My time in college has shaped me into a more focused, adaptable, and professionally
prepared individual. Balancing full-time coursework at WWU while working over 20
hours a week has taught me the importance of time management, perseverance, and
accountability. Projects like the Ritual Records marketing analysis allowed me to apply
classroom concepts to real businesses and develop communication and research skills
I’ll use throughout my career. Living abroad before college gave me a global perspective
and cultural awareness that has become foundational to how I approach teamwork and
problem-solving. Later this month, I will be volunteering in ecological restoration at Sehome Hill Arboretum, an opportunity I’m excited about as it will strengthen my understanding of ethical leadership and my responsibility to contribute to the community I’m a part of. I know this experience will add to my commitment to integrity, service, and professionalism. Each of these moments has shown me the value of showing up prepared, communicating clearly, and doing work that matters. I will carry these lessons with me as I build a career defined by responsibility, curiosity, and collaboration.
prepared individual. Balancing full-time coursework at WWU while working over 20
hours a week has taught me the importance of time management, perseverance, and
accountability. Projects like the Ritual Records marketing analysis allowed me to apply
classroom concepts to real businesses and develop communication and research skills
I’ll use throughout my career. Living abroad before college gave me a global perspective
and cultural awareness that has become foundational to how I approach teamwork and
problem-solving. Later this month, I will be volunteering in ecological restoration at Sehome Hill Arboretum, an opportunity I’m excited about as it will strengthen my understanding of ethical leadership and my responsibility to contribute to the community I’m a part of. I know this experience will add to my commitment to integrity, service, and professionalism. Each of these moments has shown me the value of showing up prepared, communicating clearly, and doing work that matters. I will carry these lessons with me as I build a career defined by responsibility, curiosity, and collaboration.
Career Preparation: Working 200+ hours per quarter at I Wana Moka - 15 points
November 2022 - June 2025
I have been working at I Wana Moka as a barista for the entirety of my time at WWU,
putting in over 200 hours per quarter while also being a full-time student. Balancing
12–16 academic credits with 20–32 hours of work each week has been one of the most challenging but rewarding experiences of my college career. This job has taught me perseverance, resilience, and, most importantly, time management. I’ve learned to prioritize responsibilities, keep a consistent schedule, and stay organized under pressure. These are foundational career skills that I know will help me no matter what industry I enter. Additionally, working in a customer-facing environment improved my communication and problem-solving skills, as I often had to resolve issues quickly and with professionalism. I’m proud of how I’ve managed my responsibilities and will carry this strong work ethic and discipline with me into any future workplace.
putting in over 200 hours per quarter while also being a full-time student. Balancing
12–16 academic credits with 20–32 hours of work each week has been one of the most challenging but rewarding experiences of my college career. This job has taught me perseverance, resilience, and, most importantly, time management. I’ve learned to prioritize responsibilities, keep a consistent schedule, and stay organized under pressure. These are foundational career skills that I know will help me no matter what industry I enter. Additionally, working in a customer-facing environment improved my communication and problem-solving skills, as I often had to resolve issues quickly and with professionalism. I’m proud of how I’ve managed my responsibilities and will carry this strong work ethic and discipline with me into any future workplace.
Professional Communication: 381/382 Project with Ritual Records - 5 points
In Fall 2024, I completed a two-quarter course series in Marketing Research (MKTG 381) and Consumer Behavior (MKTG 382), where we partnered with Ritual Records, a local music store in Bellingham. My team worked directly with the store’s owner, Corey, to conduct a full consumer behavior analysis and deliver marketing recommendations.
We developed and distributed a survey, conducted in-depth secondary research, and analyzed market and customer insights to better understand Ritual’s audience and challenges. This project helped me develop strong professional communication skills, especially in coordinating with a real-world client, presenting data clearly, and working collaboratively with a team. I also strengthened my ability to tailor messages to different audiences and support ideas with evidence. One of the most rewarding aspects was seeing our research turn into actionable recommendations that could genuinely benefit a local business. These skills will help me in any career that involves clientcommunication, strategic thinking, and translating data into real-world solutions.
We developed and distributed a survey, conducted in-depth secondary research, and analyzed market and customer insights to better understand Ritual’s audience and challenges. This project helped me develop strong professional communication skills, especially in coordinating with a real-world client, presenting data clearly, and working collaboratively with a team. I also strengthened my ability to tailor messages to different audiences and support ideas with evidence. One of the most rewarding aspects was seeing our research turn into actionable recommendations that could genuinely benefit a local business. These skills will help me in any career that involves clientcommunication, strategic thinking, and translating data into real-world solutions.
Ethics & Professionalism: Restoration at Sehome Arboretum – 3 points
On June 6th, I will be volunteering with the Ecological Restoration Club at Sehome Hill
Arboretum to remove invasive plant species such as English Ivy, Holly, and Cherry
Laurel. This work, guided by the Sehome Hill Arboretum Board of Governors and
supported by the City of Bellingham and WWU, plays a key role in promoting long-term environmental sustainability and community stewardship. Participating in this restoration effort reflects my values of ethical responsibility and respect for the natural world. It has reminded me how professionalism also means showing up, being prepared, and working effectively with others, even in physically demanding and less controlled environments. Volunteering in this capacity reinforces the importance of integrity, follow-through, and service - all of which are traits I will carry into my career. I believe doing work that benefits the community and protects shared resources is an important aspect of being a responsible professional. I look forward to contributing meaningfully to the site and growing my understanding of ethical, hands-on leadership.
Arboretum to remove invasive plant species such as English Ivy, Holly, and Cherry
Laurel. This work, guided by the Sehome Hill Arboretum Board of Governors and
supported by the City of Bellingham and WWU, plays a key role in promoting long-term environmental sustainability and community stewardship. Participating in this restoration effort reflects my values of ethical responsibility and respect for the natural world. It has reminded me how professionalism also means showing up, being prepared, and working effectively with others, even in physically demanding and less controlled environments. Volunteering in this capacity reinforces the importance of integrity, follow-through, and service - all of which are traits I will carry into my career. I believe doing work that benefits the community and protects shared resources is an important aspect of being a responsible professional. I look forward to contributing meaningfully to the site and growing my understanding of ethical, hands-on leadership.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion: Living abroad in Paris - 5 points
In 2019, after graduating high school, I moved to Paris to attend photography school at Spéos Photographic Institute. This experience was life-changing and gave me a deeper, more personal understanding of cultural differences and global perspectives. My class was small (just 11 students) and because it was an international program, I got to interact daily with people from all over the world. Living in a new country pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me develop empathy, cultural awareness, and
adaptability. Navigating life in a foreign language also improved my communication and problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations. I now understand the value of diverse viewpoints and inclusive collaboration, both personally and professionally. These are essential skills I’ll continue to apply in future work environments that value equity and diversity.
adaptability. Navigating life in a foreign language also improved my communication and problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations. I now understand the value of diverse viewpoints and inclusive collaboration, both personally and professionally. These are essential skills I’ll continue to apply in future work environments that value equity and diversity.