In the days leading up to the IUPUI Top 100 Outstanding Students Recognition Dinner, we will be featuring our Kelley students who have been named a Top 100 for 2017.

What has been your favorite experience so far at Kelley?

I studied abroad in Spain during my sophomore year. This was my first time out of the country and while it wasn’t without its mishaps, it was one of the best experiences of my life. The program combined two of my biggest passions, business and sports, and I was able to visit some of the most famous sports clubs in the world in FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. I am so grateful to Professor Donahue and Professor Malatestinic for creating such a memorable experience.

What has been your favorite class and why?

Outside of the study abroad course I mentioned above, A-312 Intermediate Accounting II with Professor John Hassell has been my favorite course. I took this course over the summer, and while it was rigorous, this was the first time I fully started to understand and get a grasp on financial accounting. I ended up being a tutor for this course the following fall, which allowed me to better understand the material. Without this course, I would not have been prepared for the public accounting internship I am doing this spring.

If you had to pick one professor that has impacted you the most while at Kelley, who would it be?

The first person I met at Kelley was Maureen Kinney. She taught my first-year seminar class, BUS-X 103: Business Road Trip. This course allowed us to visit different businesses across Indianapolis, and it was my first exposure to an actual business environment. Maureen believed in me from the minute I stepped on campus, and she helped me to reach my full potential as a student and as a leader. Without Maureen, I would not be where I am today.

Favorite activity/extracurricular activity that you have been involved in while at Kelley?

My sophomore year I was asked to serve as the Vice President of Finance for Jagathon. I had no idea what I was getting into, but it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life. I fell in love with Riley Hospital for Children and also with philanthropy work. Jagathon opened my eyes to all that was possible with an accounting degree, and it sparked my love for philanthropy and service.

What is your Kelley moment?

I’ve always struggled with knowing the path I was on was the right path for me. My internship this spring removed all doubts I may have had about working in public accounting. I met the recruiters from KSM my freshman year at the career fair. They were the only firm to talk to me that day, and I left that conversation with a great feeling about their company. After working for KSM for three months, there is no doubt in my mind that I am in the right place. Earlier this spring I spent a week in New York City on audit. KSM has provided so many opportunities in such little time. I would not be in this position without all of the support and guidance from my advisors, professors, friends, and family. I wanted to come to Kelley Indianapolis because of the abundance of opportunities for personal and professional growth, and I can honestly say my expectations have been exceeded.