Though junior economics major Jessi Spradlin chose to attend Northern Kentucky University for its close proximity to her house, the Cold Spring native has found a second home on campus.
“I’ve stayed at NKU for the sense of belonging it brings me,” she says. “I have been lucky enough to find a gracious community here that has not only welcomed me but encourages me to be my best self every day.”
At Campbell County High School, Spradlin juggled a number of extracurricular activities, like theater, Spanish Club and Key Club, a service organization helmed by Kiwanis International. This passion for helping others and finding community carried over into college. At NKU, she frequently participates in campus-wide days of service, works as an orientation leader and is a member of Theta Phi Alpha and Econ Club.
“Creating connections through getting involved will open many doors for you and give you resources to have on campus and after you leave."
“My advice for any first-year student (but especially first-year commuter students) is to get involved,” she says. “It is absolutely the best way to build your own community and support network. Creating connections through getting involved will open many doors for you and give you resources to have on campus and after you leave.”
Similarly, majoring in economics—along with her minor in communication studies—has been another opportunity for Spradlin to connect with others.
“The numbers and events that you’re studying are not just numbers,” she says. “They are real people, businesses and families. I see what I’m studying out in the real world.”
Dr. Linda Dynan, instructor of Spradlin’s “Econometrics” course, which combines statistics and economics, has given her greater confidence to pursue work in the field.
“Being a woman in a male-dominated field of study is difficult,” Spradlin says. “When I am in her class, I have the opportunity to see that there isn’t just a mere chance that I could be good enough to work in economics one day. Through hard work and perseverance, it feels like a reality because she does it every day.”
Spradlin is still exploring possible career paths, but she hopes to be able to continue to pursue her interests while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. She is currently participating in the Haile College of Business’ “Connect Ahead” program, which connects participants with paid micro-internship developed by faculty. In Spradlin’s own internship, she works with a partner and faculty advisor to conduct market research.
“It’s challenging, but very rewarding,” she says.
Spradlin is excited by the prospect of attending graduate school after receiving her bachelor’s degree but also looks forward to celebrating her undergraduate experience.
“I’m really excited to experience how my life has changed, and how I have grown as a person,” she says. “To me, getting my degree means proving to myself that I can persevere. As a first-generation college student, getting here was a struggle and staying took a lot of work to truly integrate into college life. I cannot wait to get my degree to show myself and other first generation college students that we are meant to be in these spaces, and we can persevere together.”
