Humans of Clarke

Auriana Villanueva

Social Work and Psychology ’27

Being from El Paso, Texas, all I ever knew was the wide desert skies with sun-soaked mountains and a border community full of life and love. Moving to Dubuque was entirely new, it being the quiet river town with cold winters and tree-lined streets. It was a big contrast from what I was normally used to seeing. My first year at Clarke pushed me to put myself out there and make connections. I was overwhelmed by the challenges of adjusting to my new home and making social connections. For a while I kept to myself at times forced to step out of my comfort zone. I didn’t realize it then, but I’m so grateful for it now. 

My second year at Clarke, I was starting to find some ground beneath me. I was more willing to put myself out there and have conversations with people I wouldn’t normally approach. I was understanding that growth is often paired with discomfort. Slowly, I stopped feeling unfamiliar and started feeling like Clarke was a place where I could take up space. Professors here helped me find my footing, encouraging me inside and outside of the classroom. They helped give me the confidence to use my voice and think critically about the systems impacting communities like mine. 

As I entered my third year, I hit the ground running. I wasn’t trying to adjust anymore I was asking myself how I can be better, not only for me, but for my community. Seeing my home in El Paso from an outside perspective, I watch as my community faces the realities of immigration enforcement in today’s world. This distance not only gives me perspective but a responsibility. Silence is not an option for me. I carry the gratitude for the opportunities I was given because someone in my family was brave enough to cross a border for a better life.  

Creating a walkout was a tough decision to make. Having my future and safety in mind, speaking up can feel very risky especially when the issues are deeply personal to you. Emma Shea-Wopinek, one of my closest friends I’ve met here at Clarke, gave me the confidence to go ahead with this project. She intentionally used her voice to uplift voices that often go unheard. My professors Amanda Greubel and Richard Grove have helped me develop as a leader and think critically. Kayley Crain, my best friend from the volleyball team inspired the idea with her commitment to create art that speaks out against the injustices our community faces. I’m grateful to all of them and to those who expressed their support. 

My main message for the walkout was to spread awareness of those that have been impacted. I was aware of the privilege I had at being here at Clarke came with a responsibility to act. When planning I was worried how people would perceive it and how it might affect the safety of others. Seeing the walkout come together, I had a rush of emotions, but the solidarity brought me a sense of pride. Even when they’re small acts of advocacy, it matters. 

Education in Social Work here at Clarke taught me how advocacy isn’t separate from who we are. It’s rooted through our lived experiences. Organizing the walkout intertwined my personal experiences with what I have learned in the classroom. Clarke gave me the space to use my voice. It has not only shaped me academically, but personally. Finding your voice can be a process. It begins in uncertainty, growing through discomfort, and then eventually becomes something strong enough to stand on. Anything new you do can be scary. So, wouldn’t it be cool to just do it scared? 

Benjamin Reiser

Communication and Graphic Design ’27

I came to Clarke from Munich, Germany basically sight unseen. I had seen videos and photos in recruitment calls and things, but my first week in classes, it really sunk in how far from home I was.

Thankfully, I started making connections right away. After turning in one of my first assignments, Assistant Professor of Communications Chrissy Bartels approached me about restarting the Clarke Crux Newspaper. The Crux hadn’t been active for a few years, so we were basically starting from zero. While a challenge, that also presented  a lot of creative freedom. I got to build everything new – the logo, the website, the segments we’d cover. We’re in our third year and by now I was able to hire a team of 12, consisting of writers, editors, podcasters, videographers, and more.

In another class with Eric Wold, we are preparing for the American Advertising Federation’s National Student Advertising Competition in April. We’re developing a full advertising campaign for the NFL that we’ll present as part of a two-day competition in Kansas City. Our work will be up against colleges from around the country, and we’re building portfolios with real client work. It’s a challenge, but I love it.

Sometimes I think people assume that there aren’t as many chances to get involved at a small school like Clarke, but I’ve found the opposite to be true. Beyond my work with the Crux and the advertising competition, I am a Resident Assistant, active in student organizations, and I’m the captain and setter for the Men’s Volleyball team. At a large school, you wouldn’t be able to try all those things. At Clarke, I can make my own path.

As I look ahead to my senior year, I want to finish strong athletically and academically. After graduation, I want to apply for the National Journalistic School in Germany. They only accept three percent of all applications, so I am working hard to build a resume at Clarke that will make me stand out.

Sara Theisen

Art Education and Special Education ’26

In high school, I thought I was going to be a veterinarian. I love animals, especially horses. I worked at a stable giving horseback riding lessons to younger kids. One day, a student was having a tough time and stormed off. The next day, she returned with a note that said, “Teacher, thank you for not giving up on me.” That was a turning point for me. I looked back at all my experiences, and I really had been a teacher all along.  

When I started the education program at Clarke, it confirmed those feelings. It’s a demanding program so you need to come ready to work, but it’s easy to do when you can feel how much the professors care. Professors like Lee Johnson and Vicki Coyle set a high standard, and they are going to work with you to reach it.  

While the education major takes a lot of time, I’ve been able to get involved in other clubs and things too. I have been a part of the Clarke Activities Board since my freshman year and attended every event I could. I helped start the Cast & Crew Club and wrote the first production we performed with my friend Kayla Weller. We had the idea and wrote the entire 60-minute production in two weeks, then cast and performed it that spring. It was a lot of work, but it’s so fun to see something you created come to life.  

I am also the President of the Ceramics Club. I’ve helped organize sales, pottery painting nights, and other activities. As a future art teacher, I really like introducing people to art and helping them find their creative outlets. The club has been great practice for that, while also helping me sharpen my leadership skills and sell some of my artwork. 

I have come a long way from that high school senior who wasn’t quite sure what she wanted to do. Clarke has opened my eyes in a lot of ways. I am more aware of how I treat and approach others, and even what I need to be successful. I am very proud of my personal growth.  

Aubrey Bressler

Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Biology ’29

I came to Clarke from Las Vegas, and that change in the weather really hit me. The first week or two, I had a nasty cold and it made it hard to get out and meet people. It made me really homesick, too. Soon enough, my softball teammates figured out what was going on and they stepped up big time. The whole team was checking in on me, and Ella Wetjen made me chicken noodle soup just like my mom did at home when I was sick. It seems like a little thing, but it made all the difference.  

That’s not a one-off thing, either. For example, the softball team did a book drive this fall. We each bought copies of some of our favorite children’s books, added a little note about what they meant to us, and filled some of the Free Little Libraries around town. We even got a note back from a little girl about how we made her want to go to college. That’s an amazing feeling. 

Those connections inspire me and I want to give back any way I can. I work in Admissions because I love to share my story with prospective students. I tell them I took a chance moving across the country and I’ve never been happier. I also help run the Admissions’ social media channels and that is so much fun. They support my ideas and let me get creative.  

While I am still early in my program, I really enjoy my classes too. Chemistry is tough, but Tony Breitbach makes the labs fun. I also took Ceramics as an elective, and I’m surprised at how much I love it. A lot of the classes, you can just feel the joy of people around you.  

Looking ahead, I am considering wildlife or equestrian veterinary medicine. It’s a tough field, but I know that Clarke will let me build those skills while staying involved in other things, like clubs and part-time work. I want to be that touchpoint for the next class, just like the older students were for me. I want to show the students who follow me that anything is possible.   

Kelsey NeCollins

Business Administration and Sport Management ’26

Growing up in Lancaster, Wisconsin, Kelsey realized how much community connections can shape your experience.

At Clarke, she’s found lots of ways to get involved:

• President of Dance Marathon
• Vice President of Sport Management Club
• Treasurer of Clarke Student Association
• Treasurer of Future Young Professionals
• Clarke Pride Volleyball Team Captain
• And more!

Now this double major in business administration and sport management is sharing her advice for getting involved and finding your fit in college in our first ever Humans of Clarke video.

Bridget Bracy

Nursing ’28

Helping others has always been a part of who I am. I was really involved at school growing up and active with my family. I wanted that to be a part of my experience at Clarke too. One of the big ways I got involved was Campus Ministry, including last year’s mission trip. It was such an eye-opening experience! We went to Milwaukee, Wisconsin for a week and worked with people from all walks of life. We volunteered in homeless shelters, food pantries, and community centers that focused on immigration. Learning these people’s stories has made me rethink how I interact with others. You never know what someone is going through or how just giving them a moment of your time can make a difference. 

I would say that applies to the other students I went with, too. We were all different majors and came from different parts of the country, but we were together in this experience. Clarke has this way of building connections that is so valuable. I’ve kept that spirit up and continue to explore my faith with the Bible Club. I hope to go on the mission trip this year as well. In turn, I compete with the Cross Country and Track & Field teams, I’ve gotten involved with the Clarke Activities Board, and I attend more events on campus so I can keep meeting new people and making those connections. 

I think that is what drew me to nursing—you are having a clear impact on someone’s life, not just physically but emotionally too. You are there with them in these hard moments. The staff and professors model that, too. One professor that stands out is Brenda Schilling in Philosophy. She doesn’t just lecture, she really engages the class and gets everyone talking, even if it is a hard topic.  

Looking at my experience, my best advice to others is to push through the nerves. Everyone is nervous in a new situation but if you put yourself out there, you can have a positive impact. Stepping out of my comfort zone is preparing me to be the best nurse I can be and helping me make some great memories.  

Justin Bebanga

Business Administration ’27

My journey to Clarke started with a desire for peace and opportunity. After leaving Congo during the war, and then Rwanda, my family finally came to the United States. I wanted to be somewhere I could grow as both a student and a person, and Clarke gave me that chance. Clarke feels like a place where professors care about you, not just your grades, and where there is community beyond the classroom. 

Adjusting to life in the U.S. wasn’t easy. I didn’t speak English at first and struggled to connect with people. I’ll never forget getting lost on my first school bus ride because I didn’t know the words to ask for help. But I learned from those moments. My life has been a series of “trying”—trying to survive, trying to fit in, trying to learn, and trying to move forward. Those challenges taught me resilience and the importance of never giving up.

