Kara has been an Ambassador for the College for the past three and a half years, and her empathy for prospective students and the big decisions they’re making is obvious. “Helping people trying to find their path, whether that’s in the College or not – I just love that,” she explained. “I’ve had such an exceptional experience here at the College, and at IU in general, that I would love for that to be someone else’s experience as well.”
As a former IU tour guide, Kara has had to sum up why she chose IU and the College for prospective students often over her university career. The answer, she said, is three-pronged:
“The first [reason] is that the campus is so gorgeous. I think I went on seven or eight campus tours within a year and a half, but I’ve loved the campus since I stepped foot on it. I also thought I wanted to do research, I thought I wanted to be involved with a lab, so understanding the huge research opportunities offered at IU was great. In particular I loved the microbiology aspect of it, but I know there are thousands of research opportunities in the humanities as well. And then I also love the big campus feel of the school. I wanted the athletics, the 800-some clubs or whatever we’re at now. I love it.”
Then there’s the Walter Center for Career Achievement – the ultimate source of College resume assistance, interview practice, career advice, snacks, and more. Kara joined the Ambassadors after getting involved with an ASURE career course offered by the Walter Center, and has made it a campus home, attending events hosted there, grabbing snacks from the hospitality room, and seeing career advisors once a semester or more. The Walter Center is a promise to students like Kara that their internship and career searches will be nurtured by the College, and that they will supported during their degree and beyond.
“I’ve just loved my experience at IU and I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Kara said. “I look back on my application process and it’s funny that I considered anywhere else.”