I have been working at the Academic Advising at the University of Iowa for 25 years. I love my work because I get to be part of a system that helps students succeed in college. I grew up in rural Missouri and was a first-gen student when I attended college as a psychology major. I wasn't a great student and didn't know how to navigate my university to find opportunities for help. Thankfully, after I graduated and worked for a few years I was able to earn my Master's degree in Counseling with a focus on college student development. It is a joy for me to help students make the most of their college experience and with the help of a support team, achieve more than they thought was possible. In my role as Director I don't advise as much as I did previously, so I enjoy every opportunity I get to interact with students.