I’m majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Computer Science, and I work in Clarke’s IT department, which has given me real hands-on experience. Being part of the African Student Union has also been important, it’s a space where I can share my culture and learn from others. Soccer has also been a big part of my Clarke experience. Playing on the men’s soccer team isn’t just about the game; it’s about the brotherhood, the discipline, and the lessons that carry over into life.  

Looking ahead, I want to combine my business background with my passion for technology. I see myself working in IT management or cybersecurity, helping organizations stay safe in an increasingly digital world. I also hope to give back, to my family, to Clarke, and to communities like mine that need hope and opportunity. 

Clarke has become more than just a school for me, it’s a place where I’ve found community, support, and the foundation to build a better future. 

Beatrice Atienza

Nursing ’25

What drew me to Clarke originally was the prestigious nursing program. When I visited Clarke and went on my tour, the nursing department made it known that their program was going to challenge me in every way imaginable. With a successful rate of graduating seniors out of their program and a reputation for fostering intelligent and respectable nurses, I was drawn to the challenge because it matches my own goals and values.  

My goal is to bring better healthcare to the Philippines. I was raised in the Philippines for 9 years of my life. I grew up speaking Tagalog. However, once my family moved to the USA in 2012, I slowly lost my touch for the language. Though I am not able to fluently speak Tagalog anymore, I still understand it and I want to reconnect with that part of my life. A dream of mine is to bring a medical team to impoverished towns throughout the Philippines to educate citizens about healthcare and provide vaccines, medicine, and other supplies that they might not have. 

I know I can get the skills I need for that dream from the professors here at Clarke. A professor that stands out to me is Brenda Schilling. I took Brenda’s Philosophy of Sex & Love course and even though it was only an 8-week course, it is one I will never forget for multiple reasons. We were not given busy work or quizzes that will not help us in our life. Instead, we were given the freedom to present about which topic interests us the most. With this ability to customize our course, we all learned from each other and had fun doing so.  

I also learn from those around me. I am a Resident Assistant and a member of the Clarke Activities Board. This is important work because I know I am helping shape what the next four years at Clarke will look like for many people. I am also proud to be a member of the Women’s Basketball Team, including as a part of the 2023 National Championship Team. 

The whole experience at Sioux City was breathtaking and pushed the team to our limits. As I watched the clock tick away second by second, I vividly remember the confetti falling and the screams of the crowd and my team. Once the confetti fell on us and I saw Taylor Haase ’24 running at me at full speed, all of the workouts, practices, lifts, and conditioning paid off. To this day, I cannot pinpoint how I felt at that moment to a single word. Simply put, I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders. The pressure of bringing the red banner home was gone, and we all knew that our efforts had paid off. As we sat in the locker room after cutting down the nets, tears were rolling down a lot of people’s cheeks because we all knew that the group we had in that room was special.  

I did not realize how much this championship meant to the community until we got back and saw stores with our flyers, hundreds of people greeted us on Clarke Drive, and little kids were asking for pictures during every celebration. People that I did not even know were congratulating me and when I went to clinicals, patients from the hospital knew who I was!  

Part of me is so ready for graduation and part of me can’t believe it is here. I’m looking forward to traveling with my family this summer before starting my career as a Registered Nurse in Orthopedics at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota in August. I am so excited to start this next chapter!

Alden Brown

Communication ’25

When I started thinking about college, I wasn’t sure what my path was going to be. I thought about being a firefighter or an electrician — all I knew for sure was I wanted to live someplace new. I went to a community college in Oregon for a year before transferring to Walla Walla Community College to be closer to home because my grandmother was sick. After she passed, I refocused on school and the opportunity to study at and play baseball for Clarke arrived.

The move from Washington to Iowa was a big change. Even though I had transferred before, I was still nervous about starting over again. The first day of classes, I didn’t know anybody. I’ll never forget, Chrissy Bartels walked into the History of Broadcasting and she was so energetic and passionate, I immediately felt at ease.

Her Communication classes are also what got me interested in video production. The more I played around with drones, cameras, and other equipment for her class, I realized I really enjoyed it and that they were skills I could take anywhere. Now we are working on a documentary with the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It’s been a challenge, but it’s so cool to see it all come together.

In my last semester at Clarke, I’m focused on what’s to come. I want to see this documentary through. I want to have a great season with the Baseball team—we’ve got a lot of talent and returners with strong experience this year, so I think we could make a run t conference, if not nationals. And of course, I’m thinking about graduation.

It’s funny, when I Ieft for college, I wanted to get far away. That distance has made me appreciate all the family history I have at home. My grandparents were the first African American people to move into my hometown, and my whole family is an important part of that community. We’re hard workers, involved in everything, and part of me really wants to go back and contribute to that. Part of me has found a home here at Clarke, too, and I’m looking at jobs in the area after graduation. I may not know exactly what comes next, but I’m excited to keep writing my story.

Maya Griegel

Nursing ’26

Throughout my childhood, I experienced more health problems than I bargained for, including a major surgery at the age of 16. While I had great doctors, it was always the nurses who stood out to me. They checked in and got to know me and my story in a way the doctor rarely could. With my experiences, I knew I wanted to work in healthcare so I could help other people, and nursing seemed like a great fit. 

The nursing program at Clarke is great because you get the core knowledge and then you put it all into practice with clinicals. Even if there is a concept you are struggling with, the faculty will see you through it. Like last semester, I struggled with some concepts in a clinical class. With just a few small lectures with Ashley Cleary, I was able to understand the material in an entirely different way. My advisor, Penny Demert-Neal is that way too. She balances accountability with flexibility. If you’re willing to put in the work, the nursing faculty will work right alongside you. 

I’m not afraid of hard work, either. I am a CNA at Stonehill, an assisted-living facility here in Dubuque. I am also an Admissions Tour Guide and a Peer Tutor with the Academic Support Center. The campus jobs are great because they work with my schedule, and it gives me a chance to help other students. It’s really rewarding work.  

Joining the Clarke Softball team has also been a huge part of my experience here. Those girls are like family to me. You spend so much time with your team, day in and day out. I know if I asked for help, any one of them would show up. I try to share the love with others too. I go to events for student clubs and other teams. I’ll never forget holding a sign when the Women’s Basketball team got back from their National Championship run. Experiences like that make a small school feel big. Those moments bring you together and remind you that you are part of something greater.

Lucas van Loon

Business Administration and Sport Management ’25

When I first told my parents I wanted to study in the United States, they laughed. Not because they thought I couldn’t do it, but because when we had visited previously, I’d barely left the hotel, so they thought I was joking. The reason I wasn’t was that I felt like I wasn’t growing as a person or an athlete at the time. I needed to get out of my comfort zone.

I started at a community college, but then I met Mike Paye with Clarke Men’s Soccer. I really respected his passion for the game, and I wanted to learn a new style of play. When I got to Clarke, I met even more amazing people. Through soccer, you play with athletes from all over the world. I have learned so much about different cultures from my teammates, it has been a lot of fun.

That extends to the classroom at Clarke too, like my Sport Management Professor Teri Stratta. The way she teaches prepares you for working in the field with presentations, interviews, and more. When you add my Business Administration courses and my Psychology minor, the people and the courses here have helped me grow so much.

Through my Sport Marketing course, I also met Jenni Lehmann with the marketing team. She demonstrated Adobe Premiere Pro in class, and I was interested in learning more. What started as a few questions turned into an internship, and now I work for the marketing team part-time. I’ve learned a lot about video editing, filming, and other forms of marketing. The conversations I have with Jenni, Bailey, and Megan are always fun and interesting, and they listen to my ideas.

I’ve learned that I really like working with people and I’ve gotten so involved at Clarke. I joined the Track & Field team, I am on the executive board for the Sport Management and Future Young Professionals club, and I work as a Resident Assistant. Through athletics and clubs, I have been teammates with close to 200 people over the years. I like to be there for my community, and I know they have my back too.

As a kid growing up in the Netherlands, I dreamed of winning the Champions League like most kids that play soccer. Now my dream is to get my master’s in Sport Psychology and to coach. While it would be amazing to reach the Champions League, what’s most important is helping others grow. With the experiences at Clarke, I know I can make that dream come true.

Tyler Poland

Studio Art ’25

Growing up, I felt lost. I didn’t fit in. I didn’t connect with teachers or classmates because I thought about things differently. Finally, I had an art teacher in 8th grade who understood me. They let me express myself and throw myself into art. That’s what inspired me to go into teaching — I want to help kids explore and feel good about themselves.  

A few years later, I found a doctor who suggested I might have autism spectrum disorder and ADHD. It felt like so many pieces fell into place. I am going through the diagnosis process now, but even just that change in understanding has helped me better express myself to others.  

Clarke has helped me expand on that in so many ways. From the start, Troy Aiken and Jessie Rebik in Studio Art have embraced me. They let me run with these crazy ideas. They encourage me while also challenging me. I also took a lot of Education courses because while I don’t think I want to teach in a school, I’d love to teach at the college level or lead classes at an art studio somewhere. Working with Lee Johnson, Cathy Stierman, and Ellen Spencer helped me develop the skills I’ll need. They make space for everyone in our class discussions, and I feel safe and respected when sharing my perspective. That’s what good teaching is really about.  

Outside the classroom, I’ve been fortunate to develop a great group of friends, too. Many of them are in my art and education classes, but I’ve made connections by being an Admissions Student Ambassador and participating in student organizations like The Tenth Muse Literary Magazine.  

The student organization closest to my heart though is CU Authentically, Clarke’s LGBTQIA+ group. As a transgender man, it can feel like you are fighting to exist. My mom is supportive, but there are places at home where I don’t feel safe. Coming to college was a relief because I finally felt like I could be myself, but there are still daily challenges. Having a group like CU Authentically helps my friends and I find our community, get through those hard times, and know that it gets better. 

I look back at my first year at Clarke and I barely recognize myself. I have changed for the better in so many ways. I found opportunities here I never would have had elsewhere. I’m still figuring out what I’d like to do after graduation, but honestly it would be a dream to teach at Clarke someday. This place has had such an impact on me, and I want to pass that on to others.  

