I didn’t have a supportive guidance counselor when I was in high school. I was actually told college probably wasn’t for me. I knew better and was determined to attend university to ensure I had a great opportunity for a strong future. I remember trying to decide between Kent State and Ashland. I visited Kent first and remember thinking, wow, I have to take a bus to get to class, I don’t know about that. Campus was nice but I didn’t feel a connection. When I visited Ashland, though, it felt right: the campus size was perfect, the passion the campus guide had was awesome and everyone I met seemed genuine and truly wanted me to hear about all the great things Ashland had to offer. When I let them know I was taking classes at the local community college and wanted to ensure those credits would transfer, they were so excited to help me. The choice was clear; I chose Ashland. I remember my first night in Amstutz. On the fourth floor, I met three girls that have become lifelong friends. We were all sitting in the lobby getting to know to each other and it was just easy and relaxed. We became Delta Zeta sorority sisters together and supported each other’s campus involvements. We stayed together throughout our years at Ashland. We were in each other’s weddings, there for each other when we had babies, major surgeries, new careers, big moves and everything in between. On top of amazing friendships, I also had a great advisor in Dr. O’Rourke. He built me up, supported me and kept me headed in the right direction. I’ll never forget the day he hold me that I would be receiving a double major. He had helped me ensure that the classes I took satisfied all the requirements and he challenged me to achieve. I am so thankful for his guidance. I remember feeling so proud thinking about how I was told that maybe college wasn’t for me… and, there I was, achieving a double major. After graduation, I married a Marine and moved away for a while. My career brought me back to Ashland, where I’ve worked for six years. I was able to reconnect with the university through the alumni board and I am proud to be an advocate of Ashland University. I have a heart filled with wonderful memories that I will always cherish.
