In the days leading up to the IUPUI Top 100 Outstanding Students Recognition Dinner, we will be featuring the Kelley students who have been named among IUPUI’s Top 100 students in 2019.

What has been your favorite experience so far at Kelley?

Mallory: Of the many wonderful experiences I have had at the Kelley School of Business, studying abroad this past summer was my favorite. I had the opportunity and privilege to represent IUPUI and the Kelley School of Business during a month long study abroad program in Strasbourg, France. I completed six credit hours of Business in Europe and European Integration in addition to a four week accelerated French course that enhanced my understanding of the French language and culture. This study abroad program was a once in a lifetime learning opportunity and was one of the best and most rewarding experiences of my life. With no prior knowledge of French, this experience encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone to understand how to facilitate business internationally, how to work with people from different countries, how to lead a culturally diverse team, and learn more about Europe and the rest of the world. I was able to learn more about my future career, as a business professional, and myself while making unique friendships that will last a lifetime. This experience allowed me to see some of the most famous places in the world and try some of the best food while learning more about different cultures. IUPUI and the Kelley School of Business allowed me to follow my passion by providing an amazing opportunity to travel to a different country to enhance my learning. I still remain in contact with many of the international students from that program and studying abroad truly changed my perspective of the world in the best way.

What has been your favorite class and why?

I have enjoyed many classes while in Kelley, but my favorite was Wines of the World. Many people would think it is a favorite because we get to drink fine wine, but that is not what made it my favorite class. This class was actually one of the most challenging courses I have taken at Kelley, but it was also the most rewarding. I learned so much about the process of winemaking and how geographic and environmental factors influence the taste of wine. This class allowed me to learn so much about other countries and gave me a greater appreciation for wine and what each country has to offer. In addition, it provided an opportunity dive deeper into my secondary major of international studies and learn more about other cultures around the world. This was also my favorite class because of Professor John Ballard. He made the class so fun and interactive. The nature of the class is determined by how the professor teaches it and Professor Ballard created an environment where students felt comfortable and wanted to participate. He is extremely knowledgeable and was always willing to help students when they needed it.

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

I have had the privilege of getting to know many incredible professors at the Kelley School of Business, but the one professor who has impacted me the most was Professor Judith Wright. I was new to IUPUI when I took her commercial law business course and it gave me a whole new appreciation for law and for business. Professor Wright made it rewarding to come to class every day because she brought the material to life. She connected the coursework to experiences we might have had or could have in the future and created an environment that was engaging for students. Some days, we would work in teams to determine what the outcome of a case would be, which was intriguing and enhanced our problem-solving skills. She made each class interesting and taught the importance of understanding the law as an individual and a business professional. Professor Wright is very approachable and always willing to help whenever students need it. She truly created an environment where students wanted to be present and learn.

Where do you see yourself after you graduate?

After I graduate, I will be working for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on the company’s Premium Sales team through September. As the semester finishes up, I plan on looking for a more permanent role in the marketing field and hopefully working in international business. After gaining a few years of experience, I plan on going back to school to get an MBA.

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

My favorite extracurricular activity that I have been involved in while at Kelley is the IUPUI Women’s Swimming and Diving team. I have had the opportunity and privilege to compete for the school with some of the best students and people. This experience has been the most challenging, but also the most rewarding. I was able to continue my dream of competing for a Division 1 swimming program while graduating from one of the best business schools in the country. This experience has made me incredibly disciplined and has allowed me to achieve more than I could have ever imagined in and out of the classroom. I have grown so close to my teammates and coaches and it is truly an honor to represent IUPUI and the Kelley School of Business as a member of the swimming and diving team.

What is your advice to current Kelley students?

My advice to current Kelley Students is to take advantage of every opportunity that IUPUI and the Kelley School of Business provides. There are so many opportunities available for students; you just have to be willing to take initiative and look for them. Also, it is never too late to get involved. I was a transfer student and decided to apply to the Kelley Honors Program during the second semester of my sophomore year. I am so glad I did because it gave me the opportunity to study abroad and be an Honors College peer mentor. Applying for the Honors Program was one of the best decisions I have ever made and it opened so many new doors that allowed me to learn and grow as a student and business professional.

What is your Kelley moment?

My Kelley moment was getting accepted into the Kelley Honors Program. I have been given so many opportunities through this program and through the Honors College that have led me to where I am in school and in my life right now. That moment led to so many incredible experiences such as my study abroad, peer mentorship, and internship that have set me up for success for the rest of my life. I have also met some of my closest friends through Honors courses. The people in the Kelley community and Honors College are some of the best and brightest students and it has truly been a privilege learning along side them.