Academic Skills Coaching Team

Background: I earned my Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering and worked for a couple of years as a geotechnical engineer. I returned to school for my Master's degree in Teaching and served as a high school Math and Engineering teacher for four years. I love that my role at Iowa State allows me to draw on my background to help students have a more successful college experience!

Hobby: Outside of work, I also coach high school cheerleading and poms. When I'm at home, I enjoy crocheting and relaxing with my cats.

Advice: Find out what a productive study space looks like for you. Then be intentional about creating that space to get yourself in the right mindset for learning and getting schoolwork done.

Classification: Graduate

Program: Master's in Education; Student Affairs

Background: I earned my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Iowa State University. After developing a passion for Student Affairs in Higher Education, I returned to ISU for my Master's degree in Education with an emphasis in Student Affairs. What I love about working at the ASC is getting to teach students how different aspects of their lives can affect their academics (physical & mental well-being, motivation, etc.).

Hobby: I love to spontaneously and impulsively buy plants and rearranging my apartment. I enjoy being in the outdoors and nature! 

Advice: Figure out what your "non-negotiables" are and become comfortable with saying no to some things. It is important to put yourself first and sometimes that means saying no to things.

Classification: Junior

Major: Industrial Design

Hobby: I’m happiest when I am outside and with my dog. I love hammocking and hiking and I really want to try and visit as many National Parks as I can. I regularly watch the Bob Ross channel, and just like my friend Bob, I love squirrels. I may be in college but don’t be fooled, I have the music taste of an elderly person. My favorite artists include Elvis and Elton John.

Advice: Making time for a good night’s sleep will make such a positive difference in your life as a student!

Classification: Senior

Major: English & Education

Hobby: Breaking habits and procrastination, impulsively cutting my bangs, working out, talking, reading, playing guitar and drinking coffee, 

Advice: Finding somewhere new to study can really help you concentrate. A good cup of coffee can really improve your grades. 

Classification: Senior

Major: Biology

Minor: Spanish

Hobby: Lover of all the arts. I love to paint, listen to music, and watch movies ( Any Studio Ghibli and A24 films are my favorites!!). I also enjoy hiking and boxing

Advice: Prioritize your mental health and finding balance in life. College is hard, and overexerting yourself can cause burnout quickly. I wish I had realized earlier how important making time for yourself is.

Classification: Junior

Major: Genetics 

Minor: Ethics

Identities: First-generation student, multicultural, neurodivergent, Type-A and extroverted. 

Hobby: Bullet journaling, organizing, cooking, hammocking, and calligraphy. 

Advice: Your mindset is more powerful than you think.

Classification: Freshman

Major: Architecture

About Me: I love reading, especially rom-coms! I love relaxing by watching  TV or playing games with friends and family, as well as coloring or journaling to decompress. I'm also Pi Beta Phi on campus! 

Advice: Taking care of yourself is the most important part of being successful!

Classification: Senior

Major: Psychology

Hobby: I enjoy being active and love to work out, whether weightlifting, yoga, running, or taking long walks, listening to one of my favorite podcasts. I also love spending time with my friends and family but appreciate alone time and prioritizing self-care, especially during the school year!

Advice: Acknowledge your accomplishments, no matter how big or small, and give yourself the grace you deserve. The college experience can be an adjustment for many individuals. Recognizing that you're not alone in this process and that resources are available to support you is essential for success.

Classification: Sophomore

Major: Elementary Education

Identities: First-generation student

Hobby: I love to crochet, watch Netflix (Greys Anatomy or The Sopranos), and work out! I have also started to read while hammocking during my free time. One of my favorite things is spending time with friends and family while playing board games.

Advice: College can be a challenging and humbling experience. Remember that everyone around you is probably going through some of the same struggles, and you are not alone. Don't let your mind become your biggest enemy; remember how hard you worked to get where you are today.

Classification: Junior

Major:  Agricultural and Rural Policy Studies & Political Science

Hobby: Reading, pop culture, organization, writing, and public speaking

Advice:  Scheduling out my time and assignments before the week begins makes life way less stressful!

Classification: Senior

Major: History

Background: I have over 30 years of experience in sales and have owned my own catering business. I started college in 2018, earned my Associate's degree with Honors, and am continuing my education at Iowa State studying History. I'm proud to say I've made the Dean's List each semester so far!

Hobby: Sports fan and blues lover - I can play the guitar and harmonica

Advice: Take good notes and have a process for reviewing them. Writing notes by hand can help you commit things to memory, and color-coding can help you organize information while you review.

Classification: Sophomore

Major: Biology

Hobbies: I enjoy lifting weights, playing videogames, and reading fantasy and sci-fi books. On the weekends you can find me catching up on my favorite shows and spending time with friends. My latest obsession has been baking sourdough loaves to varying degrees of success.

Advice: Surround yourself with other people that make schoolwork a top priority. Being around other folks that want to do well makes it easier to hold yourself to a high academic standard.

Classification: Freshman

Major: Computer Science

Background: I love learning new things whenever I get a chance, watching sports, and meeting new people! I also love traveling, hiking and camping. I'm a big fan of shows that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. Volunteering is also something I love to do in my free time - during high school I had started an NGO where the main goal was to spread awareness about plastic pollution to local vendors. 

Advice: Find something you're passionate about and get involved. Whether it's volunteering, playing sports, or pursuing a hobby, having something you care about can make a big difference in your life. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Trying new things is a great way to learn and grow.

Classification: Senior

Major: Kinesiology, Pre-Physical Therapy

Minors: Psychology & Spanish

Identities: Hispanic Female, Out of State Student

Hobby:  Reading, Spontaneous Arts and Crafts, Gym, I know basic bachata/merengue

Advice: You are paying to be here, make sure that you give yourself every opportunity to succeed.