Where are you from?
I have lived in several areas of North Carolina, but I call Davie County home.
When did you graduate?
May 2018
What was your favorite class at UNC Charlotte and why?
My favorite class at UNC Charlotte was Managerial Leadership with Professor Gary Kohut. Dr. Kohut taught leadership therories through productive, thought-provoking discussion of real world scenarios. I often still reference my notes and textbook from that course!
Where is your favorite place on campus?
The library holds many special memories for me. In that building I formed many sweet friendships, studied many late nights, and laughed a lot.
What is your favorite Charlotte restaurant?
On my 19th birthday, my aunt and grandmother took me to 300 East in Dilworth and I fell in love. Their sweet potato ravioli with gorgonzola cream sauce is incredible - I don’t think I have ever tasted anything as heavenly.
In your opinion, what are the 3 best things about UNC Charlotte?
The beauty of the campus.
The growing city and size of the university.
The endless opportunities UNCC provides to students.
Tell us a few random things about yourself.
I met Bill Clinton in 7th grade because he came and spoke at my middle school.
I can crack an egg with one hand.
I really love to sing!
Why did you select your major(S)?
I have always been curious about business. As a child, I would plan businesses and share my detailed plans with my parents. I generated a party planning business, a babysitting business, a dog walking business, a multitude of lemonade stands and countless other ventures. This consistent curiousity, along with job experience and internships, led to my study of marketing and organizational management.
Why did you choose the Belk College of Business/UNC Charlotte?
I am a fairly indecisive person in general which made choosing a college all the more difficult. UNC Charlotte felt like home and that is what it became! The Belk College of Business offered wonderful resources, numerous internship and networking opportunities, and an honors program that greatly benefitted my collegiate career.
What activities were you involved in when not working/studying?
I was in the Business Honors Program, which provided me with numerous networking and volunteer opportunities, as well as wonderful friends. I was also involved in Charlotte Dance Marathon each year through different committees. I worked with two friends to form IntersectionsUNCC, an organization with the intention to explore what it means to live on mission for Christ in the workplace. My pride and joy on UNC Charlotte’s campus was my church, Impact Charlotte, where I served as a student leader, made countless memories and built lifelong relationships.
What was the best part of your academic experience so far?
The Business Honors Program hosts various speakers throughout the semester. Being able to hear from a multitude of companies and individuals from the Charlotte community was one of my favorite parts of my academic experience thus far. I was able to make connections with speakers and employers through meetings and mock interviews.
How would you describe the Belk College of Business to someone who is thinking about applying?
The Belk College of Business is a world of exploration and endless opportunities. The location of UNC Charlotte is extremely beneficial to any business student. Because it is the second largest financial district in the country, the companies that are housed within the city limits and beyond provide students with an abundance of internship, employment and learning opportunities.
If you received a scholarship or financial aid, how did that help you?
During my freshman and sophomore years, I received the Rexham Corporation Scholarship. This scholarship helped to lighten the financial load of college. The costs of tuition, housing, food and textbooks add up rather quickly and I am extremely grateful for scholarships that allow that cost to be reduced.
What internship/employment opportunities did you have?
During high school, I worked at a bakery and cafe in Mocksville, N.C. This experience shaped my love for business and played a role in my choice of major. During my freshman and sophomore years, I was an intern for the External Relations Department in the Belk College of Business. One of my jobs was to seek out and develop the Faces of Belk College profiles that you are reading! During college I also worked for a boutique residential real estate firm, worked as a Training and Development intern with Chick-fil-A and was a Peer Advisor in the Niblock Student Center.
What have you been doing following graduation?
During my last semester at UNC Charlotte, I got connected with the leadership of Chartwells Higher Education, which is the contracted company that runs Dining Services on campus. For eight months I worked as a Manager in Training with Chartwells on UNC Charlotte's campus. In this role, I went through a rotational program and gained a wealth of knowledge about the food services industry. After completion of the program I was granted the opportunity to return home to Davie County, NC and work as the Finance and Communications Officer for the Davie Community Foundation. In this role, I am able to use my passions in a philanthropic way on a daily basis and put the skills that I learned studying marketing and management to excellent use!
What is your advice for graduating seniors as they enter the workforce?
Be curious to learn as your enter the workforce. Don’t be afraid to ask educated questions and soak up as much knowledge as you can. Being reflective helps me – I will go home and write out what I accomplished that day, what I learned, what questions I have, and what I did and did not enjoy about work that day. Doing this helps me continue to actively learn outside of a classroom setting. Take adulting one day at a time. Going from the freedom of college to a structured workday is a daunting adjustment and it takes time to settle into this new season of life.
