Hometown: Boise, Idaho

Major: Accounting major

Graduating: May 2020

Please list your University highlights, achievements, leadership and awards.

• Academic Achievement List (6 semesters)

Why did you choose to attend GSW?
Three years ago I had a job that I hated and decided I had too much time left working to be unhappy. I had started college 18 years earlier as an accounting major and wanted to finish the degree I started. As a mom of 4 kids, now 17, 16, 13, and 10 and working full time, I needed a program that was flexible, economical and with a good reputation. GSW fit all three and has been a wonderful experience.

What would people be surprised to know about you?
I am terrified of all birds, big and small. My kids are trained to scare them away for me if they get remotely close.

Who is your favorite professor or staff member and why?
Joni Hammond was by far one of the hardest teachers but I also learned the most from her classes. She was also extremely fair and helpful. I have so much respect for her.

What has been your greatest challenge?
My greatest challenge has been balancing school, work, and family life. I have studied at football practices, soccer games, track meets, and during lunch breaks. It is so different going to school with a family than when I was single.

Why did you choose your major?
I have another bachelor’s degree in horticulture. It fit me and where I was in my life when I was 20 but I have never used it professionally. I have always loved accounting and enjoy the analytical component.

What advice do you have for incoming students?
Keep persevering even when classes are tough and you want to be done. Semesters feel long when you are in the middle of them but when you take it one assignment and one day at a time they will go quickly.

What are your most-used emojis? Why do you think so?
The smiley face! I am a very positive person and I try to keep smiling. It is also really hard to convey the right emotion when sending a text or message and hopefully a smiley face will soften something that might be taken the wrong way.