I’m thrilled to join the 1stGen@IOWA Mentor Network because I truly believe in helping students from all walks of life feel a strong sense of belonging in college. As an institutional researcher at Iowa, my mission is to dive deep into data to uncover the secrets to undergraduate success. Beyond my professional life, I’ve cherished my role in Big Brothers Big Sisters for the past three years, where I mentor a 7th grade student who will be the first in their family to go to college. Back in my college days, I was a psychology major and violin performance minor at the University of Buffalo in New York. Although I initially had no clear career direction, I struck gold with psychology because of its vast array of career paths. I thought I’d become a clinical psychologist, but getting involved in research during my freshman year ignited a passion for psychology research. My journey to finding a career was greatly enriched by participating in various research projects and student organizations. Plus, pursuing a minor in violin performance let me continue my love for music and meet more people on campus. If my story resonates with you or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m eager to connect and support you on your college journey!