ABOUT NIKOLA
- From Alliance, OH
- Member of the Class of 2028
- Majoring in anthropology
- Tour guide
Nikola's three words that describe Kent State: Community, Support, Comfort
TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A STUDENT AT KENT STATE!
I'm a rising junior, studying anthropology and applied data and information. Being on campus and in classes has given me a sense of independence and love for life that I had not necessarily expected. The best part of my Kent State experience is my random roommate, who is now my best friend.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE KENT STATE?
I chose Kent State because my family is near, and many are alumni. I also chose it because of its diversity and inclusion values.
Finding a place where I felt accepted and comfortable was important to me.
WHEN DID KENT STATE START TO FEEL LIKE HOME?
Kent State started to feel like home as soon as I got my random roommate in the spring of my freshman year. Josefa is the best roommate and friend I could have asked for. She also led me to most of my friends here at Kent that she met through the international student programs. The best way to find your community here is to join clubs or to put yourself out there because you could meet your best friend in any stranger.
WHAT'S A COOL LEARNING EXPERIENCE YOU'VE HAD?
With one of my archaeology professors, I had the opportunity to study and actually use atlatl spear throwers made in the experimental archaeology lab. This was incredibly cool because it is something I am interested in and an experience that is rare and unique.
WHO HAS MADE YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE SPECIAL?
My Honors Colloquium professor had an incredible impact on me. I often tell others that she changed my life, and she did. The way I thought about things, the way I felt about life, she had an impact on that. She remains the best professor I have ever had. Her passion for the content of the class, which I was also passionate about, was meaningful to me.
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOURSELF THE WEEK BEFORE YOU STARTED COLLEGE?
No matter what happens, it will end up okay, if not much better. I would tell myself a motto I often steal from a show I love, “regression to the mean," which reminds me to enjoy the highs and stick through the lows because it always comes back to the middle.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS, POST-GRADUATION?
My dream is to be an archivist. Kent State is the only university in the state that has the master's program necessary for that career path, so it was one of the reasons I came here.
Kent State, the Honors College, and anthropology together are providing me with priceless experiences and education to help me achieve my goal.
Outside of academics, they are also teaching me skills like leadership and confidence.
WHY SHOULD OTHER STUDENTS CHOOSE KENT STATE?
Kent State has the community for you and is there to get you through the most difficult and the best parts of your life.