My experience at the Haslam College of Business has been a fun and rewarding experience. From the time I came in as a curious young freshman attending the welcome events for freshman to now as a junior it has been awesome. The Office of Diversity and Community Relations has been a focal point in my experience and growth through my time at the Haslam College of Business. Fall of the freshman year, I attended a Professional Development Trip to Nashville, and I learned so much about businesses, how to be professionally prepared and aware. This trip kicked off my willingness to get involved and be aware of the different opportunities in the Haslam College of Business. My advisor, Mrs. Trainer, is someone that has been very impactful in my experience as well. She’s not just my advisor but someone I can reach out to about anything and a person that motivates me along with making sure I’m well equipped to succeed. The different classes I have taken at the Haslam College of Business have created great value for me and I’ve realized that the classes aren’t just for a grade anymore. It’s always something I can take away from it and use it to make me more ready for my career and beyond. Lastly the one thing I love about Haslam is the opportunities to network with employers, the job fairs, student organization fairs and the resources available to help with your professional development plus more. It’s so many things at your fingertips to help you to succeed and create value for yourself.

I’m most proud of how I’ve handled tough times early on with adjusting to being away from home for the first time while experiencing grief. I’ve found a way to be strong and make value for myself in Haslam by engaging in different events to prepare me for my career and leadership positions in student organizations. This fall I joined the Social Media Chair for the Diverse Organization of Business Students, and I thought I might not be equipped for it, but I gained confidence to try something new and I’m proud of how I’ve done so far. Another thing I’m proud of is how far I’ve come in my ability to think critically, communication skills and technical skills. Coming in I’d say I was smart, but I was lacking in certain areas obviously as an incoming freshman. Classes like BUAD 242, Stats 201 and my Finance/Accounting classes have helped me to grow so much more intellectually and mentally. Lastly I’m proud of how much I have learned and how able I am to teach and give younger students advice to navigate through certain classes and hardships.

One of my favorite courses I took in the Haslam College of Business was Statistics 201. My teacher was Brian Stevens, and he taught the class via YouTube. It was one of my most favorite classes ever honestly. I loved how interactive and interesting the class was and how it can be applied to anything. You were given bonus points based on how much you participated in class and showed up. I think that was a good incentive to come to class and the classes along with the office hours held were very helpful to me.

I would recommend researching the different programs the Haslam College of Business has to offer and possibly going on a tour to help further inform you on the different opportunities available while comparing it to your other college choices.