Sydney Herzmann

Mathematics, Biology and Pre-Veterinary Medicine ’26

If there’s a theme to my time at Clarke, it’s got to be, ‘saying yes’. I am president of the Clarke Student Association and the Mathematics Club, vice president of the Biology Club, and captain of the women’s soccer second team.

My involvement means a lot to me, especially being the CSA president. In that role, I get to know so much about the Clarke community and make a direct impact. I meet once a month with University President Fletch Lamkin to discuss student concerns or new initiatives. I know that my voice means something and that I’m making things better for current students and those that come after me.

Saying ‘yes’ applies to my academics too. I came in as a Mathematics major and quickly added Biology so I could go the Pre-Veterinary Medicine route. Those programs are so interesting together because in Biology there is a factual basis to everything, while in Mathematics it’s all about what you can prove. There are different methods to reach the same solution, and Amanda Matson is so good at tying all of these complex concepts together. I really like a challenge, so I added a Chemistry minor at the encouragement of Tony Breitbach, too. Through it all, I’ve made the Dean’s List every semester and I’m really proud of that.

Sometimes people look at my schedule and wonder how I don’t get overwhelmed, but I thrive when I am busy. I think part of it is how I grew up; I spent a lot of summers helping on my grandparents’ dairy farm in Strawberry Point, Iowa, near my hometown of Cedar Falls, Iowa. Later I worked on my uncle’s beef farm. I love farmers. They are some of the hardest working people in the world and they care so deeply about their animals. That drives me to work hard for them and one day be the best vet I can be.

All of my experiences will give me a strong application to veterinary school, but it’s about more than that. My involvement has connected me with people who will be my best friends for the rest of my life. It has opened doors I hadn’t even considered before Clarke. If there is one thing as CSA president I could tell all students, it would be to show up and get involved. You never know what you will discover about yourself and where that can take you.

Brok Determan

Biology and Pre-Physical Therapy ’26, DPT ’28

I went through two knee surgeries in high school, and I found the physical therapy process so interesting. My therapist was so great to work with; he knew just when to push me and when to ease up. I started researching PT schools and when I found Clarke’s 3+3, I was really intrigued. Getting a scholarship to play football made the decision easy, and the PT department and Clarke community as a whole keep me coming back.

I moved to Dubuque from Benson, Arizona. It was hard at first, but the community embraced me right away, especially the faculty. I have been blown away at how much the professors here care. I know people like Tony Breitbach in Chemistry and Laura Hecker in Biology are in my corner. Michelle Slover is awesome, too. I loved her classes, and she also knows I am a father. When I couldn’t find a daycare over the summer, Michelle’s daughter stepped in. That type of kindness wouldn’t happen just anywhere. People really do treat you like family here.

I work in the Admission Office at Clarke and at Bunker Hill Golf Course to help pay for school and provide for my family. My daughter is two years old, and it can be hard to be away from her while my girlfriend and I balance working and going to school. I keep reminding myself that putting in the time now will lead to a better future for my family. It is my hope to one day open my own PT clinic and weight room. If I keep working toward that goal, I know I can get there. At Clarke, I get to show my daughter that anything is possible if you put in the work, especially if you have a team around you.

Isabella Stratton

Elementary Education  ’25

Growing up, my mom taught preschool. I loved going in to visit her and the kids. I’ve played a lot of different instruments since the 4th grade, and I would share my music with the students. I liked challenging them to try something new, while also supporting them on that path.  

I started at another school with a different major but ultimately, I was drawn to Clarke and Elementary Education. I really like the Professional Development School, where you get to go into area classrooms and work alongside students and teachers, even before your regular student teaching. I am doing my Special Education block at Table Mound right now and working with Individualized Education Plans or IEPs. I know it is going to help me create a more inclusive classroom when I start teaching. 

I also went to India this summer for six weeks on the ANKURI Internship that is offered through the Education program. I worked with elementary and middle school students to improve their conversational English. One of my favorite lessons was building word webs with adjectives, adverbs, and nouns. With a hands-on activity like that, you could see the students make connections and better understand the ideas. We were also able to experience life in India like going to the market, visiting temples, and even attending a Hindi wedding. It was an experience that I won’t forget! 

I have a year-and-a-half to go at Clarke, and I’m going to make the most of it. I’ve started work on my Master of Arts in Education degree with the Early Access Program. I also think it is important to be involved, so I have volunteered as a Tuckpointer and with the Clarke Activities Board. I am on the Cheer and Dance team, too. Getting involved has helped me meet people I might otherwise not have connected with, and all those experiences have made Clarke my home away from home.  

Royal Hart

Undecided  ’27

My family has always been important to me. I was born and raised in Antioch, California, where most of my family is.  Before moving to Iowa my family was extremely close knit. When my grandparents moved to Iowa in 2020 to take care of my great grandmother it separated us for a few years. Then I moved to Iowa in 2022 to attend Clarke University and to remain closer to my grandparents. My parents and sibling soon followed suit to close the gap between them and my grandparents. 

While I love my family and they support me, that doesn’t mean my personal journey here has always been easy. I started on the Women’s Track and Field team and living in the female dorms, but I am a transgender male. I didn’t feel like I was able to truly express myself the way I would like. I wanted to live my life without the constant stress of people misidentifying me. I took a leave of absence so I could focus on my mental health and what would be best for me moving forward. 

Now, I am back in school and I’m finding my way. I am serving on the board of CU Authentically, the LGBTQ+ student organization here on campus. I helped organize and attend Pride events over the summer and we are developing programming for the school year. This year I want to step up and lead, and help others feel safe and welcomed at Clarke. 

As part of that, I also work as a student ambassador in the Admissions Office. I love meeting all the potential students and their families. Sometimes, I do get questions like, “what are you doing here?” when they find out I’m from California or I’m part of the LGBTQ+ community, but I see that as an opportunity to share my story and make a personal connection. If I can find a community here, so can you.  

The Admissions team is also a huge part of my story. The counselors—Alicia, Grace, Daija, Amy, and Jordan, who is also my former coach—are friendly and supportive. Then there is Nicole, who supervises the ambassadors and is always looking out for us. Plus, my mom, Stephanie, works in the department on the technical and communications side of things.  

Working alongside my mom has been great for our relationship because I see her in a different light. Growing up, she was a registered vet tech (RVT) and would take us swimming with dolphins and let us interact with all these animals she worked with. That was amazing, but there is something special about this work too. I can see how thoughtful she is and how much she cares. There are more quiet moments when we have one-on-one conversations we might not normally have.  

With my experience at Clarke, I’ve come to realize how important relationships are to me. That’s why I am considering Psychology or Social Work for my major, or even double majoring. Both fields focus on understanding people, and why they do what they do. That’s a skill that will benefit you no matter what your job title is. And Social Work is a hard major to resist when you have faculty like Tara Velez. She just has this presence, whether you are in her class or just see her in the hallway. You know she is real. She is an advocate. That’s the kind of mark I want to make on the world.  

Jenna Fiedler

Business Administration  ’25

Coming to Clarke, I had no idea what I wanted my major to be. I tried a little bit of everything before I decided on Business Administration. I like that business gives you a strong basis for any field. I added a marketing emphasis because while I am good with numbers and analysis, I like the creative side of things too.  

I get to explore those ideas through my classes at Clarke. I really loved making videos with the help of Clarke’s Digital Media Specialist, Jenni Lehmann, in my Sport Marketing class. She let us be creative while giving us good edits and feedback. In another class, we had to organize a fundraiser. My group decided to host a “pie in the face” contest where students could put money in jars and the Clarke employees with the most money at the end of the week would get pied. There was a lot of organization that went into it – getting the professors and staff on board, making sure people knew about the event, and sharing the results. We raised over $200 for the student travel fund, and I learned that I really like event planning.  

During that project, I worked closely with Callie Clark and Anthony King ’23 in our Student Life Office. At the end of the semester, they approached me about being the CONNECT Coordinator for the 2024 incoming class. I’ve really liked it because I get to do more event planning and meet new people. We are keeping a lot of the traditions, like Bingo Night, but also trying new things like a dance party in the Lion’s Den. I get involved in other ways too throughout the year, like going to Black Student Union and Clarke Activities Board events. If you show up, there will always be people to hang out with. 

I also work for the Brew & Gold Coffee Corner in the Whitlow Campus Store. That’s a cool experience because I feel like my ideas can go places there. At first, I was afraid to mess up because I didn’t really drink coffee, but now I have a drink on the menu! I know I have come a long way. Sarah Haas, Joe Howe, and Kathy Ternes are like a second family to me now.  

You hear that a lot too, that Clarke is like a family. It’s not just the good times, they stand by you no matter what. My sophomore year I got a serious concussion. At first, I tried to play it off like I was fine. I was lucky so many people noticed and jumped in to help me. My friend Lyndsey was a nursing major and recognized the symptoms. She made me get checked out. It was the end of the fall semester, so all my professors worked with me too. One of them even walked me to the Academic Support Center to meet with Marianne Mauss so I could get accommodations through the spring while I recovered. That really meant a lot to me.  

While I’m looking forward to graduation on May 10, I don’t want to take this time for granted. Clarke has introduced me to people from all over the country, and we will spread out again after commencement. I want to enjoy it all while it lasts.  

Jacob Schemmel

Communication  ’25

My first introduction to Clarke was in elementary school when my class went to the Human Body Bee. Looking at and learning about body parts scared me a little, and at first that’s all I thought Clarke was. When I was a senior at Hempstead High School and was thinking about college, my parents told me to visit Clarke and give it another chance and I am glad I did, because now I absolutely love this university. 

Starting college, I didn’t know what I wanted to major in. I’ve always been creative, and I remember a teacher telling me to hold on to that as I grew up. That’s always stayed in the back of my mind. When Chrissy Bartels started as our new Communication professor, I decided to show her my creativity, and when I did, she knew I had potential to do amazing things in my future career, whatever that may be! Her classes are amazing, and she brings so much incredible experience and insight to what we do.  

