Growing up as a small-town Iowa kid, I was lucky to have parents who always put education first for me and my siblings. Both parents went to community college when I was in elementary school, but only my mom finished with an AA degree. My parents always talked about college and made a goal for us kids. It never really occurred to me that my parents probably had no idea what they were doing, but my mom was a relentless learner and went to every ICAN presentation available at my high school. She also constantly reminded me (nagged?) that I needed to submit my applications or apply for scholarships or to remind me to get good grades. I realize not everyone has parents who can support their kids in this way. As an advocate and mentor for first-generation students, I hope that I can provide the support that my parents gave me to students who have no one to help guide them along the way. My college path was not always straight - I attended three institutions before earning my bachelor's degree in Psychology from Mount Mercy University, but I had the incredible fortune to have many cheerleaders at each institution to keep me going along the way - from a counselor at my first college to a psychology professor who helped me network and encouraged me to attend graduate school. After two years of "adulting," I started the MA program in School Counseling here at the University of Iowa. I again had amazing professors and site supervisors who supported me through the program and my network expanded. I was the first in my immediate and extended family to earn an advanced degree in 2012, with my twin sister joining me in 2022 when she graduated from the MBA program at Iowa. After 9 years as a school counselor in local school districts, I am now an academic advisor in the College of Education. I advise the Educational Studies and Human Relations and Counseling and Behavioral Health Services majors - two majors I might have considered when I was in college. I am excited to help students not only complete their degree here at Iowa but plan for graduate school or get a job after graduation. When I decided to leave school counseling, the "must-have" in a new position was to be able to work directly with students. Helping others gives me purpose. I hope I can help you find your purpose and be part of your network!