My IUPUI story began during the 83rd National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Convention in October 2010. I stumbled across this giant electro plasma in the middle of the Convention Expo, and next to it was Ms. Cindy Harkness who asked me if I ever heard of "Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis."
She began sharing with me all the different programs and opportunities available for students like myself to be part of this vibrant and exciting campus. Personally, the most appealing factor of this campus was its proximity and integration with downtown Indianapolis and the different partnerships and collaborations with the different community organizations and entities that serve its residents.
Ms. Harkness shared with me this board game poster that laid out the path for a student to apply and graduate from IUPUI. I remember taking that poster and hanging it on my wall, fantasizing and imagining what my life would be if I were a Jaguar.
Coming from a small-town in Puerto Rico, I never imagined myself being able to have the opportunity to study on the mainland. It wasn't until I was contacted by Ms. Ashley Anderson, who served as an admission counselor at that time, that I began to conceptualize what my career as an IUPUI student would look like.
Reflecting on this journey, it is hard to summarize my undergraduate career without capturing the essence of how it helped me to grow and become a professional. I have had the blessing to experience multiple opportunities during my undergraduate years: from working with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and helping recruit additional Latinx/Puerto Rican students to campus; serving as a Resident Assistant at Park Place; being a Sam H. Jones Scholar and working with the Latinx population at the Ronald McDonald House, where I learned the importance of being connected with the community and serving others; having the unique experience with SPEA to study in Washington and be an intern at the White House and the Executive Office of the President; being involved in the creation and implementation of IUPUI's first International Alternative Spring Break to Trinidad and Tobago; touring the State with Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann as we celebrated Indiana's 200th Birthday; to finally serving as a Peterson Fellow at the Mayor's Office during my first year as a graduate student at SPEA.
I am who I am today because I am a Jaguar, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
Andre Zhang Sonera, Current Student
As I write this, I want it to become a love letter not only to my alma mater and its community, but also to all of the great professionals and individuals on campus who every day come to work and invest in the development of our Jaguars. These include: Ms. Ashley Anderson and Ms. Cindy Harkness who, as I previously mentioned, were my backbone and made my dream of studying at IUPUI a reality; Ms. Shaunte Rouse, who served as my academic advisor and helped me navigate the course selection and schedule for my first semester; and Ms. Sarah Childs, who serves as a bridge and made sure to connect with the Latino community for support prior to my arrival on campus.
I was fortunate to have had some great professors and IUPUI staff members who were there to guide me and teach me the fundamental professional skills, which includes: Ms. Sara Harrell, Ms. Dina David, Dr. Ketwana Schoos, Ms. Suzann Lupton, Dr. Julia Carboni, Dr. Cali Curley, Dr. Cullen Merritt, and Dr. Deanna Malatesta.
In my career development: Mr. Bobby Bell, who served as my boss at my first on-campus job in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions; Ms. Jen Halford, who taught me the importance of service learning and became one of my trusted mentors and friends; Ms. Sarah Crawford, Ms. Becky Young, and Mr. Josh Skillman who taught me leadership and motivated me to become an RA; and Ms. Sophie Blanco who served as an ally and helped strengthen my confidence.
Most important, I am extremely grateful to SPEA staff who helped and supported my professional development: Ms. Kathleen Hursh, my rock and mentor; Ms. Kyle Hunt McCool; my academic advisors, Mr. James Eckerty, Ms. Debbie Koliba, and Mr. Luke Bickel; Ms. Lorrie Brown, Ms. Charli Lienemann, Ms. Vanessa Pacheco, and Ms. Nicole Messmore at the Center for Service and Learning; and Ms. Mary Friend at the Ronald McDonald House, who inspired me and taught me the fundamentals of becoming a civic-minded graduate and becoming involved with my community during the different Days of Service events across Indianapolis.
As I look back, I couldn't imagine being anywhere other than IUPUI and Indianapolis. I am grateful for all the support, the experiences, and all the individuals who have helped me in one way or another be where I am today. I am not alone in saying that one of the things that makes IUPUI stand out is their investment and dedication to their students, their staff, and the greater Indianapolis community. I am who I am today because I am a Jaguar, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
Andre Zhang Sonera
Current Student