Chrissy also recommended me as an intern for Susan Gorrell at the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival. Working with Susan and getting behind-the-scenes knowledge has been a dream come true. I love storytelling and being creative, so it’s been fun to explore that through film. I even have a submission in this year’s “Made in Iowa” showcase that my group created for Chrissy’s History of Broadcasting course. It will be shown on Sunday, April 28 at 3:15 p.m. at the Five Flags Theatre, so I hope people come out and see it!  

Another way I’ve gotten involved on campus is the esports team. The summer of 2021, I talked to Joshua Moris and Henry Johnston about playing Fortnite for Clarke. After meeting with Henry, and talking it over with my parents, I was ready to sign on. I was the first recruit. Now I’m a captain and have helped the team evolve. I’ve made so many friends and learned a lot about leadership through the esports program. 

There are so many opportunities that have come from taking that leap of faith and saying yes. I was bullied in the past and I’ve always been quiet. Clarke has helped me be myself. I am a leader, I am creative, and I am confident in doing what makes me happy. I am excited to see what comes next and live my life with no regrets. 

Francis Resurreccion

Business Administration & Sport Management  ’25

I’ve always loved golf, ever since I was a kid. When my high school teammate, Justin Everson, came to Clarke, it was like a door opened for me. I hadn’t really thought about competing at the college level. He showed me it was possible to get my degree and play golf, and that I could do both well at Clarke.   

Clarke is about three hours from my hometown of Bartlett, Illinois. When I first moved in, I was a little quiet and reserved. People might laugh at that now, but it took time for me to settle in. Thankfully, the older guys on the golf team took the first year and transfer students under their wing. They made sure we knew expectations were high and held us accountable but saw that we had fun too. With their help, I got more comfortable on campus. 

By my second semester, I realized that getting involved made all the difference. Being a part of something opens you up. I signed up to be a Tuckpointer to help with move-in. I joined the Clarke Activities Board, Dance Marathon, and the Sport Management Club. Some of my friends from those groups are working on a podcast with me to help students be more informed about campus events, too. I also make a point to show up at games for other teams on campus, like basketball and soccer. I like to lead that crowd and let opponents know what they’re up against. 

If you are active on campus, this community will embrace you and that goes for professors, too. People like Teri Stratta and B’Ann Dittmar, their doors are always open. One of the things I’ve enjoyed most is how I was able to work a practicum with the golf team into my sport management and business coursework. I’ve been able to look at the operations side of running a team and help Coach (Brandon) Schwebke with recruitment visits. It’s opened my eyes to what I can do with my degree in the future. 

After graduation, I’d love to move down south somewhere so I can play golf all year long. I want to pursue PGA Professional status and work as a Golf Pro one day. The real dream is to own my own course. For now, I’m focusing on my remaining time at Clarke. I want to be the person new students come to when they are trying to find their way at Clarke, just like my teammates were for me.  

Lilly Welu

Undeclared ’27

When I was in high school, I wasn’t really thinking about college. I kind of kept to myself. Then I joined Senior High School’s Cheer and Dance team and met Coach Teri (Mayberry). She became like my second mom. She was so welcoming and helped me build my confidence in myself.  

Teri switched to coaching full-time at Clarke during my senior year of high school, but she remained a big part of my life. She walked with me on senior night and would bring the team from Clarke to cheer us on. When I met the Cheer & Dance team at Clarke, I started making connections right away. They invited me to some of their summer practices. For the first time, I could really see myself going to college. 

Coming in, I really didn’t know what I wanted to study. Thankfully, my advisor, Morgan, has helped me try a little bit of everything – Business, Math, English, you name it. Right now, I’m in a Biology class. I probably wouldn’t have picked it on my own, but I love it. I get to research things I care about, like penguins. I’ve always loved animals and it would be awesome to be able to work with them in the future. Even my Compass Seminar is helping me focus on what I want to do and how I make a path to that future. 

While I figure out my major, I am just enjoying the experiences as they come. In my first year, I already got to travel with the Cheer & Dance team. I was able to perform in Carver Arena when Clarke scrimmaged the University of Iowa Women’s Basketball team this fall. I mean, how many people can say they’ve done a backflip on the Hawkeyes court? Now we have our first competition coming up this spring and I’m so excited. I want to keep pushing myself, and I know there are people here to help me do that.  

Renata Aguilar

Psychology and Social Work ’26

When I was 16, I started traveling with the Honduran national team for soccer. It was amazing to be able to travel to other countries and play the sport I love, but it was hard too. It was my first time being on my own that far from home. One day during practice, our coach brought in a sport psychologist. After five minutes, I knew that was what I wanted to do with my life. I want to be able to help athletes process their emotions while competing at a high level. That’s why I’m double majoring in Psychology and Social Work. 

When the time came to apply for colleges, I looked at schools in Texas, Minnesota, and Iowa. I toured Clarke and fell in love with it right away. At first, I stuck close to the women on the soccer team, but over time I got more comfortable. The other students were a big part of that, but so were the faculty and staff. People like Tim Boffeli and Brenna Burgart in Psychology, Ellen Gabrielleschi in my Compass Seminar, and Julie Cirks and Alicia Schmitt in Admissions see me for who I am. I know I can go to them with anything, whether it’s school related or not. 

One of the most memorable moments of my time at Clarke so far was going on the service trip with Campus Ministry last year. It was amazing to be able to give back, and also to have that time for reflection. We also got to explore and meet cool people, like on our visit to Joppa Mountain pottery. Though some of the other students from that trip have graduated, I have a bond with that group I know we’ll never forget. 

I want to be like all the people who helped me feel welcomed on campus, so this year I joined the Hispanic Student Union as the Vice President. When you are far from your home and your culture, it can be easy to feel disconnected. With this group, we have over 50 members to show you that you are not alone. We have non-Hispanic members too who want to learn about our cultures, and that’s been a great experience. Together, we’ve celebrated the Day of the Dead on campus and attended events in Dubuque.  

As I continue my education, I want to grow as a leader. That means working on my degree, but also getting involved with student organizations, and working in the café, and as a tour guide on campus to help pay for school. It’s hard sometimes, but the hard work pays off. Not every day will be a good day, but at Clarke I’ve learned to find the good in every day.  

Tom Peterson

Business Administration ’24

Over the summer I completed an internship with Cottingham & Butler (C&B), a national insurance broker with its headquarters right here in Dubuque. As a sales intern, I did research, made 800 cold calls, participated in pitch meetings all over the country, and presented a marketing campaign to the C & B Board of Directors. I earned college credit for these amazing experiences while getting paid for my work, so it was a win-win.

What I liked most about my internship was how it brought context to what I’d learned in class. As a Business Administration major, I’ve taken classes on marketing, sales, operations, and other business topics. Professor Maria Morris had us run a pizza shop in Hubro simulations as a class project. We set the price, created a marketing plan, and made sales. My full-time internship at C & B let me put into practice many of the things I’d studied.

Cottingham & Butler appreciated the real-world skills they helped me develop and offered me a job following graduation. Although I plan to pursue an M.S. in Cybersecurity and use my last year of college sports eligibility instead of accepting their job offer, my experience as a paid intern at C & B was invaluable. I will be forever grateful for their mentorship and empowerment.

As I finish my senior year, I have several goals, including bringing home a Conference Championship for the Pride Baseball team. I’ve loved baseball my whole life and being able to play at the college level is a dream come true. I’ve been lucky to have a great group of teammates who work hard and play well together. I appreciate how supportive my professors are too; they hold us accountable and help us balance our class work and the demands of our sport. We made the tournament last year, and though we fell short, I am excited about the opportunity in 2024.

My time at Clarke and in Dubuque has helped me develop many relationships. Coming from Woodbury, Minnesota, I didn’t know anyone when I arrived on campus, but it was easy to make connections. I have a professional network I can count on for recommendations or advice, and I’ve made friends here that I’ll have for life. I’ve bonded with people in Young Professionals, on the baseball team, and in classes. With their support, I feel confident exploring new opportunities. As my last semester at Clarke begins, I hope to finish strong and enjoy every moment.

Joshua Musonda

Computer Science ’25

Early in my life, there was a pastor I looked up to. He spoke with such authority; he was inspiring and encouraging. Like him, I’ve tried to cultivate my gift for speaking and building connections. Over time I’ve come to realize those gifts can do good in many different fields, including technology.  

Computer literacy and technical ability is the way of the future and combining that with an ability to build relationships will put me in a position to make an impact wherever I go. That is why I chose to study Computer Science at Clarke – that, and I was captivated by kindness. Everywhere you go on campus, there was this sense of welcome, even when I was just learning about the school over the phone.   

At first, Computer Science can feel daunting. The way it all changes, you will literally never stop learning, but there is joy in that too. My professor, Josh Moris, also makes that learning and discovery fun. Like this semester, I told him I wanted to build a database that my dad could use in his business back home. Josh matched the idea with the course syllabus and now we are building it together. It is not perfect, but I’m learning a lot, and the tool keeps getting better. 

Like Josh, there are so many people at Clarke who approach the world with kindness and have made it easy to find community here and in Dubuque. For example, I recently went on a camping trip with my church youth group. It was just three days basking in the beauty of nature without our phones or anything. There were rivers and lakes and rolling hills. At night you could see every star. I think moments like that speak to the college experience too. It is not just about what you learn in the classroom, but what you take from time spent with others.  

That’s part of the reason I’ve gotten involved with the African Student Union (ASU) on campus. While the environment is welcoming at Clarke, there is still so much we have to learn about one another. The ASU wants to share our individual cultures and experiences. I have a unique perspective because I have been able to travel so much in my life. My parents are Zambian, but I was born in Botswana, lived there until I was five, and then we moved to South Africa. There is so much value in stepping outside of your environment and trying something new.  

People say that knowledge is power, but it’s more than that. Knowledge is responsibility. You must act on your knowledge, or you take your potential to the grave. I believe everyone has a gift. It may take us years to find, or it may be revealed to us in moments. I want to take every opportunity life presents me, so I can share my gifts with the world.  

Brittney Mundell

Elementary Education and Mathematics ’25

I grew up in a small town south of Rockford, Illinois. In school, I saw friends and classmates struggle. Some of them looked at learning like it was a chore. Watching people around me lose their love for learning wasn’t easy. There was one way I knew I could make a change, and that was becoming an educator. I want to be a teacher who can make them feel pride and responsibility for their work, while also making school fun and exciting. 

