Wake Forest has been a second home to me for over four years now. Coming from an undergraduate background in STEM and social Psychology, I saw and continue to see as a current MSM student, the benefits and empowerment of pursuing a degree in the School of Business. For many of my fellow STEM and Psychology majors who love their subject matter but don’t feel a strong pull towards academic research or medical school, I want to share the Business School degree possibilities with them; help illuminate alternative options that many want but don’t know how to find, or are trying to learn more about but don’t feel capable or know where to start. As an undergraduate, I worked at the IT Service desk on campus and helped many of my peers troubleshoot the most serious computer issues to the, “not so serious but want to know how” technology issues. I enjoyed this helping role greatly, and it didn’t stop there. I found myself to be a natural information gatherer and enjoyed helping others find what they needed, sharing my own Wake Forest experiences to prospective students who wanted to know more about the school, and passing along the ins and outs of many upcoming campus events and campus information that I knew others would enjoy. I wanted to become a Graduate Admissions Ambassador because I wanted to pay it forward to those who feel stuck with not knowing what’s next, feel business school may be out of reach for them, or who already know about the programs and want to ask questions and find clarity!
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM/MSBA/MSA at Wake Forest?
As a Psychology major at Wake Forest, I enjoyed learning about how people think and behave and the research that goes into uncovering these mysteries. However, I felt that I wanted to apply psychology in my everyday job and career, instead of taking a more academic route to pursue research or a PhD in psychology myself. My passion for lifelong learning, entrepreneurial energy, and my paralleled interests in technology and operations (how things work together) drew me to explore the Master of Science in Management Program. I wanted to grow my knowledge in the application of business functions so I could capitalize on my undergraduate degree and experience in Psychology in the field of business. This program is fantastic overall, and the two things that drew me in the most–at the top of a long list–was the Program’s appeal to non-business majors and the faculty and staff at Wake Forest. In the Program, I knew I wouldn’t feel behind my peers in prepared knowledge, and instead we would all learn together and learn from each other coming from a wide variety of life experiences and undergraduate disciplines. As an undergraduate Deac, the student teacher ratio paired with the passions faculty had for their subjects was incredible. I believed when applying, and have seen in practice now, that the Wake Forest Business School faculty are phenomenal in their own right as well. They and the School of Business staff care deeply about student learning and supporting student success, throughout the program. I wanted to pursue the MSM Program at Wake Forest because I was lucky enough to already know what it meant to live by Pro Humanitante, and I am honored to continue to do so this year in the MSM Program.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus and/or Winston-Salem? Why?
One of my favorite spots on campus is the ZSR library, although Farrell Hall is quickly becoming a top competitor for my top favorite spots. As a Double Deac, I have spent a great deal of time in ZSR, whether it be to study, utilize the academic resources, or enjoy after hour ZSR hosted events, it’s one of my favorites for its beautiful tall windows in the atrium and original architecture of the original library building. Off-campus, Salem-lake has grown to be a favorite of mine with its beautiful scenic lake, places to sit and picnic, and walking trails that take you around the park. It’s a beautiful place to take in the changing of seasons–second of course to the turning Fall leaves on Wake Forest’s campus.