The University of Arkansas has allowed me to pursue higher education, completely uproot my life in one state and move to another, and provide a work environment that will benefit me in my professional development- but more importantly it has taught me about my independence. The University of Arkansas has provided me with the support system to pursue a field that I am passionate about. I have had the great opportunity of working with different departments and programs across campus that allow me to learn about what I can do as a professional to be successful in my field. If it was not for the people in University Recreation at the University of Arkansas taking a chance on me when I applied, I would have not been in this great position.
My favorite part of moving to Northwest Arkansas (NWA) has overwhelmingly been the people I have encountered. Fayetteville is some to some of the most welcoming and inclusive people I have ever met! My neighbors, coworkers, friends and even strangers have always volunteered their helping hand in whatever I have been involved in. This is something that I had not been accustomed to growing up in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, but I now cannot imagine moving to another city with anything less than this hospitality!
My exposure to Northwest Arkansas has strongly contributed to strengthening my independence. As I mentioned, I moved here from Southern California a little over a year ago and did not know a single person in Arkansas. The university and NWA as a whole has exposed me to new opportunities, hobbies and environments that have both challenged and pushed me in the best way possible. I have learned that wherever I am in the country, I have the ability to come onto a campus or come into the community and begin to establish my own roots to make a city my home. For that, I am very grateful to the U of A and NWA.