My friend Zoie Sellers ’22 came to Clarke for Elementary Education. When she talked about the education department’s philosophy, it aligned with what I was feeling. Every class here puts building a caring, kind community first. Professors like Lee Johnson bring that philosophy to life every day. He focuses on using special education strategies in your classroom. For example, something as simple as both writing out directions and reading them aloud may be considered a special education strategy, but it can help all learners. I’m starting my first Professional Development School block this semester, so I get to test these ideas in real life. 

Building connections is important to me outside of the classroom, too. I am the Treasurer for Teachers for Tomorrow and a student worker for the education department. I also take a lot of pride in being a starter for the volleyball team. There is so much energy that comes from that sport – the touch of a finger can change the whole game. Plus, I’ve gotten to know so many players and coaches, not just with my team but all of athletics. I’ve even been able to work with students and coaches from other schools in the Heart of America Conference. Those connections are a powerful thing.  

Then there is my work as a resident assistant in Mary Benedict Hall, along with my emotional support dog, Ollee. He is an Australian Border collie/Corgi mix. He helps me when my anxiety gets overwhelming, and I think he’s helped a lot of the students on my floor feel at home too. I want to be that resource for people, so they feel safe and accepted here.  

In high school, I wondered if I had to change things about myself. There were people told me I was too loud or too much. Clarke has never made me feel that way. Instead, I decided to push for who I am and see where it takes me. I feel like I belong here, and I want to use my experience to help others. Not just the little citizens I’ll have in my classroom someday, but everyone who needs that resource and support.

Anthony Kelchen

Secondary Education and Mathematics ’24

When I was a sophomore in high school, a friend asked me for help in geometry class. As I started helping him, others reached out. Eventually, I stayed late once or twice a week with this informal study group, and I found I really enjoyed it. That’s how I decided I wanted to become a teacher. 

My sister Shelby Kelchen is ’16, ’18M a graduate of the Clarke education program and knowing how much she enjoyed it; I knew it would be a good fit for me too. I’ve really enjoyed my professors and classes, especially the Professional Development School (PDS). Since I want to teach secondary education and mathematics, I got to spend time in classrooms at Senior High School and Mazzuchelli Catholic Middle School. The professors give you a lot of autonomy with PDS. Over six weeks, you have opportunities to teach lessons by yourself. Some people only teach a few, but I really got comfortable in front of my classes.  

During PDS, I also met Mercy Deryke ’22 and she told me about this awesome program she did, the ANKURI International Internship. Through the support of a Clarke alumna, she went to India for six weeks to teach English at a summer camp. With Cathy Stierman’s help, I got the internship this year and spent half my summer in Northern India.  

There was one other student teacher running the camp with me and we had students ranging from 7- to 14-years-old. At first, it was a little intimidating because some of the younger students could understand a little English but did not speak it. Soon, however, we learned that we could work with the older children, and they helped us translate ideas. They became role models and all the students enjoyed themselves. I think this experience will benefit me in my own classroom someday because you will always have communication barriers – no one is a mind reader. As a teacher, you have to be willing to adapt and meet students where they are. 

We tried to make the lessons fun and adaptable too. We found opportunities to talk about American culture and helped the students understand colloquialisms. For example, when first learning English, a lot of the students use superlatives like “excellent” to mean something is good. We were able to connect that with more common slang, like calling something “cool.” I went from being nervous in the classroom to having that time with the students be the highlight of my trip, even though I got to see things like the Taj Mahal! 

I’m going to start my student teaching at Senior High School this semester and I’m excited to get into the classroom again. As a senior, I want to live that Clarke philosophy that I see in people like Cathy Stierman. I am here to help, no matter what, and I love this community.

Steele Fredricks

Biology & Psychology ’26

I had always told my parents that I wanted to volunteer, but in high school the hard part was finding organizations or projects to connect with. Clarke’s Campus Ministry gives me a space to do that. I remember attending mass during CONNECT weekend and Sister K (Kathleen Sinclair, BVM) let me get involved right away. Early on, I would bring up the gifts and participate in mass. Then I started with Into the Streets and Bible Study with Nathan Seutter ’23. I learned more about my faith than I ever thought I could. Nathan showed me around Dubuque, and we started going to different masses and meeting people. For example, we went to the Church of Nativity here in Dubuque and there was a church in Platteville, Wisconsin that had a mass all in Latin. Coming here, I’ve been a part of the church in a way I’ve never been before.  

In the spring, I decided to go on the service trip to Joppa Mountain, Tennessee. Going in, I only knew Nathan and Sister K. I was hesitant too because that’s a long time to be gone, but I’m so glad I went. There were so many different religions and non-religious people and there was no judgement. It was very open and welcoming, and I think that’s true of the Clarke campus too. It was a great way to meet new people and branch out of my comfort zone. I loved it and I’ll definitely go again in the future. 

I had grown up Catholic, and my parents did a great job of allowing me to find my own path in my faith. I’ve been able to build on that here, including choosing to be confirmed. Confirmation is choosing to be an “adult” in the eyes of the church, and I knew I wanted to do it, but hadn’t started sacrament preparation. Then my sister had her son and asked me to be his Godfather. You need all the sacraments to be a Godfather, so it reaffirmed my faith and that it was time to take this step. I was trying to find a time to do it in my home church where my parents were married and my sisters were confirmed, but I’m so involved here it just felt right.  

As part of confirmation, you pick a saint’s name. The idea is, you choose a saint and kind of live by their values and that’s your presence in the church going forward. My middle name is “Colby,” so Father Vu recommended St. Maximilian Kolbe. I started researching him and got really interested. He was around during World War II and made a huge impact. Something that stood out to me was he was known to have been very peaceful when he was dying because he had that trust in God. That spoke to me, because taking this step shows my own trust in God. Now I’m trying to live in his light. My middle name is also in honor of my dad’s brother who passed away when he was 16, so it felt like a nod to his life as well. 

My parents came in from Colorado for the mass and my mom was my confirmation sponsor. We’ve always been really connected through our faith. The whole house was busy, so sometimes it would be just the two of us going to mass on the weekends. We had some wonderful conversations and I look up to her, especially for her faith. I want to model my faith after her.  

My family has done so much for me – yes, they bought my football and soccer cleats, but it’s more than money spent. They also sacrificed their weekends and nights. My family is so close and we’re all so tight, that prepared me to be able to come do my thing at Clarke because I had the best support system at home. Now I want to be involved in everything that I can. Clarke gives you so many opportunities to be who you want to be. I want to get more involved with Campus Ministry and volunteering and be more of a leader in that for Clarke. God has gifted me a great opportunity here to live through his name and him.  

Emma Grant

Graphic Design ’25

I have been a gymnast since I was 2 years old. When my family moved from Texas to Cottage Grove, Minnesota, I continued training and eventually started pole vaulting as well. That’s how I found Clarke; Track and Field Coach Bradley Johnson had seen some photos and videos from my meets and reached out. I hadn’t really heard of Clarke before then, but I thought a visit couldn’t hurt.  

On my visit, I was immediately impressed by the family feel. Brad had a great rapport with all the athletes, and they are such an energetic and supportive group. It was the same around campus. Louise Kames ’77 gave my family and I a one-on-one tour and was so kind. I had visited the University of Texas at Austin as well and was blown away at how different it was. The people at Clarke gave me all the time I needed to ask questions and explore.  

That’s continued during my time as a Graphic Design student too. My professors are all so supportive, like Eric Wold. Last semester I had a project in one of his classes that I was really struggling with. I was creating a 32-page book dedicated to explaining 80s slang to people who don’t speak English. I had so much fun researching and designing the project, but I had hit a wall in layout. I kept getting more and more frustrated. Eric was able to help me, but he also told me to go take a nap. He wasn’t worried about the deadline, he wanted to make sure I was OK first. I was able to walk away and when I came back, we fixed it together. I am so proud of how it turned out. Even when I felt like I was failing, I was ‘failing correctly’ because I was learning something and getting better. 

It’s not just the professors in my major, either. I remember in Drawing I, I was sketching a hallway in Eliza Kelly that is filled with old theater posters and things. The third floor has offices outside the art department, and even those professors were so supportive. They would compliment my work as they went by or offer to adjust the lighting in the hall if I needed it. They made sure no one moved my chair so I kept the same perspective throughout the project. Stuff like that just cements how much people care here. 

I’m always looking for ways to build more connections like that. I was in the choir, I’m on the track and field team, I submit art to the Tenth Muse Literary Magazine, and I’m an academic coach in the MARC. Getting involved, I’m able to pull lessons from all these different experiences and people. They make me a better student, athlete, designer, and person. Yes, it can be scary to put yourself out there, but if you keep doing things – even if you’re afraid – you will keep getting better.   

Christopher Brodrick

Business Administration and Pre-Law ’24

On August 8, 2021, I left South Africa for the United States. Since then, I have missed things like the birth of my niece and my younger siblings growing up. The other day, I was on a video call with my younger brother and had to have my little sister hold the phone and make him stand by the door frame to prove he was almost as tall as me now. He’ll be looking at the top of my head by the time I get back.  

These little things are hard, and they touch your heart, but I had always wanted to pursue an education in the United States. If something is important to you, you must be willing to work for it. Being away from home has been good for me in a lot of ways and I wouldn’t be the man I am today without my time here. I am setting a path for those to follow me. I am showing my younger siblings and friends what an education can do.  

I did find some comfort when I met Joshua Musonda, a Computer Science major at Clarke. We met at a campus picnic at the start of the fall semester and started talking. He said he was from South Africa and as we chatted some more, it turned out he was not only from the same city, but even the same suburb and estate as me. I thought he was messing with me until he started naming people I knew. We’d grown up just four houses away from each other and never knew it. My friends and I used to ride our bikes and “ding-dong ditch” his house! I told him to tell his parents I’m sorry. 

Now we can share those experiences from home and it helps keep the connection strong. For example, there are 11 official languages in South Africa and it is common in conversations to mix parts of them. We call it Vernac. To be able to speak to Josh in my Mother Tongue connects me to home in a way that is hard to explain to anyone else. We share an essence, and we’re not forgetting our roots. 

