Go Big Grad December 2024

Graduate holding up degree at commencement
Khai Chng

Khai Ch'ng

From: Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Majors: Data Science, Mathematics, Computer Science (through CoE)

What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
Truly a bittersweet ending towards my collegiate career. The courses I've enrolled in Nebraska have helped developed and prepared me for the corporate world, but Nebraska itself has felt like home to me for the past few years. I've made numerous lifelong memories and genuine friends along this journey which I'll never take for granted, but it's time to turn the tassel and flip into the next chapter of my life. 

Transformational moment(s)
My favorite memories throughout my time in Nebraska have been my involvement in extra-curricular activities on campus. Rushing my fraternity, Kappa Sigma, was by far the best decision I've made during college. I feel like it allowed me to gain the full college experience in the US and has taught me some genuine values I will stand by my entire life. Being part of NUMSA, the Nebraska University Malaysian Student Association, has also allowed me to connect with other fellow Malaysians in Nebraska, offering a sense of home I dearly miss.  

Involvement
I was the Head New Member Educator and Philanthropy Chair for my fraternity, Kappa Sigma. 

I was the Primary Programmer for the Nebraska University Malaysian Student Association (NUMSA) and we organized Malaysian Night back in 2023 with just 6 members within the committee, hosting over 100 guests and raised over $4,000. 

I have been a Learning Assistant for College Algebra for 3 semesters now as I love mentoring and guiding students to excel in their academics. This was my way to give back to the Math community. 

Plans (job, continuing education, internship, etc) after graduation
I intend to pursue a Data Analyst role in the United States.

"After graduation, I am most looking forward to ___."
Potentially move to another city or state and prepare for the next chapter of my life.

"The best thing about being a Husker is ____."
Wear red and scream "GO BIG RED" on game days.

Thank you message
I'd like to thank Doug Pellatz the most for guiding me throughout my time in UNL for me to graduate the most efficiently and with the best academics possible.

Sangok Jeon

Sangok Jeon

From: Gimhae, Gyeongsangnamdo, South Korea
Major: Political science 

What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
It is very honorable to graduate in Nebraska. As an international student, I am so excited to get US degree. Studying in Nebraska was a great experience for me to learn English and US culture. 

Transformational moment(s)
I was so impressed with the office hours of professors. In my home country, South Korea, Korean students usually do not use that time to discuss with professors, and there is not much information about office hours. I was surprised that the office hours are for students, and professors are willing to help students by using that time. I could have discussions with professors about my assignments; moreover, I could have some time to do some consultations about my graduate school application. Dr. Daniel Schaub and Dr. Donald Beahm gave me a lot of support regarding my application to graduate schools, and they wrote recommendation letters for me. I really appreciate that. Therefore, I really recommend international students to use office hours actively.  
 
Through the international welcome team, I could have a chance to help new international students adapt to UNL life. Moreover, I could learn about various cultures from new international students. Very good experience to learn more about the importance of diversity.

Involvement

  • UNL International Welcome Team  
  • UNL Model United Nations (Vice President, General member)

Plans (job, continuing education, internship, etc) after graduation.
I am thinking to go to graduate school in the US. I am still waiting for results but I got some various admission offers from 4 schools: University of Maryland, University of Denver, George Mason University, and Rutgers New Brunswick. Currently, my first preference school is University of Denver because that school promised to me to give considerable scholarship. 

"After graduation, I am most looking forward to ___."
Graduate school. 

"The best thing about being a Husker is ___."
Studying in a quiet and academic atmosphere. 

Thank you message
I really appreciate many people, including my advisor Carmen and the faculty of political science. Moreover, I am really grateful to my career coach, Sai Sato Mumm. She helped me to write a Statement of Purpose, a resume, and any other materials that I needed for my application to graduate school.

Mason Nordhausen

Mason Nordhausen

From: Imperial, Nebraska
Majors: Data Science, Mathematics 

What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
Graduating from Nebraska means so much to me because I’ve been a Husker my entire life. Growing up here I went to alot of football, volleyball, and basketball games. Earning my degree here is the fulfillment of a lifelong connection to a place that has shaped who I am.

Transformational moment(s).
The most transformative experience I had was taking the Sports Data and Visualization class. Without a doubt, it was the best class I took during my time at the university. As someone who has always been passionate about data and has a deep love for sports, this course felt like the perfect intersection of my interests.
 
Getting into the class wasn’t easy—it took me three semesters of persistent effort to secure a spot. But the wait was absolutely worth it. What made this course truly exceptional was how it was structured to provide real-world applications for the concepts we learned. Instead of relying on traditional case studies, we created our own portfolios by developing personalized sports blogs. This gave us the opportunity to apply data analysis and visualization techniques to topics we were passionate about, fostering creativity and ownership of our work.

Plans (job, continuing education, internship, etc) after graduation.
Continue my internship into a full-time job as a Data Analyst for Allo Communications. 

"After graduation, I am most looking forward to ___."
Continuing my career and working towards a job within a sports organization.

"The best thing about being a Husker is ___."
The basketball games.

Nathan Volker

Nathan Volker

From: Kearney, NE
Major: Sociology

What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
Supporting Nebraskans around me, trying to make Nebraska a more attractive state for people to move to.  

Transformational moment(s)
UHON 298-- changed my entire perspective about the United States in the world economy.  

Involvement
ASUN student government (multiple committees), Delta Upsilon fraternity, University Honors Program.  

Plans (job, continuing education, internship, etc) after graduation. Include which city/state you will be living in
I will be living in Lincoln. I am currently still looking for a job, but I will eventually be going to law school (hopefully).

"After graduation, I am most looking forward to ___." 
Supporting fellow Nebraskans.

"The best thing about being a Husker is ___." 
The great resources on campus.