As I reflect on my time here at the U of I and more specifically the Department of ACE, I think about all the awesome opportunities and experiences that I have been able to take part in during my time here.  Whether I’m jumping around Europe for a summer, talking to a room full of high school students about my experiences in ACE, or teaching my ACE mentees how to successfully navigate the ins and outs of college, I have always been encouraged to give back and share my experiences. I honestly believe I wouldn’t be half the person I am today without the support and guidance of such amazing people in this department.

I pride myself on my involvement on this campus because I enjoy giving back and learning from those around me. It really is amazing to see how just giving a bit of your time can make all the difference in the personal or professional development of someone else. For me, I’ve had so many experiences that have pushed me beyond reasonable expectations, and just looking back at the person I was before college and seeing how far I’ve come has truly been the most rewarding part of it all. 
And don’t get me wrong, it isn’t easy. I’ve never been that great with time management, (one would think that with three years of practice, I would be an expert by now.) And sometimes juggling the demands of being a student can be overwhelming, but when I get most stressed, I remind myself that there is a purpose for what I’m doing and how lucky I am to be in this position. I encourage anyone who feels overwhelmed to just remind themselves why they are here and what are their end goals. Sometimes being able to visualize the finish line makes all the struggles and hardships worth it (trust me).