SHALAY
international business economics '20 

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WHY WEBER STATE?

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I decided to go back to school when I was 28 years old. I had been laid off from my job as a property manager—twice. I was tired of the instability and knew that I would need education to further my career goals. I had ideas, dreams, and passions that I wanted to pursue, and education would help me achieve those goals. After ten years of dealing with domestic abuse, going through divorce, living in a garage without heat or air-conditioning, I realized that education would give me the foundation I needed to obtain stability and provide for myself. I had graduated high school at the age of 16. I had never taken the ACT/SATs. My transcripts were essentially non-existent. I did some research and found that Weber State would be able to accept me with the information that I was able to obtain. Weber State helped me change my life and became my home away from home and a safe haven. 

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WHY INT'L BUSINESS ECONOMICS?

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I had an awesome Micro-Econ professor, and I did very well in his class. I discovered that I thoroughly enjoyed Economics. To me, economics explains how the world works and how business fits into it.

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INCREDIBLE ACCESS

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Everyone—the staff, professors, etc.—truly care about the students and their success. The class sizes are small and give you plenty of opportunities to connect with your professors. 

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FACULTY IMPACT

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Professor Matt Gnagey helped me both in class and outside of class, his teaching style resonated with me and I decided to change my major. Prof. Boyle gave me advice on my career and education. Prof. Kinsley knowledge and enthusiasm was evident in every class and activity and passion he had was contagious. Gavin Roberts made statistics interesting and he was always available to help his students. Not only were the professors great, other staff members were awesome too-- Niki Tonks, both of the Deans, Mary Ann Boles, etc.

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ADVICE

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Weber State is a fantastic university. You will have every opportunity to make the most of your college experience—but, it will be up to you to take those opportunities. The university has small class sizes, caring professors, and all the support one could need. Getting involved will give you more opportunities to make friends, network, volunteer in the community/on campus, and find joy in learning. Research: Figure out what supplies you need. Check out professors before choosing classes. Know where your classes are located and the times. Look up the programs, centers, scholarships, activities, clubs, etc. that are available on campus. Get involved: If you want to try something new, make friends, build upon your leadership skills, be involved with events/activities, etc. Get involved. You will have a more fulfilling experience at the University and have opportunities to get out of your comfort zone.  

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

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I am currently working as a Contract Specialist for Hill Air Force Base. I am planning on getting my Master’s Degree. I am working on a book and some children’s literature. I am hoping to work with a non-profit one day, have a company that invests in private and commercial real estate, and possibly flip businesses. I am open to seeing where the future takes me. My biggest aspiration is to help others and make a difference in my community.

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