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?
Thatcher: Going to London for sure. Before I went on the London Spring Break Trip, I had never even been on an airplane. I cannot succinctly describe the doors that the London trip opened for me, but I truly enjoyed every moment of my ten days spent there. My favorite “classroom” experience was visiting the U.S. Embassy in London – which influenced my interest in Foreign Service. My favorite out of “classroom” experience was when I utilized my free day to travel to Oxford, Windsor Castle, and Stonehenge. Taking in the city’s culture with fellow Kelleys led to a dynamic and entertaining stay.
What has been your favorite class and why?
My favorite class at IUPUI was English-W140 with Professor Sarah Layden. Everyone has stories that they tell about themselves. Professor Sarah Layden framed her story in a candid manner and then shared her story with our class of freshman students. For me, her story was special because I was not having the easiest transition to college. I felt like her class gave me a well-rounded introduction to college. There was a great deal of self-reflection, self-assessment, and critical thinking loaded into an introductory writing course.
My favorite Kelley class was Bus-X100 with Professor Robert Grimm. Personally, I loved hearing all the random stories he accumulated during his business career. Whether he was talking about Ed Kelley himself or how to gain “clout”, there was always at least one interesting takeaway during each class. I was kind of a mess my first semester – and Bus-X100 helped me find direction. That class is the reason I am a finance major. Additionally, it helped me stay motivated in my other classes. Because I fully bought into Bus-X100, I was able to stay afloat in BUS-K201 and MATH-M119.
If you had to pick one professor who has impacted you the most while at Kelley, who would it be?
Lori Tindall – I think Professor Tindall exhibits the attitude that I want to have as a professional. Before I came to IUPUI, I didn’t know what Finance really was – but after I became accustomed to the discipline, I fell into the lure of the “dream”. The fact is, not everyone can work for Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, or Google. And even if you do make it to that point, you may learn that you don’t even enjoy the grind. I appreciated Professor Tindall’s approach to teaching, but I loved her candid commentary on the corporate world.
Where do you see yourself after you graduate?
Wherever I am, I hope it awards me the freedom to go to lots of concerts and music festivals. I would also like to gain about three years of work experience before heading back to school to obtain an MBA. Then, I would like to leverage my furthered education to move up to the next rung in the ladder.
Favorite activity/extracurricular activity that you have been involved in while at Kelley?
Working with Orientation and First-Year Seminar Mentoring is the defining experience of my college career. I have developed innumerable transferrable skills from my experience, further defined my professionalism, and most importantly, I work in an environment that I love. My favorite aspect about the job is the people. I grew up in a homogeneous small town in Northwestern Indiana. When I joined OTEAM, I was instantly immersed in a diverse team setting. Many years from now, when I reflect on my college experience, the first thing that will come to my mind is OTEAM.
What is your advice to current Kelley students?
Do not get too caught up in the “dream.” If you are a person that sets goals, make sure they are mostly realistic. I am not suggesting that you limit yourself, but rather face the reality that constantly setting lofty goals will lead to burnout. Lofty goals require you to expend a great deal of resources. If you fail to meet the ridiculously high standards you set for yourself, not only will you be disappointed, but you will be drained from your attempt. Find a way to fail, but a way that allows you to fail comfortably. And when you win, celebrate your achievements; treating yourself is an important component of self-care. Frequently set goals that are attainable and reward yourself when you complete them. Sometimes set targets that are just out of your reach and pursue them with the thought that you might fail, but you might also succeed. And occasionally, take a risk and pursue something that is crazy.
What is your Kelley moment?
This is my Kelley Moment.