HOW DID YOU GET  HERE? What a journey it's been! My first major in college was Speech Pathology. At the time, I wanted to work with children in a health-related field. After my first semester in the program, I began to realize Speech Pathology was not the best career path for me. I visited the career center at my college and decided to major in Communications and Public Relations. After graduation from Calvin College, I began a Master’s program in Higher Education and Student Development at Taylor University, where I solidified my passion for working with students in career services. After graduation from my Master’s program, I began my journey at Purdue with the CCO, and I’m so thrilled to be here! :)

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? I love helping students and alumni connect their strengths and passions to a career path. I relate with students on the stress & uncertainty when it comes to future plans and careers and try my best to help them make the best decision for themselves.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL JOB YOU EVER HAD? When I was a child, I took my lemonade stand business very seriously. My grandma made me my own booth out of cardboard, and my cousins and I painted it and made it look polished. One time, my cousin and I made $25, which to a 7 year old, is making bank!

FAVORITE THINGS: I love practicing hospitality. Whether I’m cooking a meal for a friend, or sharing a cup of coffee with a student in my office, I love welcoming others into my space and making them feel known and valued. I also love going to concerts, being outdoors, and traveling!

QUOTE YOU LIVE BY: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” – Theodore Roosevelt

ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: Avoid comparing yourself with others - it only sets you up for failure! Job titles, income, social media followers, physical fitness, GPA… these are all ways that we compare ourselves with one another (just to name a few!) If you’re not careful, comparing yourself with others can strip you of contentment with who you are and what you’re good at.