Ashley
Junior
English Language & Literature/teaching
Allison, Iowa

Briefly describe your job duties in the Financial Aid Office. I am a peer counselor, assisting students with questions about their financial aid and the different options to help pay for college. I also get to meet with incoming freshman to answer questions and help make their transition from high school to college an easy one.

How has the Financial Aid Office helped you with your college education? When I first came to UNI, I didn’t think I'd be able to manage a job and keep up with classes. After receiving work-study, I got a job here in Student Employment. Not only did having a job on campus help me manage my time more wisely, but I got to meet new people every day, while gaining valuable skills that will help with future job opportunities.

Describe how the office helped you with financial aid. After working at the Financial Aid Office, I became aware of the different choices available to help students pay for college. I received a Common Scholarship, which helped me pay for my college expenses. I discovered many other types of aid, such as grants and alternative loans. It's great knowing if I ever have a question about aid or problems paying for college, the office is full of kind, helpful people who are always willing to review my options.

What's the best thing about working in the Financial Aid Office? I'm so thankful for the wonderful environment. I get to work with new people each day, while building lasting relationships with fellow student employees and staff. Paying for college is definitely a burden shared by most college students and getting the chance to introduce students to the available options is very rewarding.

What do you plan to do with your UNI education? I plan to teach high school students and hope I can serve as a role model, preparing and instructing them to make wise decisions regarding their future lives.