“Throughout college, I have learned the importance of hard work and my passion for neuroscience has been greatly strengthened.”

Isabelle recalls the pivotal moment at the end of her freshman year at Auburn University when she was offered a role as a research assistant in an MRI lab. This opportunity not only deepened her passion for neuroscience but also highlighted the fruits of her hard work, providing invaluable hands-on experience and a chance to forge lifelong connections with like-minded individuals. It was then that she knew she had chosen the right path for her career.

Throughout her time as a research assistant, Isabelle has aided in research on the brain mechanisms involved in stress and alcohol use disorders, as well as explored various risk factors affecting adolescent health. Meanwhile, she has remained an active member of several campus organizations, including Kappa Kappa Gamma, and has been working as a lead teacher in an after-school program at a local elementary school. 

REALTOR® sponsor: Jennifer Hoffmann

“I aspire to become a doctor and my academic journey has pushed my passion for working in healthcare even further.”

Makenzie has excelled in her academics, consistently making the dean’s list and the president’s list. She has also been honored with membership in the Abeneefoo Kuo Honor Society, which recognizes African American students for their outstanding academic achievements. Now, she is eager to broaden her involvement in extracurricular activities.

Makenzie credits her mother as her greatest mentor, inspiring her to strive for excellence in all aspects of life. Her favorite aspect of college has been the opportunity to meet new people and adapt to a new environment. As she looks forward to the upcoming year, she plans to increase her participation in community activities to further enrich her college experience and continue expanding her horizons.

REALTOR® sponsor: Juanita Taggart-Jones

“My favorite part of college is branching out within my school and community and learning more about myself.”

Sarah said her time in college has been challenging but rewarding, as her classes have required observation hours in the elementary school, allowing her to better develop her skills in interacting with students and provided her “grace and patience towards teaching.” 

She credits one of her professors, Abigail Carter, as being a mentor in the teaching field, observing that Carter possesses the qualities of a great teacher that she hopes to possess in the future. Her involvement in her sorority and community service has opened her eyes, and she plans to continue with her community service involvement in the future. 

REALTOR® sponsor: John D. Kimbrough

“My favorite part of college so far has been serving the students of the College of Sciences and Mathematics as one of their Student Senators in the Student Government Association Senate.”

Ethan entered Auburn with a goal of pre-medicine work, but has slightly adjusted his goals toward a pre-optometry path, citing the fact that his own need for eyeglasses changed his life and he can’t wait to change the lives of future patients as well. 

While he understands the importance of academics, he believes the relationships you make during your four years at college are just as important. He is also a big believer in community service and has moved up the ladder of IMPACT (Individuals Moving People and Communities Together) from a volunteer to the director of event management, learning the value of giving back to individuals in his community.

REALTOR® sponsor: Leanne Laney

“Making the choice to put myself out there and be engaged in the community has enhanced my college experience.”

Amy credits her work with a doctor of internal medicine as instrumental in developing her career goals. She has always wanted to pursue a career in medicine, but constantly changed her mind concerning what type of medicine she wanted to study. Gaining valuable clinical experience this past December only fueled her desire to be a health care professional. 

She said she loves the independence she has gained from college and has applied her extra time to more involvement in cultural clubs and academic societies as well as volunteer work at the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. In the future, she wants to gain clinical experience by volunteering at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham.

REALTOR® sponsor: Lily Moore

“My favorite part of college thus far has been meeting people from all over the world. I have a mission to meet someone new almost every day while on campus.”

Chase has enjoyed his first year in Troy’s College of Business, observing that the economics classes have been informative in learning about the global economy. In addition to transitioning to college life on his own last year, he was elected as a Freshman Forum delegate within the Student Government Association. In that role, he served the community and the university in issues dealing with student welfare and international student projects while proposing a bill for campus parking improvements. 

As a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon, his philanthropic efforts support the Epilepsy Foundation of America. As a Freshman Forum delegate, interacting with more than 300 future Troy students helped his leadership skills and taught him a lot about recruitment.

REALTOR® sponsor: Rebekah Morgan

“During my time as a Senator for the Harbert College of Business, I got hands-on experience dealing with administrators, students, and the Auburn community. I was able to advocate for each group to ensure their experience at Auburn is as special as mine.”

Trey wants to follow in the footsteps of his REALTOR® father Norman and lists his father as the most significant influence in his life. “He has instilled a set of core values in me such as truth, calling, and courage, that I strive to live my life by daily,” said Trey, who is majoring in finance with a minor in real estate development. He believes that combination gives him a unique perspective to comprehend the financial part of a business as well as the development of real estate. 

His goal after graduation is to work in commercial real estate but in the meantime, he is eager to surround himself with ambitious people he meets through campus activities as well as through his church and fraternity.

REALTOR® sponsor: Norman Schlemmer

“My most significant accomplishment has been getting accepted into nursing school. This past semester has profoundly shaped me and expanded my skills in ways I never imagined.”

Brynna acknowledges that pursuing her BSN in nursing has been more challenging than she initially anticipated. Despite the difficulties, she is grateful to be attending Samford University, where a close-knit support group has been instrumental in her journey toward a nursing degree with a focus on pediatrics. The rigorous coursework has pushed her beyond her comfort zone, requiring her to master five-page scripts and perform comprehensive head-to-toe physical assessments on patients. However, she finds encouragement from a dedicated staff committed to her success and peers who offer constant support.

In addition to her academic commitments, Brynna is actively involved in campus life. She serves as an officer in her sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, is a parent ambassador for the Samford Parent and Family Programs, and holds the position of chaplain in the university’s Association of Nursing Students.

REALTOR® sponsor: Chantelle Smith

“As I’ve worked toward a degree in Finance, my goal to work in Financial Wealth Management has only strengthened. I have thoroughly enjoyed my classes and am excited for the future.” 

Jackson has been diligently pursuing a finance degree at Auburn University, achieving a 4.0 GPA and making the dean’s list in his first year. However, his personal growth has been significantly shaped by his involvement in his fraternity, where he has embraced opportunities for leadership and service. His fraternity’s main philanthropy, ‘The Ability Experience,’ focuses on supporting individuals with disabilities.

Jackson has actively volunteered with the Miracle League of East Alabama and at Camp ASCCA, a retreat at Lake Martin dedicated to serving children and adults with disabilities. His dedication and leadership skills were recognized when he was elected vice president of his pledge class. His fraternity has played a crucial role in his personal development, helping him grow and make a positive impact on the community during his time at Auburn.

REALTOR® sponsor: Emily Hale Taylor

“Every professor I have had at the University of Alabama has had a significant impact on my life. Not only do these teachers impact me on an educational level, but they also inspire me in everyday life.”

Lily has thrived academically during her college journey, but she treasures the social connections she has made as her favorite part of the experience. A close second would be her involvement in the trumpet section of the Million Dollar Band, where she has enjoyed travel opportunities and the chance to meet inspiring and talented individuals.

College life has taught Lily the importance of creating a structured routine for learning and developing healthy lifestyle habits. She credits Keith Norton, her professional development instructor at Culverhouse Business School, for imparting the value of networking and instilling the importance of integrity and a strong work ethic in all aspects of her life.

REALTOR® sponsor: Laura and Tim Vierkandt