My fourth year at the University of Cincinnati was the first time I felt my journey as a student coming full circle in all aspects of my life. Academically, professionally, and even socially, I felt myself enjoying the journey more than ever before. While this happened in a variety of settings, I attribute my fourth year growth to a few key experiences: gaining momentum from an inspiring summer co-op, studying abroad over winter break, and serving in key leadership roles for two prominent campus organizations.

The summer before the school year, I moved to Richmond, Virginia to complete a summer internship at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. Working at the Fed was a long-term goal of mine and contributing to the mission of safety and soundness of the banking system was interesting and important work. I learned a lot about myself along the way, especially that I desire to work somewhere like the Fed where I can contribute to a mission I believe in with colleagues who push me to be better every day. Working at one of the most prominent macroeconomic institutions also helped put my studies in an applicable context, and I returned to school with a reinvigorated passion for my major. 

While my engaging summer was a tough act to follow, my fall semester surpassed all my wildest expectations. Taking the Economics of Immigration class including a winter break study abroad trip to Sydney, Australia was the highlight. Throughout the semester, we learned how countries view the immigration of skilled labor and the different systems used to regulate immigration policy. In Australia, we met lawyers and consultants who gave us a close-up on how the country’s inbound and outbound immigration works in an economic context. We experienced Australian and Aboriginal culture, with our top notch agenda including visits to several of the lovely beaches, a night at the Sydney Opera House to see the Aboriginal Women’s Choir, and a visit to a wildlife sanctuary to pet kangaroos and koalas. This trip was my first time outside the United States and although I was nervous for the 14 hour plane ride, I’m so glad I chose Australia as my first study abroad experience. In short, the experience was unforgettable.

In addition to these great experiences outside Cincinnati, I also remained engaged on campus as VP of Professional Activities for my professional business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi, as well as Vice President of the Undergraduate Economics Society. I took ownership of both these roles by providing students with opportunities to maximize professional development. I organized interactive events for both organizations, my favorites being a speaking and interviewing workshop from a vocal athlete coach, a dinner highlighting women in economics, and a question and answer session on venture capital. My most difficult endeavor was organizing Delta Sigma Pi’s first ever Career Fair in the fall, which involved months of work and logistical planning. I grew as a leader throughout the process and emerged more confident in my abilities to organize and execute my ideas.

The greatest thing about this year is that I enjoyed every moment in the present. I have a tendency to get ahead of myself and always be looking to the next step, sometimes missing the value of the present. With so many great opportunities this year, for the first time, I stayed firmly grounded in the moment. While I am so excited for what’s to come next, including a summer co-op at the New York Fed before a “victory lap” year with a semester abroad in Italy, I am glad that I learned to enjoy life as it was happening.