"Working at the intern desk with the Office of Undergraduate Programs (OUP) has been one of the most transformative experiences of my college journey—one that I’m incredibly grateful to have been a part of since my sophomore year, all the way through to my master’s. Being in this role allowed me to witness both the front-facing support students receive and the intricate, behind-the-scenes efforts that go into sustaining that support—from collaborating with Success Lab staff, tutors, mentors, and advisors, to helping execute programming and analyze data that guides our decisions.

Throughout my time here, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for what it takes to build and maintain a strong academic support system. I’ve seen firsthand how intentional, research-driven programming can make a real difference in students’ lives, especially when it’s led by someone as thoughtful and forward-thinking as my supervisor, Leslie. Her compassionate leadership and commitment to evidence-based strategies have shaped the way I approach teamwork, student support, and problem-solving. She taught me to think critically, creatively, and always with empathy—reminding me that data and strategy mean little without real human understanding.

This role also gave me a unique perspective on the relationship between students and academics—one that goes beyond what we typically see in the classroom. While I had experience supporting student groups in cultural spaces before, OUP gave me insight into the academic challenges students face and how gaps in support—often invisible to others—can be bridged with thoughtful programming and collaboration.

One of the most valuable skills I gained was learning how to synthesize information from multiple sources like SAP appeals, Student of Concern forms, re-entry forms, and more—turning fragmented data into centralized insights that help us make informed, student-centered decisions.

The programs at Gies, shaped by Leslie and so many others in OUP, continue to be resources that students deeply rely on—and being part of that work sparked a curiosity in me to explore how we can expand and innovate even more. I believe that the diverse perspectives and lived experiences across our team are what make our work so impactful. I’m proud to have contributed to a space that centers student well-being and academic achievement, and I’ll carry these lessons and values into every role I take on in the future."