I also found community at Clarke through the Men’s Soccer team. I had originally come to the States to play at a junior college, and we had a friendly match against Clarke. I was the only person on my team to score on Clarke and the next week, Coach Mike Paye was visiting my school. It felt like a sign. Moving to Clarke was about more than the game, it was about the culture. It is deeper than friendships, it is a brotherhood that translates off the pitch. I know I can go to my teammates or my coaches to talk about life, they are there for the highs and lows. The teachers at Clarke are the same – people like Aimee Taylor and Josh Moris, and a lot of the other professors – they care about you, they will talk about life, not just school.  

As I get to know more people on campus, they have shared their culture with me. They’ve introduced me to things like pumpkin patches and eggnog, which is a very strange drink. Those shared experiences can mean so much. I joined the Africa and the Diaspora Student Union to share parts of my culture with my new friends here in Dubuque. Every day, other African students and I are learning about the culture here, and we want to give back to this community through meals and stories from our home. These experiences also help to demystify Africa – we are not what you see on TV, nor is every part of Africa the same. Joining a club or attending an event like that can be a very powerful experience.  

In college, I’ve met people from all over the world – Portugal, Italy, France, Russia, Japan and all these places. Getting that worldview is just as important as my studies in Business and Law. If you are willing to put yourself out there, you can learn so much. With what I’ve learned and what I’ve gained here at Clarke, I am confident that I can go out into the world and be successful. I will proudly carry the Clarke Pride banner with me. 

Nicole McDermott

Sport Management and Business Administration ’24

Quite honestly, I felt like my path to college was slightly backwards. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to major in – I was interested in athletic training, physical therapy, and even pediatrics – so I was having a hard time narrowing down my list of schools. My junior year of high school, I had a basketball tournament in the Kehl Center and Coach Boyd introduced herself to me. We built a connection, and then I started to connect with the team too. After a month, I knew I was going to end up at Clarke. The team gave me a hard time because I told Tina Ubl I was “in” in February and I don’t think I formally committed to the coaches until June, but I knew. Every time I stepped on campus, I was so excited.

While basketball brought me to Clarke, it also helped me decide on my major. I realized that the reason I had been interested in PT and AT was that I could work with athletes. I have always loved sports and so the idea of working in the sport industry someday was exciting, which ultimately lead me to decide to pursue a Sport Management degree. For specific classes I have taken, there are three that have had a big impact and offered confirmation that I chose the right path. First, Sport Marketing and Communication brought out my passion for marketing. In Financing Sport Organizations, I helped the Clarke Football team market their inaugural golf outing. I communicated a lot with the football coaches and my professor to make sure there was information posted on social media, posters were created, businesses were notified, and hole sponsor signage was ordered. I had a lot of fun getting real, hands-on experience planning an event and doing all the behind-the-scenes work. Finally, there was Facility and Event Management where a partner and I went to Cascade and did a full inspection of my high school gym. We looked for ADA compliance issues, and any other risks that were present. With this information, we created a presentation that we shared with the class. I’m really proud of all the work we put into that project and the learning points that I was able to take away.

I also work in the Marketing & Communications Office on campus. I am one of their video interns, along with Kainoa Gerard. He and Jenni Lehmann are amazing with video, and the whole team is so funny, kind, and supportive of who I am becoming. I have learned so much about creating videos and other things, and I have shown myself that I have the potential to do all the things they do.

As I look ahead to my senior year, I have recognized that these years are my absolute favorite, and I want to soak it all in. After having a perfect year, both in the classroom, earning a 4.0 GPA, and on the basketball court, winning a National Championship, going into my senior year I am looking forward to striving to achieve similar goals, but I also want to make sure I involve those around me. Being a successful student-athlete, you learn skills such as communication, time management, organization, and relationship building. As I have been able to learn and hopefully eventually master these skills, people start to look towards me for guidance and as a positive role model they can trust. I joined a basketball program that had leaders that I looked up to, even as a junior. That just goes to show the greatness of this program, that there is continuous leadership that everyone looks up to.

I hope to somehow fill those shoes as a senior, just as those before me did for me. I have found who I really am at college, and most importantly, through the people around me, I’ve learned what it means to not be afraid to be my true self. I’ve discovered what it means to be truly happy around people who are genuinely excited to be where they are. I’ve loved my time here at Clarke thus far. The past three years have been a dream come true, and I am excited to live out my senior year and graduate with my best friends. Everything happens for a reason, and I’m discovering that reason here at Clarke!

Anthony King

Psychology ’23

I remember when I first visited Clarke, probably three or four people said “hi” to my mom and I before we even got inside. Coming from a big city like Denver, Colorado, we weren’t used to that. At first, we thought it was weird, but the more time we spent on campus, we realized it was genuine. It gave me that family feeling right away. 

Looking back on it now, I realize what a big step college is. You are suddenly independent and so far from home. That first semester I decided to go all in. I realized what an opportunity college is – neither of my parents were able to go to college, and I’m the first man in my family to do so. I had bonded with the guys on the football team right away, and I wanted more. I signed up for everything – Psychology Club, Culinary Club, Dungeons & Dragons – you name it. I was also fortunate enough to connect with Ali Boyd. She was one of the first people to see me for who I am and was very interested in my story. I became a tour guide for her and the team in the Admissions Office, and I still give tours.  

Academically, there are many people who impacted me along the way as well. Aimee Taylor and her CU-100 course taught me a lot of the skills that I still use to be successful now. Teri Stratta was another one – her classes are interesting, and she cares about you outside the classroom too. Then there’s Tim Boffeli. Tim and I have an interesting relationship. I’m a Psychology major and when I started, I probably wasn’t taking school as seriously as I could have. Tim set me straight. He pushed me because he was invested in me. Now that I’m a senior, Tim has told me he is proud of me, and hearing that meant the world to me. 

As I got more involved, I wanted to share that with other people too. As a junior, I made it my goal to meet a new freshman on the football team every day during camp. I know the difference a smiling face can make when you are new here. Sometimes when you need help, it can be hard to go to a professor or coach, but you can always go to a friend. 

That’s part of the reason I became a Resident Assistant, too. I love being that smiling face and helping people out. Plus, you get to participate in Prayer Partners with the BVM sisters. I’m paired with (former Clarke provost and vice president of academic affairs) Joan Lingen, and (president emerita) Catherine Dunn joins us sometimes too. I remember geeking out when I met her, I was telling everybody it was “THE Catherine Dunn, from the apartments!” Joan and Catherine are great, their stories are amazing, and we learn so much from each other. They even came to my Senior Day football game to cheer me on. They found my parents while I was on the field and introduced themselves, and that made such an impression on my mom and dad. They always ask about Joan and Catherine now. 

Of all the ways I’ve gotten involved, one that I really enjoyed was Black Student Union. Dubuque is a small, predominantly white community so having Black Student Union gives myself and others a place where we can be our genuine selves. We can ask some honest questions and keep things open. I was Vice President my sophomore year and President my junior and senior year. I’m working with Will Hudson, Assistant Director of Engagement & Intercultural Programs on our first Black Graduate Celebration, and we just interviewed for next year’s executive board, so I’m proud to see that continue. 

With graduation coming, I can already feel the butterflies starting but I know I have a lot to be proud of. It wasn’t always easy. I’ve been forced to grow and let go of bad habits. I can and did overcome. I plan to take a year off before starting graduate school for sport psychology, yet my focus remains the same: each day, I wake up determined to make this day better than the last, and to be a blessing to those around me.  

Daniel Mycroft

Undecided ’26

When I was in high school outside of Seattle, Washington, everyone thought soccer was going to be the path for me. I was the goalie for our team the year we won the State Tournament, and we were in a competitive division. But after years and years of training, I felt burnt out. I walked away and wanted to find something new. 

I still had that competitive streak, so when I started playing the video game Madden, it was a natural fit. As an athlete, I’d always been focused on the strategy of the game and that’s what Madden is – you are trying to put together a football team based on statistics. It follows the NFL season and just like in professional football; the dynamics of the game change a little bit each year. In Madden 20 you were maybe looking for size, while Madden 21 favored speed. You can pull current and legacy players, so it really takes a lot of thinking and mental focus. 

I qualified for my first Madden tournament in 2019 and when I was telling my mom about it, she immediately asked, “what scam did you fall for?” Yes, there is a kind of stigma around Esports, but people are coming to respect the scene. I train and practice like any other athlete. It’s not the stereotype of someone sitting alone in their basement. I have traveled and made friends with people across the United States playing Madden. There is a chat of 300-400 of the best players in the world going at all times. When things were shut down during COVID, Madden and other Esports tournaments were being televised on ESPN with major cash prizes, and interest has only grown since then. There are people out there making real careers around gaming. 

I think Clarke University sees that – they’re investing in Esports as they become more mainstream. That’s part of the reason I chose Clarke, there are coaching and scholarship opportunities here that you can’t find other places, and I can still compete professionally. I also like that they have majors I am interested in. As a freshman, I am still deciding between Sport Management and Psychology because one day I’d like to scout for the NFL or work as a team psychologist. I am so interested in understanding that competitive mindset and maximizing my potential, and I’d like to help others with that as well. 

That mindset doesn’t just apply to gaming either. It’s my first year in college and on top of training I was really proud to earn a spot on the dean’s list. In the last year, I set a goal to work on my physical health; now I’ve lost 80 pounds and I’m working towards benching 225. In all areas of my life, I thrive when I build in these little challenges and goals for myself. The Madden season will pick up again in August when Madden 24 releases, but between now and then I’ll keep doing the work so I can be at my best, no matter what.  

Sky Culbertson

Health, Wellness, and Behavioral Sciences ’23, MSW ’24

Being a part of the Women’s Basketball team has been a tremendous part of my experience at Clarke. When you are on a team, there is this natural sense of community; you are lifting, practicing, traveling, and playing together. Participating in a team sport can be a powerful and fun way to stay motivated and push yourself while also forming strong, lifelong relationships. 

