I grew up in Alpine, Utah, which is a 20-minute drive from Utah Valley University (UVU). At first, I viewed UVU as simply a bigger version of my high school since so many people I knew went there. That made me want to attend any university besides UVU. I started at Utah State University and loved studying there for a year, but I took a softball coaching position in Utah County and then ended up serving a mission for my church. When I got home from my mission, I felt like I wanted to stay close to my parents for a while. My thought was to stick around the hometown and maybe try out UVU — but only for a year.

My time at UVU brought many unexpected blessings and pleasant surprises. The key was getting involved. Right off the bat, I got an internship with the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), which led me to start the UVU chapter of the society. I applied for it on a whim on Indeed without thinking I’d even be considered for the internship, but they called me in for an interview, and several more interviews ensued. All of a sudden, they were flying me out to New Jersey for training and preparing me to go back to the UVU campus and create this new student position. I had to find an advisor and board members on my own, and I hadn’t even started taking classes yet! Belinda Han was the director of the Center for the Advancement of Leadership at the time, and she agreed to be the advisor of our program. She helped me get on my feet and start the chapter. In our first semester, we had 300 people join the society. As of 2021, the society has 845 student participants and continues to grow.

During my undergrad, I also joined the Chinese Club, which was a small commitment, but it led me to new avenues and helped foster connections that I still have today. I became a club ambassador and met many international students. The clubs and my experience with NSLS all allowed me to learn the inner workings of UVU — and of myself, in a way. 

My academic experience was excellent. After starting with generals, I took a communication class from Paul Parkin, who created an environment that I never realized could exist within a school setting. He focused on empathy and connecting with people. He brought outside real-world experiences into the classroom. His class changed what I thought a college experience could be academically, and I was therefore drawn to choose communication studies as my major. I also met an amazing advisor named Jessica Pauly, who introduced me to something that fits with my skills and passions: organizational communication.

I took a small group communication class where we learned about a study of two different groups: the first one was full of people who were similar to one another in life experience and world views, and the other was full of individuals with diverse backgrounds, religions, and views. Whereas the diverse group struggled to click at first, they ended up being a more creative and successful team down the road. To me, the study embodies UVU — a place that helps people from different walks of life achieve success. The university was nothing like the stereotypes I’d heard. 

To be honest, I feel spoiled by how enriching and full my experience was at UVU! It was amazing to apply what I was learning in the classroom to my leadership experiences. I discovered who I am, what I love, what I want, and what my purpose is. I can’t even think of what my life would be like had I not gone to UVU.

I was recently hired by Magleby Construction as an executive assistant and project manager. As for what’s next for me, I am basing my career decisions on three specific things I learned about myself while at UVU: 1) I love project-based work where I can see and measure progress, 2) I love organization and optimization, and it’s exhilarating for me to discover how I can make things more efficient, and 3) I love teamwork and working with people. Right now, I’m chasing a job and career that fulfills all three of those things, so the plan is to apply for an MBA program and eventually become a management consultant. 

A lot of people don’t know all that UVU has to offer, but there is so much available at each student’s fingertips. Even now I talk with counselors at UVU, and I’m planning to meet with a financial advisor at the Money Management Resource Center to learn how to start a budget.

I realized that UVU is a place full of opportunities that, since I took them, changed my college experience and life for the better. You don’t have to run for student office or do anything too crazy. Even if it just means attending lunches that your professors hold, do what you can to connect with the people around you. Find a way to get involved that fits with your schedule and lifestyle, and you’ll find boundless opportunities ahead.