When I first stepped into the maze that is Grainger Hall, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and total fear. Little did I know that this place would become my home away from home, shaping not only my professional path but also my personal growth.
Growing up 20 minutes outside of rural Sauk Prairie, WI, education and work were always a priority in my family. I started working on local family farms when I was 13 years old and continued until the day I left home for college. The idea of attending university was instilled in me from a young age as my parents knew the value of and potential career trajectory in the arts that a degree in higher education could provide. An opportunity that they did not have for themselves. And if there was one thing my parents ever taught me it was how to work hard for what I wanted. I managed to make my way out to New York City to earn my bachelor’s degree in fine arts from The New School and the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. In 2022 while experiencing the struggles of finding acting work during a pandemic, I realized that if I wanted to make all my dreams a reality, I was going to need a little bit more schooling.
The decision to choose the Bolz Center for graduate school wasn’t straightforward. It involved soul-searching, conversations with mentors, and countless Google searches. Originally, I was on a path of a traditional MBA, but after extensive talks with mentors, I could see that the center was more aligned with my personal and professional goals. Ultimately, I found myself drawn to the program because of its blend of business and nonprofit management. Whether it was the promise of a wonderful network or the chance to collaborate with brilliant minds, I knew I had found my niche.
Going back to university life wasn’t all smooth sailing. Balancing academics with part-time work tested my time management skills. There were days when a few hours of sleep were a luxury, but it was so worth it in the end. That first organizational analysis in Seminar class? It felt like scaling Everest. Yet, by the end, I could do them in minutes. I came into the program feeling like an imposter, an actor who is playing a part. However, I can with confidence say that this program has made me a more well-rounded business professional and artist.
Beyond graduation, I’m open to new career possibilities. Perhaps it’s a career in operations, where I can apply my knowledge to real-world problems and create adaptive solutions. Maybe I’ll delve into programming, finding new and inventive ways that push cultural boundaries and promote inclusivity. In the end, my year as a Bolzie has been more than academics; it has been a journey that has equipped me with the tools to excel. With gratitude and anticipation, I look forward to contributing to the world with the same passion and perseverance that the Bolz Center has instilled in me. Wherever my career may take me, I’m confident the Bolz Center has set me up for success.
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