At Clarke, that sense of community also goes beyond the people on your team, or just the sport itself. I’ve been on the team for five years now and Coach Boyd instills in us the importance of being a good person, on and off the court. For example, I started volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Dubuque. Their mission is to provide the youth of Dubuque with programs that promote health and wellness, character development, leadership, education, and social skills. Over time, I’ve been able to get the whole basketball team involved. This fall we had an opportunity to eat with the kids and have great conversation. After that, we went and played basketball in the gym. It may seem like this simple thing, but it meant a lot to those kids to have a safe space to go and play, and to have mentorship like that.  

Aside from this experience, I was also able to lead a different project that involved an organization called “Oh Happy Play!” which is led by Clarke Assistant Professor of Education Jacqueline Hunter. They collect and donate “lightly loved” toys to families in our community. I involved the Clarke Women’s Basketball team by inviting their family and friends to participate in a toy drive that would be held at two of our home games, and we had a great turnout. 

I’ve always wanted to get more involved in my community but was afraid of putting myself out there. With the help of my team, family, and friends, and organizations like the Boys and Girls Club and “Oh Happy Play!” I was able to face my fears and do something I have always wanted to do. Now I’ve gotten involved with Dance Marathon and the Clarke Inclusive Games as well. This year I was even selected for the Clarke Compass Award, so I’ll get to take on a new community service project with a group of students and mentors. We have come up with some pretty amazing ideas in order to help other people in the community and I can’t wait to see how successful this group will be! 

This is my senior year and while I am hoping this is the year we bring home a national championship, I’m most focused on giving my all to Clarke and making memories with my best friends. Graduation won’t be the end of my time here though – because I had completed most of my Health, Wellness, and Behavioral Sciences course work, I added some Social Work classes this year and fell in love. I will be completing an internship for Social Work this spring and into the summer, and then I’ll begin my Master of Social Work with Clarke in Fall 2023.  

Until then, I hope to continue volunteering and being involved in my community. I grew up just 15 minutes away in East Dubuque, so I know that what I learn here, be it from my professors, coaches, volunteer opportunities, or the amazing group of friends around me, I can use that to make my community better. We talk a lot about “Be a Better Human” at Clarke, and it’s true. Everything I’m learning helps me and others, and it’s very rewarding. 

Olivia Gossard

Psychology ’22

I came to Clarke as a transfer student from Kirkwood Community College and at first, I was worried about making connections. I thought it might be harder because I was coming in late, but the atmosphere here is great. With the small classes, I’ve gotten to know my professors, classmates, and my advisor really well. That includes my coworkers too. It’s funny, my first semester at Clarke I was coming into the Campus Store almost every day for a coffee and would just hang out and chat. One day, the manager, Sarah, pushed an application across the counter with my coffee and I’ve been working there ever since. I love it, and it’s helped me get to know even more people on campus. 

On top of that, my Psychology professors and classmates really understand me. We can be open about our mental health and how we’re doing. We support each other through class, study groups, and outside of the classroom. I’m a first-generation student as well as a transfer, so counting on people like my advisor, Tim Boffeli, has been so important. He’s encouraged me and helped with so much, especially as I consider my master’s degree. The Psychology students joke that we need to order “What Would Tim Do” bracelets to wear once we all graduate, to remind us to think outside the box in our own practices. 

Tim also encouraged me to do an internship over the summer. It’s not required for Psychology, but it can make a huge difference on a graduate school application. I worked at the Teresa Shelter serving women who have been affected by homelessness. I loved the one-on-one conversations with women. We talked about where they came from, where they are now, and where they want to go. Once they knew they were safe and cared for, you could see these women blossom.  

At the same time, it is hard to face some of these situations. There is something called “compassion fatigue” and I didn’t really know about that concept until I learned about it in class and felt it in my summer internship. You want so badly to help, but you are limited in your time and energy as well. Knowing that, our professors emphasize the importance of self-care, and they build it into our courses. For example, in my Behavior Modification course, we picked one attribute in ourselves that we wanted to work on, and we focused on it all semester. I’m also taking a Positive Psychology course and one day, we all chose to meditate in class. We incorporate these practices into our work, but also in caring for ourselves.  

I’m graduating this December and it’s a big day for my family. My parents have been my biggest cheerleaders and I know they’ll come in from Clinton (IA) to celebrate. The day after I complete my last final, I’ll be starting as a Behavior Technician at Hills & Dales here in Dubuque. I also plan to start graduate school in the fall, hopefully in Loras’s Mental Health Counseling program.  

While I’m considering other schools as well, I’d love to stay in Dubuque.  Even though Dubuque is a bigger city, it still has a lot of aspects that help it feel small. There are fun things to do here, but you can still get to know everyone. I worked on campus, but I also worked in the community at River Lights Bookstore and Trendsetters Boutique. People joke about retail therapy but working those jobs has helped me build connections and relationships with people. Everywhere I’ve gone I’ve had these amazing support systems and it has made Dubuque feel like home. 

Addison Grimmett

Sport Management and Business Administration ’25

In the spring of 2021, my mom was diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer. She had a really aggressive treatment schedule and even though the chemotherapy left her so tired, she came to my prom and attended my graduation. She was always there for me and my siblings, even when she was so weak she couldn’t pick up my youngest sister.  

I remember when her hair started to fall out. My mom always had this long, pretty blonde hair and she was so proud of it. She was so upset, and my grandma told me I had to shave it for her. So here we were, out in the backyard shaving my mom’s head and it was so hard, but through all of it my dad just kept telling us, “God has got your mom. He’s made her strong. And when she can’t be strong, she’s got us.” 

Knowing my mom was going through all that made it hard to move away for college, but even on my first visit I felt at home at Clarke. Like I’d been here for years. I’m only an hour and a half from Waterloo so if I need to go home I can, but because I’m not living with my parents, I’ve grown up a lot. I’m learning to do all this stuff on my own like manage my time and my money.  

The MARC has been a big help with some of that stuff. Coming from Waterloo, you can get a chip on your shoulder, and it can be hard to ask for help. That’s how it is where I’m from. You can’t show everyone who you are right away. Now, I feel like I have a better attitude. Then there are the professors like Deann Petitgout, Kent Anderson, and Brenda Schilling. Teri Strata is so funny and amazing. I remember one time we were at study tables and it was 8 p.m. and we could not figure out our assignment. So, we texted her and she called us and walked us through it. You don’t get that support at other places. 

Being on the softball team has been a big part of my experience. Coach Garland and I talk all the time. He’s from Waterloo and understands where I come from. My teammates and I are always together too, whether it’s games, practice, study tables, or just hanging out at someone’s house. I feel like we’re a more mature team this year, and that’s because Coach pushes us, and we push each other. Like the other day, the Miracle League had a game while we were practicing. Coach gave us a 10-minute break and told us to go cheer those kids on as loud as we could. We ended up playing with them for a while and had a great time. We didn’t do it because people were watching, we did it because it was a kind thing to do. It meant something to them and to us.  

The same thing happens at our games. We wear ribbons for different causes, we will dedicate games to people. The day I found out my mom was cancer free; I wasn’t able to travel with the team, but they still dedicated that game to me and my mom.  

Every day, I always wear two bracelets – one for breast cancer awareness and one for Black Lives Matter because they are both causes that are important to me. One time in Waterloo, I got pulled over. It was just for an expired tag, but the cops started asking my boyfriend at the time, who was Black, all of these questions. Some people think that’s a one in a million story, but it’s not. Instead, you could be the one in a million to stop stuff like that from happening.    

In Waterloo, sometimes we have to grow up for different reasons. It’s not always positive. But if you put in the work, you can make things happen. I think I’d like to be an Athletic Director one day at a high school like Waterloo East. A lot of the kids there don’t understand that their sport can help them change their situation. Sometimes they think a D1 scholarship is the only way out, but there are so many opportunities out there. I’m going to a four-year college with a scholarship. Do the work and you can make it happen. 

Thuy Vy Tran

Psychology and Religious Studies, minor in Philosophy ’22

Diego Arenas

Graphic Design ’22

Will Clark

Sports Management and Business Administration ’22

Jackie Moss

Music, concentration in vocal performance ’21

Jenna Schwartzhoff

Secondary Education and History ’21

Darius Hernandez

Business Administration and Sports Management

Emphases in Finance and Marketing ’22

Rory Bickler

Health, Wellness, and Behavioral Sciences, Pre-PT

minor in Nutrition and Food Science ’24

Abigail Husemann

Elementary Education, endorsement in Special Education ’22

Keith Johnson

Biology, minor in Mathematics ’21

Tatum Brim

Psychology and Business with an emphasis in Finance ’21

At Disney I am doing various tasks and events during my internship. My current job location is Magic Kingdom, where I have the opportunity to network with leaders and coordinators who have been working at the Walt Disney company for decades. I have the privilege to interact with guests with various backgrounds and experiences. I help with food preparations, stocking, communicating with co-workers and other interns. One of the most memorable experiences thus far is learning the history of Disney and their investment financially into interns’ educations. Disney also provides a ton of networking events, and opportunities for interns to grow within the company. They also provide college interns the opportunity to be trained in different locations throughout the resort.

Becky Herrig and the Career Services Office have been extremely helpful and flexible with me to complete my two internships and have them count as credit at Clarke. Many students may not know that the job you are working right now could fit the requirements of an internship. I suggest talking to Becky and she can help you. In regard to why internships are important, they are important because you get on the job experience, you learn professionalism first-hand. For example, Disney is extremely strict when it comes to professionalism and I’m thankful that Clarke has prepared me and helped me become successful with Disney. My internship experience has and will continue to open many doors for professional and full-time positions after graduation. I firmly believe an internship is the most life-changing class/credit one can take.

I am planning on graduating early in December and my goal is to stay with the Walt Disney Company by working for ESPN. I love sports and not playing volleyball this year was a tough decision but having the opportunity to work and grow with the Walt Disney Company was an opportunity I couldn’t walk away from. I want to thank my professors for working with me, administrators, and coaches for guiding me to this amazing path.

