and helped me see that I could do great things.

One outstanding experience for me was the opportunity to be one of many who assisted in hiring our new president. At the time, I didn't know that she would become our next president, but I was selected to escort President Astrid S. Tuminez around campus and help her get to all her interviews on time. It was an honor to be her tour guide. I felt humbled to have started my UVU experience with a president showing me the way and ending my UVU experience capable of guiding the future president around campus.

Because of the extraordinary efforts of people who care, I graduated from Utah Valley University in 2018 prepared for the next phase of my life. It's hard to not know what lies ahead, especially in unprecedented times, but I know that I have a foundation to adapt, succeed, and be resilient.

I now work at UVU, and I love my job. I have the privilege of helping prospective students through their journey of navigating their learning paths and reaching for their goals and dreams. I support these students to know that they have a place at UVU. Each one is wanted and will succeed if they invest time and energy into their experience. UVU can prepare them to navigate life's challenges with awareness, attention, and skill. I am a Wolverine, I bleed green, and I love this school!