I am a Speech Communication Disorders major in the School of Education. My interests include reading, exercising, spending time outside, and hanging out with friends. I am very passionate about the special needs community and have a vast background in inclusive work. I am involved in a wide array of organizations on Grounds, including Greek life and service, and I can't wait to tell you all about it!

Hometown

Falls Church, Virginia

Major(s)

Speech Communication Disorders

Minor(s)

General Business, Psychology

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Delta Zeta sorority, Best Buddies, Special Olympics, Smiles & Spatulas, National Student Speech Lanuage Hearing Association

Describe your college experience

The transition to college was truly a whirlwind for me. Coming from Virginia, I was familiar with the University of Virginia from frequent visits throughout my life. Even with some friends from home heading to school with me, I found that the move to college can still feel surprisingly lonely at times. Everything happens all at once, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the sudden shift in pace. It took me a little while to find my footing and locate my people, but once I did, I found myself genuinely excited to wake up every single day. The academic environment here is thrilling; it is incredibly stimulating to be surrounded by peers who are intelligent and motivated. The social scene is equally incredible and full of energy. While I certainly enjoyed my first year, I went through moments of feeling alone and longing for more connection. Looking back, I realize that I just had to be patient with the process, and eventually, everything fell into place.

Tip for future students

There is so much about college life that I had absolutely no idea about before I packed my bags, left my hometown, and arrived on Grounds here at UVA. My biggest piece of advice is to be patient with yourself throughout this transition; moving away is a massive change, and it is perfectly normal to have days where you feel uncertain. Be patient with others, too, as everyone around you is navigating this new chapter in their own way. My secret to thriving here has been to simply say "yes" to as many new experiences as possible, whether it’s joining a random club, grabbing dinner with a new acquaintance, or attending a random event you saw on a bulletin board. It is truly the best and easiest way to make lasting friendships, discover your own interests, and find the community that makes this big school feel like home. Step out of your comfort zone, stay open to the unexpected, and trust that you will find your place here just as I did.

Favorite class

Foundations of Commerce has been my absolute favorite course so far. It provided a comprehensive look at how businesses operate within the global market, and the professor did an amazing job of explaining theoretical concepts using real-world applications. The case studies we analyzed in class were particularly engaging because they forced us to think critically about ethical dilemmas and strategic decision-making, and then we watched them play out in real time. As someone who had a slight interest in business, but didn't want to fully commit to the major, this class did a fantastic job of introducing me to the basic concepts and getting me excited about the topic. On top of the practical aspects and my general curiousity, the professor was excellent. It was clear he was motivated to be there and teach us his passion. He was easy to understand and made the class extremely engaging; every time he ended class I would think, "wow, how has it already been 75 minutes?" This course was so thrilling I decided to purse a business minor going forward with my studies.

Career goals

After college, I hope to go through the process of becoming a speech-language pathologist (grad school, Praxis exam, clinical fellowship) and then practice for awhile in whatever state I go to grad school in. Once I get some experience, I want to obtain an agent and become a travel SLP, where I'll to get to travel around the U.S. serving in schools or hopsitals and exploring new areas in my free time. Eventually, I will settle down in my favorite place and open my own private practice.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal free night is all about finding a perfect balance between social connection and intentional downtime. I love to start things off by decompressing with a long, peaceful walk around Grounds, on the trail, or through the surrounding neighborhoods to clear my head and soak in the atmosphere. Afterward, I head out to meet up with a group of friends at a cozy restaurant, ideally somewhere with a nice view, for a laughter-filled dinner. We then wander through the streets after eating to hunt down a late-night sweet treat. I would head home at a reasonable hour, though, because I cherish my winding-down process; I love having plenty of time for my evening skincare routine, catching up on a few episodes of a favorite show, and settling in with some quiet reading time before bed. It is the perfect blend of experiencing the local culture and recharging my batteries for the next day.

High school or secondary school

Bishop O'Connell High School in Falls Church, Virginia

Previous college

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