Student Perspectives

Growing up, my family had two rules: do your best, and have fun. I applied these rules to my five years at Lindner. As a Marvin P. Kolodzik Business Scholar, I developed a true sense of community within my cohort, nurturing friendships that I know will last a lifetime. I met some of the best professors who offered me guidance and advice both in and out of the classroom. I learned about the power of relationship-building through the many opportunities that were presented throughout my experience. Finally, I had the flexibility to explore my professional passions and indulge in a new one: international travel. I was able to study in Montreal, Sydney, Melbourne, London and Paris. The Lindner College of Business showed me the world!

It was an honor to receive the Lindner Outstanding Undergraduate Student award and Lindner Outstanding Accounting Student award prior to my graduation in May. These awards marked the culmination of my efforts, dedication, and overall hard work and passion for my studies. For those five years, it really took a village. I would not have reached my greatest potential without the support, mentorship, and friendship from my family and friends, professors, mentors, coworkers and senior leadership at the University of Cincinnati.

Taking business courses in my first year helped me immensely in my co-op the following summer. I was able to get into the content of my major right away and benefited a lot from business communications courses. I found that they will be helpful no matter where I go in life. Next, I’m looking forward to growing my involvement in the Lindner Student Association and Leaders for Environmental Awareness and Protection. I plan to continue being involved on campus and helping as many people as I can, especially first-year students who are finding their way.

Taking classes in my major — information systems — in my first year allowed me to connect with my passions right away. I found an interesting connection in Women in Technology (WIT) and, as I made friendships within WIT, my focus shifted to supporting women in my field as I grew my knowledge in technology. We raised funds to travel to Harvard University's women in technology conference, WECode, in February 2019. A defining moment in my experience was receiving the Lindner Professional Experience Award for information systems in April 2019. I was excited that my school acknowledged my efforts in the classroom as well as in supporting my fellow students.

Working full-time in healthcare operations, being married with three children and pursuing my MBA is something that takes effort and sacrifice. Distance learning (taking online classes) presents its own challenges. You must have good time management skills and know when to prioritize school. There’s not always a set time to show up to class, so you have to tap into that discipline a different way. On the other hand, being in an online program is incredibly liberating. You make your own schedule and the technology is always available and easy to use. My professors give adequate time and methods for virtual check-ins, such as WebEx, and regularly make themselves available to meet in person. They genuinely want their students to succeed.

Don't be afraid to cast a wide net. I have a lot of interests in addition to my studies within OBAIS, such as language, music and giving back to the community. I am working toward a certificate in Italian. I play drums in a rock band and teach drumline at my high school alma mater. I’ve been a member of the UC Boxing Club and even tried my hand at creative writing. Another thing I’m involved in that I’ve become very passionate about is Bearcat Academy, in which UC students are connected to high school students within the Cincinnati Public School system for four years. I mentor two eleventh grade students from Aiken High School, Keyshawn and Patricia. I meet with them frequently during their lunch period to work through writing exercises and study strategies, or just talk about the future as they consider college. They are incredibly smart and could really go anywhere. It’s really cool to see how they are growing and changing. Even though I am mentoring these students, in the end, I am truly learning from them and it’s been a wonderful experience I have grown from.