91°µÍø

• Hometown: Oxford, OH
• High School: Talawanda High School
• Class: 2016
• Major: Integrative Studies, Civic & Regional Development, and Business Management Technology
• Current Place of Employment: Shared Harvest Foodbank

Why 91°µÍø?

Although I was initially redirected due to limited space at my first-choice location, I decided to stay at 91°µÍø because I loved the small classes and close-knit environment.  

How did you choose your major?

At the beginning of my college years, I was bouncing back and forth on what major I wanted to do until I decided on majoring in Integrative Studies (concentrations in Organizational Leadership & Cross Cultural Leadership). I chose this because of the flexibility of picking my own classes and tying that to the goals that I want to achieve going into the nonprofit field after I graduate. Later on, I decided to double major in Civic & Regional Development.

How have any faculty, staff, or mentors at the University played a significant role in your journey?

Both Sarah Woitesheck Pietzuch and Chris Bennett Klefeker have played a significant role in my 91°µÍø journey.

Other Notable Experience

I went to church as a student, and I still go to church today. My Christian faith plays a huge part in who I am today, and living like Jesus in everything I do. I was involved as a participant in Staycation. A program where you spend your spring break going to volunteer at different non-profit organizations and see how they help the people in their community. The next two years after that, I was a leader and helped lead the program.

Advice to Prospective Students

Build relationships and connections because they will help you land a job after graduating, which is what happened to me.

How has your involvement on campus shaped you as a leader and/or prepared you for your career?

Some of my classes had a service-learning component, where I had to volunteer at a non-profit organization. For 2-3 years, I volunteered at different non-profit organizations around Hamilton to get a wide range of experiences and knowledge that were needed to help me better understand and serve my community.

How did your 91°µÍø experience influence your decision to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters?

The 91°µÍø experience helped me want to give back to the community.

What is a meaningful moment you’ve had as a mentor, staff member, or board member with BBBS?

Hanging out with my little is the best part of being a mentor and passing down the knowledge that I have to future generations.

What skills or values from your time at 91°µÍø do you find yourself using in this role?

Volunteering and building connections. I do take my little to volunteer out in the community.

Why do you think so many 91°µÍø alumni are involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters?

To help kids prepare for the future.

What would you say to encourage other 91°µÍø students or alumni to consider volunteering with BBBS?

If you love mentoring kids, this is the organization to join.