\u201cNavy Veteran, gym and snowboarding enthusiast, beach lover, and happiest when surrounded by family.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hometown:\u00a0Ada, Oklahoma<\/p>\n
Fun Fact About Yourself:\u00a0I started getting into climbing last year with my brother. The first trip we took was a route in New Mexico that was over 1,000 feet, took over 12 hours to complete, and was absolutely terrifying, but I loved it!<\/p>\n
Undergraduate School and Major:\u00a0East Central University, Ada, Oklahoma; Major: Accounting<\/p>\n
Most Recent Employer and Job Title: U.S. Navy \u2013 SONAR Technician\/ Rescue Swimmer<\/p>\n
What excites you the most about living in New York City and how do you see it enhancing your learning experience? The first time that I came to New York City, I was in my junior year in college. On the flight home, I knew that I was coming back. After spending the last five years in the U.S. Navy, I am very excited about the opportunities that living in NYC presents. The non-stop energy that is generated is exactly the environment I am looking for and I am very excited to see what is next.<\/p>\n
Aside from your classmates,\u00a0what was the key part of NYU Stern\u2019s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you?\u00a0Stern\u2019s prime location in the heart of New York City offers unparalleled access to the industries I want to be part of. The ability to attend class in the morning and meet with professionals face-to-face just a subway ride away is unmatched. It creates constant exposure to real-world opportunities and builds momentum in both learning and networking. Combine that with Stern\u2019s strong reputation in finance and beyond, and it became clear this was the right environment for me to take the next step in my career.<\/p>\n
What course, club or activity excites you the most at NYU Stern? I am most excited about being part of the Graduate Finance Association and the Adventure Club. The Graduate Finance Association is a key resource for refining my technical skills, preparing for recruiting, and connecting with Stern alumni across the industry. Its mentorship and speaker series are especially valuable as I transition from military service to a finance career. At the same time, the Adventure Club aligns with who I am outside the classroom, which is someone who recharges through outdoor challenges. Whether it\u2019s a weekend hike, a climbing adventure, or a snowboarding trip, I\u2019m excited to bond with classmates through shared experience and a little adrenaline.<\/p>\n
What does EQ (Emotional Intelligence) mean to you and when have you seen its value in your career?\u00a0 To me, emotional intelligence (EQ) means understanding your own reactions, reading the room, and leading with empathy. It\u2019s the ability to stay composed under pressure, communicate clearly, and adapt to different personalities, especially when stakes are high.<\/p>\n
I saw the value of EQ constantly during my time in the Navy, but one moment stands out: while leading a team through a high-stress operational task, tensions were rising and mistakes were being made. Rather than push harder, I paused to listen \u2013 really listen \u2013 to the team\u2019s concerns. Once I acknowledged the pressure they were feeling, morale shifted. People refocused, communication improved, and we got the job done efficiently. That moment reinforced something I\u2019ve carried forward ever since: people perform best when they feel heard and supported, and they know beyond any doubt that you have their back.<\/p>\n
Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Passing Rescue Swimmer School and serving as the lead rescue swimmer on our ship was one of my biggest accomplishments. The course itself was very physically and mentally demanding, requiring relentless discipline, attention to detail, and the ability to perform under pressure. But earning that qualification was just the beginning. As the lead swimmer for our ship, I took on responsibility not just for mission execution, but for training others and ensuring our team was always ready. It taught me how to lead by example, stay calm under pressure, and put the mission and team above all else, lessons I carry with me every day.<\/p>\n
What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2027?\u00a0I believe my work ethic will be a big contribution to the Class of 2027. I am definitely not the smartest person in the room, but I will be the first person to work and the last one to leave. Whether it\u2019s helping a classmate prep for interviews, diving into a group project, or staying late to get the details right, I will show up fully and consistently every time. That mindset is something I bring to every team I\u2019m part of, and I am excited to bring that same energy to Stern.<\/p>\n
What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into NYU Stern\u2019s MBA program?\u00a0I believe one of the best pieces of advice I received when applying to Stern was to know exactly why you want to be here, and be specific. Stern looks for candidates who have done their homework, who understand how its unique culture, clubs, and academic strengths align with their goals. It\u2019s not enough to say you want to work in finance or tech; show how Stern\u2019s community, resources, and values will help you grow and how you can contribute to Stern\u2019s culture. I\u2019d also encourage applicants to be authentic and genuine. Stern\u2019s emphasis on IQ + EQ isn\u2019t just a slogan \u2014 it\u2019s real. Let your personality come through in your essays and interviews. People at Stern care about who you are, not just what you\u2019ve done.<\/p>\n
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