Q: Why did you choose to come to the University of Missouri?
A: Initially, my sister, Amber, inspired my decision. I am a transfer student from a school where I played volleyball. I knew I wasn’t happy there, but I was nervous about transferring anywhere. My sister had invited me to her Valentine’s Day party for Kappa Alpha Theta, and she had taken the time to show me around a bit. There was something about Columbia, and the people here, that instantly had me excited. That was the week I applied to make the move here.
Q: Why did you choose to pursue your degree?
A: I had originally been involved in graphic design and business at my previous school, but I wanted to save art as a thing I enjoyed in my free time. I had no clue what I was going to do with myself, so my mom and I had been scrolling through every possible option through Mizzou. She came across Hospitality Management, read me the description, and I knew that it sounded like something I would love. I’ve always enjoyed doing things for others: cooking, throwing parties for others, etc. So, joining Hospitality was pretty much a no brainer for me.
Q: Did you partake in any research, study abroad, or internship opportunities? What did you enjoy about those experiences?
A: I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to work with the Missouri FFA on their State Fair Career Exposition for both 2024 and 2025 by the Hospitality program chair, Dr. Amanda Alexander. I really enjoyed pushing myself to learn new skills during my time on this event. Learning how to create a website, as well as being able to have creative freedom, was a big learning curve but lots of fun. I was also on the team to run Purple Night for The Walk to End Alzheimer’s as well as running this year’s Senior Send-Off party. Finally, I was a Co-Vice President, along with Amy Norman (Junior), for Mizzou Special Events Society (MSES).
Q: What is a favorite memory you have during your time in CAFNR?
A: Learning from the people around me, as well as learning with them. The people I met during my time here, not just in my major, but in all of CAFNR have been some of the best relationships I have made. Being surrounded by friends during my time here made my experience even better than I could have ever expected.
Q: How did your degree program prepare you for the future?
A: Our classes had a broad range of topics, so luckily, I was able to take more classes centered around events. Dr. Alexander’s live event class as well as my work with the FFA were my favorites since I felt I gained the most experience that I will use for my job.
Q: What are your future plans?
A: I will be moving back home to St. Louis to work with the Contemporary Productions Events Team. I plan on coming back to Columbia to visit friends and play with my band here since the others will be here for another year. I will start at Contemporary working on smaller events and shadowing larger events, but will start working on some of our larger events this later this fall, such as Evolution Music Festival.