My name is Emma. I am from Rock Island Illinois, and a first-year undergraduate student at the University of Illinois. I am majoring in speech and hearing sciences, and I am on the track to becoming a speech pathologist, hopefully working with kids. In my free time, I enjoy attending Illinois sports events and meeting new people, and I am actively involved in my sorority, Delta Zeta, which supports speech and hearing causes.

Hometown

Rock Island, Illinois

Major(s)

Speech pathology, Audiology

Minor(s)

Special education, middle school education.

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Student council: - Chair of homecoming decorations - Co-chair of homecoming lobby - Freshman orientation leader - Co-chair gym decorations Dance Marathon: - Co-Captain Marketing and Media - Captain of logistics. Student Hunger drive: Student Ambassador: - Traveling to different schools and talking to students about what my school has to offer. Musical Theater Emeralds Dance Team Cheerleading: - All American Cheerleader Varsity soccer: -Regional champions, 2022, 2023, 2024 - Sectional champions, 2022, 2023, 2024 - Super sectional champions, 2023 -State qualifier, 2023 -State runner up 2023 Cross Country: - State Qualifier - First-place regional champions - Top 20 best runners on the team in school history. - Most improved runner award. Gray Matters Collective Ambassador: - Help make a change by empowering people to become mental health advocates. Delta Zeta chapter at UIUC Quad City Rush Soccer Club Volunteer at Christ the king church Whiteys Ice cream Bridges Catering SnowStar ski resort ski life operator.

Describe your college experience

My college experience has been the best months of my life so far. Coming from a small school graduating with only 60 students, I have easily adapted to this campus, meeting new people every day and having the best friends already. All of my professors have been more than helpful, and you feel very important and like you belong in every class you are in. I don't feel like just another student in the classroom. If you are ever lost on campus or trying to find your classroom, upperclassmen are very helpful to your needs. This school has made me feel so welcome and I wake up every day excited for what the day brings me.

Tip for future students

A tip that I would give to future students is to take your time and pick a major that you think will be the right fit for you. I know many people who don't enjoy their major, and I think that makes it harder for them to enjoy the work they are doing. I love my major and I find joy in doing my work and learning about something that I am so passionate about.

Favorite class

My favorite class so far has been Stats 100. This has been my favorite class because I grew a bond with my professor. I never felt scared to ask her any questions and she was always so helpful during office hours, always walking around making sure everyone understood the material. I also me some of my closest friends in that class who I still talk to and see even though the class is already over.

Career goals

After college, I hope to move away to a larger town than I grew up in. I hope to become a speech pathologist working in a hospital setting or a clinic. I want to work mostly with kids but I will take any opportunity that I am given. I also plan on attending grad school after my four years are done at Illinois.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My favorite ways I have spent a free night in school so far have been having movie nights with the girls on my floor. I think it is so nice to have a good bond with everyone on my floor because it gives me a sense of comfort that I can come home after a long day of classes and have people I can be with.

High school or secondary school

Alleman Catholic high school, Rock Island Illinois.

Previous college

N​/​A