Emma Parmer, an accounting major graduating in May 2021, shares about her experiences at Texas Tech and Rawls College.
Wherever life takes them after Rawls College — graduate studies or a new job — the spring class of 2021 reflects on the achievements made possible through a community that promotes academic success, encourages student involvement, and inspires excellence.
Emma Parmer, originally from Vernon, Texas, will be graduating in May 2021 with both a bachelor's and master's degree in accounting.
During her undergraduate career, Parmer was an active member of Raider Sisters for Christ, and she completed an internship with Whitley Penn in Fort Worth, Texas.
Q&A
Why did you choose to major in accounting?
When I started at Texas Tech, like almost every other student, I had no idea what I wanted to major in. I had chosen a major that didn't seem to fit my skill set, and I was looking for a change. I knew my grandfather had his CPA, and my brother was a senior finance major at the Rawls at the time, so I turned my eyes toward accounting. When I took financial accounting it all made sense, and I knew accounting was where I belonged.
What educational accomplishments are you most proud of?
One of my greatest educational accomplishments is having passed two parts of the CPA Exam before graduating. I am currently studying for another section that I plan to take right before graduation. The Rawls and the accounting program have done a great job equipping seniors to be in a position to have all parts of the CPA Exam passed within a few months after graduation. Studying has not been easy, but I am glad I have been pushed to get all of the parts taken before I start my career. Another accomplishment I am extremely proud of is maintaining a perfect GPA. Accounting has been challenging, but I have surprised myself every step of the way.
During your time at Rawls College, who has made the greatest impact on you, and why?
Last semester, I took a data analytics class with Dr. Heather Carrasco. The class was over Zoom, so I have never actually met Dr. Carrasco in person, but that does not change how much of an impact that she had on me. She was a great teacher, was incredibly understanding and cared about her students so much. The class had its challenges, but she was there to encourage her students through it all. Personally, speaking up in class has always been challenging for me. I expressed that to her early on in the class, and she was very understanding, but as the semester moved on I felt so comfortable in her class that I felt I could easily join discussions. The way Dr. Carrasco cared about her students and wanted to know them personally was incredible. She made me want to be more understanding with everyone and care for others more.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to take the last part of the CPA. Then, I plan to start as an audit associate with Whitley Penn in Fort Worth in September of 2021.
What advice would you offer current or incoming Rawls College students?
I would advise current or new Rawls College students to take advantage of all the resources the Rawls offers. They have their own career fair, they will review your résumé, and they even have their own writing center, among many others. They do their best to help you succeed, so there is no reason to not take advantage of the many resources they offer. I would also suggest making friends with other students in the Rawls; if you're going to spend a lot of time there, it might as well be with people you enjoy. I have many fond memories of taking classes with my friends, doing homework and studying together. Even if you aren't the same major as your friends in the Rawls, you are bound to have a few classes together.
What were some of your favorite things about living in Lubbock?
There are many things I love about living in Lubbock. I grew up in a small town, so it still has a small-town feel but with some of the aspects of a big city, and it sure felt like I was moving to a big city when I first moved here. There is everything you need, and it's no more than fifteen minutes away. One of my favorite things about living in Lubbock is that I have some family that lives here. I have cherished the time I have been able to spend with them, and I have loved being able to watch my cousins grow up. Lubbock feels like my home, and I am sad to be moving away from all the amazing friends and memories I have made here.
Why do you love Rawls College?
I love the Rawls because of how personal everyone is and how much the staff wants and helps you to succeed during your time there. Like I mentioned earlier, there are an array of resources available to help students succeed, and I have definitely taken advantage of many of them. My professors have all wanted me to excel and have put in the effort to help me do so. I enjoy the atmosphere of the Rawls and have loved spending the majority of my college career there. I can even remember how excited I was when I finally had all of my classes in the Rawls. If I had to choose again, I don't think I would choose a different college at Texas Tech. Oh, and the Chick-Fil-A…that was definitely a plus.