I knew I was meant to be a Bearcat from the moment I set foot on campus. I'm not quite sure what exactly it was that made UC feel so magical during that tour - maybe it was watching the football team practice in Nippert Stadium, seeing how students interacted with each other on their way to class, or simply taking in the beautiful buildings. Whatever it was, I just knew that visiting UC felt like being welcomed home.
When I received my acceptance letter during my senior year of high school, that was it. Despite having admittance to other schools, there really was no question about which one I would choose. I was going to be a Bearcat!
My time at the University of Cincinnati led me through a journey of growth in a myriad of ways. Intellectually, the classes I took for my major, minor, and the University Honors Program challenged me and provided me with the opportunity to learn a wide variety of topics. My involvement in student organizations like Greek life, Bearcat Buddies, and Serve Beyond Cincinnati helped me come out of my shell, discover my guiding values in life, and truly flourish on a personal level. Through these organizations and my classes, I met so many wonderful people who helped push me to become the best version of myself. Many of those people are my closest friends still to this day. My coursework and extracurriculars combined pushed me out of my comfort zone and instilled confidence in my ability to handle any challenge that life throws at me.
After pivoting careers, I decided to return to UC for graduate school and work towards my MBA. I knew I would receive a high-quality education in my studies just as I had as an undergraduate. My time in the MBA program provided me with a wealth of skills, knowledge, and opportunities that I leverage every single day professionally in my career.
Perhaps the biggest reason that I'm Bearcat for Life, though, is because UC played an integral part in helping build the life I have today. I met my husband, Matt, at the end of my freshman year. We went through the entire Bearcat experience together and graduated side-by-side, both as undergraduates and MBA students. As any loyal alumni would do, we of course played Down the Drive and had the Bearcat as a special guest at our reception (don't worry, we made sure it was the day of an away game, which UC won). Earlier this year, we even welcomed our own baby Bearcat to the world. Though she's still very young, we've already started to introduce her to all things University of Cincinnati. She loves going to football games! Maybe one day she'll even decide to attend UC herself and build her own memories and traditions on campus.
The choice to become a Bearcat has had an immeasurable impact on my life that I will forever be grateful for. I would not be the person I am with the life I have today without the University of Cincinnati. For that reason, I will always be a Bearcat for Life!