Some advice I have for future students is to dream big, but to never forget that with a dream comes hard work. Also, if a class is difficult, please talk to your professor! All the staff here want you to succeed and will be willing to help you. Tim Boffeli and Loren Rice have been two professors who have gone out of their way to help me and navigate me on the best path not only career wise, but for life. Get out of your comfort zone because you never know what opportunities may be created from that one moment.

I am so incredibly grateful to my family and the staff at Clarke, from Becky, to my advisors, to my coach for all helping me create this dream into a reality.

Echo DeVries

Biochemistry & Mathematics ’20

Vincent Forseth

Sport Management ’22

Kaniyiah Mattison

Psychology ’22

Not everyone comes to college equally prepared. Attending classes at Clarke or a university in general is more challenging than classes in high school. For starters, you need to be far more self-reliant. This was definitely my biggest challenge. Professors typically do not bug you about studying or completing assignments on time. It is honestly easy to fall behind in your coursework if you do not use your time wisely. I have been able to overcome this challenge by working hard and spending extra time studying. It is great to see everything paying off, especially when looking at my grades!

Antonia Naab

Social Work & Psychology ’20, MSW ’21

I have faced many challenges to get to where I am today. In high school, my parents got divorced, which impacted me in a negative way. Additionally, a week before I began my senior year in the social work program at Clarke, I found out I was pregnant. I thought of just taking the year off at that point, but instead, I decided I would push through it. This was not easy by any means, because I was sick every single day of my pregnancy while completing a 440 hour internship. There were many occasions where I wanted to give up, but luckily I had an amazing amount of support from my professors and peers which kept me motivated. I cannot thank them enough for that.

Anthony Gonzalez

Biology ’22

Taiga Sato

Mathematics & Computer Information Systems ’21

I have always had to be pretty independent because most of my family lives in Japan. The only family I have in the U.S. is my younger brother who lives in California, which is where I lived before I transferred to Clarke. It has been difficult to be thousands of miles away from my family and not being able to rely on them as much, especially since the pandemic began. Thankfully, all of my family members in Japan are staying safe and healthy as well as my brother in California. My brother and I will most likely not go see our family in Japan this winter like usual, but that is a small price to pay compared to putting everyone at risk. We previously have used technology to stay in touch and see each other’s faces, so that part is not anything new. Being so far away from my family is part of the reason why Clarke has been such a great fit for me. My entire time here, the Clarke community has made me feel welcome and Clarke has definitely become a home away from home.

Lacie Smith

Social Work ’21

I am originally from Darlington, Wisconsin, and I previously obtained my Associate’s Degree in Human Services from Southwestern Technical College. I really enjoy being involved in extra-curricular clubs at Clarke because it gives me that opportunity to be social, meet new people, help people, and have fun. My favorite memories at Clarke are just the times spent with my friends and the new relationships I have formed. I find that Clarke has been a great fit for me because it suits my personality. The transition was super easy. I am currently involved in Clarke’s Inclusive Games, Clarke’s Social Work Club, and the Wind Ensemble. Outside of Clarke, I also work at the Hodan Center in Mineral Point, Wisconsin.

At a young age, I was diagnosed with cancer, which made school a lot more difficult for me. I had to miss many days of class – however, going through that experience and coming out on top has taught me how to adapt to tough situations and to accept challenges that come my way. These are skills that have not only helped me excel in college, but have allowed me to take a steps to become the best version of myself. As a social work major, I highly value the close relationships in my life and I hope to build more relationships with others in the future.

One thing I love about Clarke is that I am able to gain experience as well as knowledge. The social work courses I have taken here have broadened my knowledge of social work, which has built confidence in my ability to become a successful social worker. I have seen how my hard work pays off here.

After I graduate from Clarke, I plan to stay with the Hodan Center for the time being and see where that takes me. I feel that continuing my education at Clarke has prepared me to get a job once I am out of school. I know for sure that I would like to work with people who have disabilities – I am open to any new opportunities that might come my way!

Madison Kirschbaum

Nursing ’23

Clarke has provided me with countless opportunities already as a freshman, and I know there are still many more to come. I am involved with the Clarke Association of Nursing Students (CANS) as well as Clarke Inclusive Games, where I have been nominated to be the treasurer. Some of my favorite memories at Clarke so far have been taking part in Inclusive Games because it is so rewarding knowing that I am impacting others in a positive way.

As an aspiring labor and delivery nurse, I have been doing everything I can to set myself up for success, with the help of Clarke. I currently work at the Hills and Dales Residential Center – volunteering with Clarke Inclusive Games inspired me to apply. This could open more doors for me in the future since I plan to stay in the area once I graduate. After graduation, I hope to return to Clarke to obtain my DNP after I gain some experience in the workforce.

Michael Nacnac

Business Administration ’21

I am originally from Hawaii, so the transition to Dubuque definitely had its challenges. I learned to adapt to the people here a lot easier than the weather. Clarke is smaller than both my high school and junior college, but coming here allowed me to see just how welcoming the community was and gave me the opportunity to be more socially interactive. I feel that Clarke strives to build students’ communication skills. As a business administration major emphasizing in marketing, having that skill is really helpful. Getting exposure to talking with people in the business workforce makes me think more about what options I have for the future, and what I would like to do after graduation.

Luis Montalvo

Biology ’23

Coming to Clarke as a transfer student from Puerto Rico has been a little tough for me. Leaving my hometown to become a student-athlete in another country has brought some challenges – the language barrier, for example. Since my first language is Spanish, I’ve had a little trouble expressing myself with others when I really need to. But, thanks to the community that Clarke has, I’ve managed to get used to it and I’m starting to notice better results with my speaking abilities.

Josh Sanchez

Business Administration and Sports Management ’20

Motivation is key for me. Knowing I’m the first in my family to go to college really motivates me. I want to get good grades and graduate to make an impact on my family. In the past, my family and I were homeless for a period of time. So now, ultimately, getting a good job and being able to take care of my parents is really important to me. My work ethic has become very strong. My brothers are hard workers and they have been amazing examples for me. I take pride in being a student-athlete. Being in college is rough, and being a dedicated student-athlete is very challenging. I balance my time between academics, sports, and working outside of campus, and am so thankful for the support of my coach and team.

Eric Jones

Social Work & Psychology ’19

“I was born when my mother was just 16 years old. At that time, my father was very involved with the street-life and was in a gang. He was doing things he shouldn’t be doing when he knew he had a son on the way. My father was incarcerated in 1997 and has been in jail 21 years this March. My mom has been working two jobs since age 16 because she had to grow up quickly and be the head of the household. It was very hard for both of us. I was never able to spend time with her because she was always working. And, now, our relationship is not as close as I’d like, simply because I am unable to see her because she is always working to provide for me. But, watching my mom work so hard these past 20 years has really made me want to excel and make her proud. This is why I work so hard in school, so I can make sure to provide for her as she did for me.

Life was never easy growing up. I have had a lot of challenges being me – this person who was not comfortable with my sexuality and did not mesh well with other African American kids. I always had better relationships with people who were of a different culture. As I got older, people would ask me: “Do you like girls or boys?” and I honestly didn’t know the answer. I became very involved in school activities. I didn’t want to be that person to not take advantage of all the opportunities offered. But, by keeping myself so busy, I didn’t have time to focus on myself and figure out who I was. I didn’t find myself until midway through high school.

When I came to Clarke, I was welcomed with open arms and people made me feel comfortable. During my first year, I came to the realization that it was time to come out and be accepting of the skin I am in now. I didn’t do it the best way – coming out to people. I should’ve done it in a way that didn’t create drama. I did it as everyone else did; I went on social media and posted about it. There was negativity, but I was surprised by how much support and love I received for being homosexual. Coming to college and actually making that decision to come out made me feel like a new person. Being at Clarke where homosexuality is accepted and the LGBTQ community is present has inspired me to be accepting of who I am.

I have also met a lot of great people and professors at Clarke. I have been really involved on campus in my past three years here, and when it comes time to graduate next year, I know I will have made my mark from all the leadership roles and volunteer work I have done. I know that when I leave Clarke, I will accomplish all of the goals that I have made for myself post-graduation. I plan on getting my master’s in social work and becoming a licensed clinical social worker. I want to go into a field where I can help people and make a difference. I want to make people’s lives better than the experience I had growing up. I want to help them with my own challenges and experiences.”

Daisy Lemus

Nursing ’21

“I am a daughter of two immigrants who came from Mexico about 22 years ago. For as long as I can remember, I had to take on a big role because I am a first-generation United States citizen who became the translator for my family. My dad speaks English, but if he has to talk over the phone he gets nervous. So, I have to talk for him. It is worse for my mom because she can hardly speak English. This is tough for me. When I came to college, I gave the responsibility to my little sister while I am away.

But, it is also hard for her because I have always had this role of being in charge. In addition to that, my parents always were more comfortable with letting me translate. So, my parents still request my help today; they will call me and ask me to make appointments for my grandpa or figure out a billing issue. I feel like I was sheltered growing up because I had to care for my family and act as a role model for my siblings.

Whenever I have to call and make appointments for my grandpa, the hospital refuses to provide me with information because my mom is in charge of him, not me. But, when I try to relay this message to her, she just doesn’t understand. This is tough not only on me but also on her.

I have come to recognize that school is a privilege for me. I would not receive the education I obtained here in the United States if I was born in Mexico and grew up there. I do go to school for myself, but I also do it to give my parents a better life, a life they gave me. I have learned a lot from being a first-generation college student and having immigrant parents.

When you are a child of immigrants, you live in fear every day that one day they may be taken away and be gone forever. My mom has been here for 22 years, and she is just starting the application to have residency here in the United States. My parents have talked to me on numerous occasions that if something happened, they want me to stay in school. But, I couldn’t be comfortable staying here knowing my siblings are left alone. Even though my parents conveyed to me that my aunt could have custody of us, I would still feel the need to go home and take care of them.

This is not a topic I like to talk about with people because of what is going on in the United States currently. However, I agreed to share my story because I think immigration is an issue that deserves a continuous conversation. There have been serious remarks made about Hispanics lately. But, these accusations are just not true. My parents are good people. They raised their kids to go against the negative stigma that Hispanics are bad people. We, as in Hispanics and my family, are better than that.”