Looking back on your time at the Rawls College of Business, what’s been your most memorable experience or highlight?
There has not been one experience I've had at Rawls that hasn’t been memorable. I have attended many events, lectures, and travel opportunities that presented themselves through Rawls. The most memorable experience was the opportunity to take Introduction to Operations Management in Barcelona, Spain. I completed a two-week class during the 2023-24 winter intersession. When I went through orientation at Rawls, I heard about the program through the Center for Global Engagement. In my wildest dreams, I never thought I would be a student who traveled abroad. I remember asking my parents at orientation if I could study abroad, and I received a “no.” However, Rawls worked with me, and the faculty and staff provided me with everything I needed to succeed on my own. I would have never gone to Spain if it weren’t for this program. When I thought it wasn’t possible to study in another country, the Rawls College of Business made it possible. Being in Barcelona for the two weeks taught me how to be my own person. It was the first time I was on my own, and it enabled me to be a better leader down the line. I was called to be a leader. My study abroad experience was not physically held in Rawls, but I gained lifelong friends through wake-up calls, made unforgettable memories between Montserrat and the Mediterranean Sea, and experienced another culture. Students really are “Built on Rawls.”
In what ways have Texas Tech and the Rawls College shaped your life?
In many ways, Texas Tech and Rawls have shown me what it means to be passionate about my career and my learning. Before coming to Texas Tech, I thought I would be in a routine of going to classes and studying. When I got here, I realized there is much more to college than just showing up to class only to show up. As I’ve learned in my IT classes, change is the only thing we can be certain about, whether as students or individuals. By working together, I can help ensure the positive effects of change. Being at Texas Tech University and a Rawls College student has helped me discover: “From Here, It’s Possible.”
What’s one key piece of advice you’d share with future Rawls students?
Building relationships is one of the most important things I have done while at Rawls. Business students have already been taught the importance of networking and making connections. I believe it is just as important to build meaningful relationships through those connections. Be that person to walk up to a study or lunch table where another student sits and start a conversation. It may seem intimidating, but you may meet someone who might become your best friend. Be that student at the end of class to talk with the professor. You may uncover your passion for learning more. Be that one individual at an event and shake hands with a guest speaker. You might open a door for a career that wasn’t open before.
What does it mean to you personally to serve as the Banner Bearer for the college?
I feel very honored for this recognition, as I wouldn’t be who I am today if it weren’t for the support of the Rawls College of Business. The school and everyone in it has done so many things for me to make sure I am successful. There are genuinely not enough words to say how grateful I am to represent my class during graduation. After sitting in Dr. Hoover’s class, I learned that you don’t want to be just a person in a room; you want to be the person others want to work with or befriend. That’s what this means to me. I know that I will continue supporting Rawls and receive the same encouragement. In other words, being the banner bearer for the college represents my pride in being an upcoming Texas Tech alumni. I was able to make an impact and inspire other students.
Beyond the education and knowledge you’ve gained, what else has the Rawls College provided to help you in your future?
Rawls has provided me with a professional experience and a door to my career that will keep me returning to the business school as an alumnus. As a student, I have learned to be a role model to younger students. My leadership role in Rawls Ambassadors has inspired me to become a STEM learning assistant and make meaningful connections in other departments. Here, I might be a peer instructor, but by meeting other learning assistants and students who were in the same place I was a couple of years ago, I've been able to encourage my peers to pursue their interests through passion. Rawls has also provided me with professional experience through the Career Management Center and communication skills through the Georgie G. Snyder Center for Human Skills in Business. Being a learner at Rawls has helped me be a better leader — one I’ll carry with me into my career. My future in IT is thanks to the Rawls College.
What inspired you to choose the Rawls College of Business in the first place?
My mom is my biggest inspiration. She graduated as a Texas Tech alumna from the College of Business (before it was Rawls) with her bachelor's in accounting. She inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and join the best college on campus. I’ve seen her dedication to her work and how she always puts others first. I wanted to be just like my mom, but I didn’t realize how fast I would become my own person. I knew I couldn’t have made a better choice when I stepped into the business school on my first day in Foundations of Business with Professor Emily Phillips. Over the next three years, I was inspired by my friends, mentors, and biggest supporters to continue my education and personal development. My biggest inspirations come from my advisors, Megan Acebedo and Fallon Contreras. I appreciate every professor I have met, both in class and in the halls. To name a few (because the list would be extremely long otherwise), Dr. Ben Mitchell, Dr. Jazmine Brantley, and Dr. Eric Brown. Thank you for believing in me and investing in my success, Rawls. Wreck 'Em!