McNair Scholar
Veritas Christian Academy
Asheville, N.C.
Human Resources and Finance
I learned so much about the possibilities of an HR career and the exciting trends and opportunities. This lit a fire within me that has driven me since to develop my skills and opportunities within HR to provide an engaging and fulfilling workplace for people.
Career plans: My ultimate professional aspiration is to continually develop my skills and abilities within human resources to drive strategic change in organizations and ultimately to provide others with a workplace and a job conducive to fulfillment and meaning.
Most impactful experience: One of my most impactful experiences has been my internship with Hilti in HR Data Analytics. This internship provided me with true insights into HR in a company and provided me with practical experience working on projects relevant to modern HR solutions. Not only did this help me understand HR better and develop needed profession skills, but it introduced me to a great company, team, and boss that I will continue to work for after graduation.
Best part of the Top Scholars program: The best part about being a Top Scholar by far has the been the people I have met. Through various scholar programs and events, I have made the most wonderful friends, with whom I have gone on the best adventures.
UofSC Story: My freshman year, I was advised to speak with Dr. Wanda Chaves to learn more about HR, and it has changed the direction of my academic career and professional career. In that meeting, I learned so much about the possibilities of an HR career and the exciting trends and opportunities. This lit a fire within me that has driven me since to develop my skills and opportunities within HR to provide an engaging and fulfilling workplace for people. With Dr. Chaves' advice, I have since gotten three internships, two of which were in HR, and I entered my senior year with a job in HR locked down. I have been able to take targeted classes and tailor my education to meet my vision as a HR professional, with classes like International HR, talent management and HR data analytics. Dr. Chaves has been a wonderful mentor, and my conversations with her have defined my education and will define my career.