DANIEL
manaement information systems '21 (accepted to CMU graduate program)
“To any and all future students considering the Goddard School, do not be afraid to chase your dreams. The Goddard School provides what seems to be an unlimited amount of resources to its students. Use them. Ask for help if you need it. Get involved. The college journey is not meant to be walked alone. Your classmates, professors, and Goddard faculty are invaluable assets to you.”
WHY WEBER STATE?
I started my education at 91¶ÌÊÓƵ when I was 16 years old as an early college student with the Northern Utah Academy for Math, Engineering, and Science (NUAMES). Beginning college at such a young age was certainly tough, especially since most of my classmates were much older than me. However, I fully embraced the challenge. I graduated from Weber State with my Associate's Degree prior to even graduating from high school and was distinguished with High Honors.
WHY MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS?
After switching to Goddard, I was uncertain of what I wanted to major in. I bounced around from International Business Economics to Finance to Accounting. It wasn't until I took my Introduction to Information Systems course that I was exposed to the MIS program at Goddard. After my first day in class, I instantly knew MIS was the degree for me. Ever since I was young, I was always the "tech guy" in the family, whether it was troubleshooting a problem on our computer or helping my parents learn how to use the new iPhone update. Naturally, that lifestyle led me to pick MIS. Plain and simple, I love technology and the role it plays in all our lives.
INCREDIBLE ACCESS
I think a more fitting question is "What resources weren't available to you at Goddard?" The Goddard school is unique for a variety of reasons. However, what has stood out the most is the outstanding faculty. My professors and advisors all had such a strong impact on me. The Goddard faculty has demonstrated over and over again their dedication to me as a student. They care about my success just as much as I do. I never felt like just another number. The Goddard School provided me with a robust learning experience taught by professors who CARE.
CAMPUS INVOLEMENT
My experience at 91¶ÌÊÓƵ was certainly enhanced as a member of the Aletheia Club. The Aletheia Club gave me the opportunity to engage with different groups of people, improve my soft skills, and led to great friendships. Ultimately, it allowed me to learn more about myself and improve upon my abilities.
FACULTY IMPACT
There are three faculty members in particular that had a significant impact on me during my time at Goddard: Robert Ameling, Kimberly Love, and Randy Boyle.
Robert Ameling was my professor for the REAL Projects (Real Experience Applied Learning) class. Professor Ameling's enthusiasm and helpfulness in and out of the classroom was motivating. He believed in me and he wasn't afraid to show it. Kim Love was my mentor for the semester-long project I worked on in the REAL Projects class.
Mrs. Love's acute ability to inspire and coach enabled my learning and personal development. Her outstanding mentorship left a permanent impression on me.
Randy Boyle helped me discover my true potential. Dr. Boyle is a unique professor. His passion, charisma, and dedication to student success is rare. I will always cherish the invaluable lessons I learned while in his classes.
ADVICE
To any and all future students considering the Goddard School, do not be afraid to chase your dreams. The Goddard School provides what seems to be an unlimited amount of resources to its students. Use them. Ask for help if you need it. Get involved. The college journey is not meant to be walked alone. Your classmates, professors, and Goddard faculty are invaluable assets to you.
MIS OUTSTANDING GRAD 2021
Being selected as an outstanding graduate for MIS and as an outstanding baccalaureate graduate is surreal. I am so blessed and honored to be in this position. This achievement means so much to me, more than I could possibly fathom. Although I am the one receiving this recognition, the road to get to this point was not one I walked alone. I have met and worked with so many amazing people along the way: students, faculty, and staff alike. They have all elevated me as a student and individual and I can only hope I was able to do the same for them. I don't want this award to distract from the fact that all my fellow students in this graduating class are outstanding and without them, I wouldn't be here. Despite all the odds and circumstances (a global pandemic, political unrest, etc.), we all still managed to graduate, which is an outstanding feat in its own right. I want to give a big, heartfelt thank you to everyone who allowed me to get to this point. I look forward to being a part of the alumni family at 91¶ÌÊÓƵ.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
I currently work as a Data Engineer at Love Communications, a midsize marketing firm in Salt Lake City. I will be graduating Summa Cum Laude from Weber State with a degree in MIS and a minor in Finance this spring. Beginning in August 2021, I will enter the Master of Science in Information Security Policy and Management program at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). The comprehensive coursework in the Goddard School exposed me to a broad array of business principles and well-equipped me with the tools I need for success in my Master's program at CMU.
I want to use technology as a force for good to help secure and protect business, government, and, ultimately, people. I am pursuing leadership in cybersecurity, particularly in the form of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). I am extremely interested in the idea of helping an organization achieve its strategic objectives from a cybersecurity perspective.