1. Where is your hometown?
   I was raised in Garland, TX. But I also spent much of my younger years in Wylie, TX. I call both home.
2. Why did you decide to pursue a degree in HR?
   I decided to pursue HR because I wanted to become an advocate for employee transparency. It took one very toxic (and very much illegal) work experience for me to decide that I wanted a career that could make a difference in the workplace and create a positive experience for employees.
3. How has the HR Program at UNT helped you to reach your personal, academic, and/or professional goals?
   The HR Program at UNT has been instrumental in helping me achieve various goals. Not only have I received in-class learning, but I’ve also had the opportunity to refine my skills. Attending UNT’s HR career fairs and networking events provided me with exposure to industry leaders and potential employers. The HR Program at UNT offers students the opportunity to participate in HR competitions, and I have been fortunate to represent UNT in these competitions twice. Both experiences were incredible, allowing me to connect with other HR students, research complex case studies, and develop strategic HR solutions. These competitions also played a significant role in enhancing my presentation and public speaking skills, which are very important in the HR field, or any field for that matter.
4. What was the most important thing you learned in the HR program?
   I’ve learned so much but if I had to pick just one thing is that you create your own reality. Various opportunities are available to students, whether it’s attending career fairs, attending UNT SHRM meetings, or networking with industry professionals—it ultimately comes down to how you leverage those experiences. The program provides a solid foundation and opens doors, but the responsibility to step through them and make the most of those connections lies with each student. It’s about taking the initiative and shaping my own path.
5. What is your greatest academic or professional accomplishment and why?
   As of today, my greatest professional accomplishment has been developing my employer’s comprehensive Performance Evaluation assessment within our HRIS system. This project required me to take full ownership of creating a structured and effective evaluation process. I designed the competencies to align with our organization’s goals and values and created role-specific competencies to align with each roles’ tasks and duties. This is such a significant accomplishment to me because it has helped me implement my own knowledge in a real workplace setting.
6. Where did you complete your internship and what were some key takeaways from it?
   While I did not complete an internship, I was fortunate to have secured a full-time role as an HR Generalist at Hisun Motors Corp. One important key takeaway I’ve learned from my time as an HR Generalist is that an HR career is not linear. It sounds cliché, I know. This career is incredibly dynamic and constantly evolving. To be successful, you must be ready to step out of your comfort zone and learn to adapt to new challenges. This is an empowering perspective, and it has allowed me to embrace challenges and see them for what they are: a stepping stone. It’s a mindset I carry with me.
7. What are your career aspirations?
   For now, I plan to continue in my role as HR Generalist. I enjoy the opportunity to learn and gain hands-on experience across all areas of HR. However, the beauty of this career is its various functions and potential for growth. Ask me again in 5 years, and I may have changed my mind by then!
8. If you were involved in UNT SHRM, briefly summarize your involvement, and explain how your involvement helped you prepare for industry.
   I have been involved in UNT SHRM for the past three semesters, and it has been key in my HR journey. This organization has given me many opportunities to connect with other HR students. UNT SHRM has also done an amazing job at preparing events that bring students together. SHRM is a very important resource for any HR professional. Having a SHRM chapter on campus is a major advantage and I encourage students to get involved.
9. What advice do you have for future HR students who want to make the most out of their experience at UNT?
   My advice for future HR students would be to take advantage of the opportunities the program offers. Attend the career fairs, network as much as you can, find your mentor, participate in competitions, and become or stay active in SHRM. Take initiative in your learning and remember that your experience is what you make of it.

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