About the Work

I'm actually in transition. Upon graduation I was hired on at Sentier as a Qualitative Researcher and over the seven years I spent working with Kelly and her team I rose to a position of leadership within the company, giving me the opportunity to build out a research team focused on both tenured experience and fresh enthusiasm. Since then, I've transitioned into the Austin Police Academy as a cadet (through September of 2026 as this is written) with the hope of carrying my knowledge of the human experience into law enforcement with a focus on collaborative community oriented policing.

How the iSchool Prepared Them

For me, it's hard not to say the entire experience. There's something to pull from any and all classes even if they're not closely related to your field or specialization of choice. Your professors are going to engage you based on who you are and that's something different from everyone within your class. I recommend seeking out a balanced course load that focuses on both the path you would like to carve out for yourself as well as niche courses led by passionate instructors - taking a course irrelevant to your "top of mind goals" that is taught by a passionate educator is often more rewarding than those that fall into your specialty that haven't been as passionately crafted or updated over the years. Be an individual and know that your experience is going to factor into your future far more than your specific course load.

A Memorable iSchool Experience

Working as a research assistant under Eric Nordquist as well as working alongside the IT staff stands out to me. For the prior, I was exposed to not only real research outside of a classroom but research that had true and direct impact. I couldn't personally put a price on that experience, it was some of the most fun I ever had executing research, specifically with DellMed and Kasey Claborn's team.

Additionally, working alongside the unsung heroes within the IT department was spectacular. Not only are they all talented individuals, they're passionate about supporting the students within the iSchool and being offered an opportunity to develop a similar passion for my peers was a foundation for the servant leadership I championed at Sentier.

Additional Reflections

Academics at any level are fast paced so have a plan but do you best to slow things down. Take in your surroundings, talk to people, and force yourself to just listen. There is a plethora of stories just lying in wait to be discovered and the impact those stories can have on you is beyond your imagination until you're able to look back on the journey you took to discover them.

To the School of Information, it's professors and staff, and all of my UT peers, thank you for being a part of my own story.

Advice for Current Students