My time in the Woodbury School of Business was incredible. When I originally enrolled at UVU, I declared as a nursing major. After my freshman year, I had what I like to call my “quarter-life crisis.” I absolutely did not want to do nursing but had no idea what to do – all other options didn’t seem to fit. After many late nights trying to figure it out, I saw a sign on campus advertising a new event planning minor. At that moment in the Liberal Arts hallway, my whole life up until that point flashed before my eyes. I realized that I had always been involved in planning events through student government, ecclesiastical roles, and volunteer opportunities. I had no idea it could be a career until I saw that minor. I switched my major to hospitality management and added the event planning minor immediately.

                                                   

The program felt like it was made for me! I actually enjoyed going to school. I enjoyed all my classes because I was studying something I’m deeply passionate about. I had some of the best professors through the WSB, and all the professors in the hospitality management department are amazing! I had Dr. Doug Miller and Dr. Marc Brown for practically every class a few semesters in a row, and I was never disappointed. The hospitality management program is one of the best on campus, and everyone in the department genuinely cares about each and every student in their program. I never felt like a number, and that’s why I was able to be so successful during my time there. When people believe in you and you believe in yourself, you can seriously do anything. I have to give a HUGE shoutout to Laurie Stokes for being so supportive of me both inside and outside the classroom. It was apparent that she cared more about students improving themselves than what grade they got. She prepped me for interviews and truly exemplifies exceptional care. I will never forget the role she played in my life, and UVU is so lucky to have a professor like her.

I moved to Utah not knowing a single soul. Before I started school, I decided that I wanted to cherish my time and make the most of it, so that’s what I did. I got involved in UVUSA which kickstarted my desire to be involved as much as I could. I graduated from the Center for the Advancement of Leadership program, became the VP of student relations within Student Alumni, and served as a foundation ambassador. Every role I filled gave me real-life experience that continues to aid me today. I always took advantage of the resources available to students, and it blew my mind that some people didn’t research the opportunities available at UVU. You only get out what you put in, and I invested a lot of time and hard work at UVU and the results support that. I graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s in hospitality management and a minor in event planning. I received the WSB Hospitality Management Achievement Award, graduated with high distinction in leadership, and remained on the Dean’s List the majority of my time at UVU – everyone’s first semester is a little rocky, haha. I graduated debt free because of the scholarships I continuously applied for. I achieved success not only because of my hard work and dedication, but because of the support from students, faculty, and staff within my program.

                                  

Even though I’ve graduated, UVU couldn’t get rid of me. I work in the executive events department as the assistant director. Our team primarily manages executive events initiated by President Tuminez or the VP of institutional advancement. A lot of the events we plan are catered to donors and providing an opportunity for them to understand UVU’s rich history and mission. I love this job because I feel like I’m giving back. Most of the donors have donated to the university or to specific students, changing the lives of many on campus. Most people have jobs that are just a source of income. My job is my passion – I truly love what I do. Although it’s hard sometimes, it usually doesn’t even feel like work. Our team just wrapped up the planning and execution of this year’s President’s ‘Drive-In’ Scholarship Ball. Because of COVID-19, a lot of the event was altered to accommodate the current situation. This was a daunting task, but we did it and were able to raise even more funds for student scholarships. My work is so rewarding, and it’s a bonus that it happens to be for a university that has given me so much.

       

My advice to students is to take advantage of every opportunity — seek them out! I can’t tell you how many times I said yes to a tiny thing that led to so many doors opening for me. Your experience here is so much more than the grade you get in class. UVU offers a lot, but I learned quickly that you have to be proactive. Opportunities won’t just fall in your lap. Also, it’s okay to make mistakes and fail. Everyone does it and sometimes you learn more from those failures than you would a success. I wouldn’t change a single second of my time at UVU, even the hard ones. I owe a lot to UVU and the WSB. I’ve made lifelong friends, had an amazing support system, got a great education, and as an added bonus I met my husband here! I love the WSB and the faculty and staff that I was able to work with. I’m so grateful that I switched my major and found my life’s passion. I know that wherever I end up in five, ten, or twenty years, UVU and the WSB will have played a MAJOR role in me getting there. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!