Jagger Spiering
From: Norfolk, NE
Major: Biochemistry
What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
It is the culmination of four years of hard work.
Transformational moment(s)
Over last summer, I got funding through the Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research to conduct research in a lab and this was the best opportunity of my life. I was able to meet new people and get hands on knowledge in a lab environment.
Involvement
Dr. Limei Zhang Lab, College of Arts and Sciences Inquire, Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research, Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experience.
Plans (job, continuing education, internship, etc) after graduation
Currently undecided but planning to find a biotech job in the Nebraska area.
"After graduation, I am most looking forward to ___."
Gaining relevant experience in my field to move up in the industry.
Was there anything that pleasantly surprised you?
I was surprised just how many different people I would meet and become friends with.
Thank you message
I want to give a big thank you to Dr. Limei Zhang. She has supported my undergraduate research immensely which has allowed me the opportunity to move forward into the job market with relevant experience. Without her, none of this would be possible.
Kai Waddell
From: Lincoln, NE
Majors: Microbiology
What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
Graduating from Nebraska means coming full circle. Lincoln raised me, now I'm its ambassador wherever I go.
Transformational moment(s)
The most transformational, yet consistent part of my experience at Nebraska was working in Dr. Lindsey Crawford's Lab on East Campus. As a young student I reached out to Dr. Crawford's lab on a whim, afraid I wouldn't get any response. She accepted me and others graciously, teaching me not only how to run experiments or analyze data, but also how to mature as a student, researcher, and person. She pushed me to show what I had done, to apply to fellowships and scholarships I would have never done on my own, and believed in me when I faltered the hardest. Her lab has influenced my passion for research and long term plans to work in the scientific field.
Involvement
I was previously involved in the Freshman Campus Leadership Association and Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. I am currently an INBRE Scholar (NIH Grant for research opportunities) and this takes up most of my time.
Plans (job, continuing education, internship, etc) after graduation
I will be moving to Madison, Wisconsin to work as a Technological Solutions Engineer at Epic Systems Inc, while I work on my applications for Medical School.
"After graduation, I am most looking forward to ___."
After graduation, I am most looking forward to experiencing a new city and state and meeting new people from around the country and world.
Was there anything that pleasantly surprised you?
Coming from Lincoln, I truthfully believed that UNL would be an extension of my high school years and I wouldn't be able to grow into myself. I've met friends from around the country, developed into my own person, and had amazing experiences along the way, nothing like I had imagined.
Thank you message
From late night talks to our post work runs, from raiding the C-store to empassioned talks about politics, we've been through everything together. We became roommates by change, but becoming friends was a lifesaver. You kept me grounded when I freaked out and taught me how to have a good time. I couldn't have made it through these years at UNL without you man. Thanks for being my person through it all.
Isabella Shaddick
From: Lincoln, NE
Majors: Psychology, Criminal Justice (SCCJ)
What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
Graduating from Nebraska means being part of a community built on strong Midwest values like hard work, humility, and perseverance. I'm incredibly thankful to have grown in a place that shaped me with those values and will carry them with me wherever I go.
Transformational moment(s)
Psychology and Criminal Justice. I had always been interested in these fields, but it wasn’t until I took certain classes that I truly fell in love with them. My internships played a huge role in shaping my path as well. Working with different judges in DUI/Drug courts gave me a real world understanding of the legal system, while my time in communications at the Attorney General's office allowed me to see how law and public service intersect. These experiences have not only deepened my passion for criminal justice but have also helped me clarify what I want to do going forward focusing on making a positive impact within the system.
Involvement
Psychology 100 TA, Chi Omega Sorority, Active member in the Newman Center
Plans (job, continuing education, internship, etc) after graduation
I'm happy to be staying home in Lincoln, Nebraska as I will be the Executive Assistant to the Nebraska Attorney General.
"After graduation, I am most looking forward to ___."
navigating adulthood, starting my career, and finding a good balance between work and enjoying the journey ahead!
Was there anything that pleasantly surprised you?
how genuinely kind and hard-working everyone is. Whether it was professors, fellow students, or staff, there was always a sense of community and support that made my experience even more rewarding. People are truly dedicated to helping each other succeed, and that made a big impact on me.
Thank you message
Dear Mom and Dad,
I just want to take a moment to say thank you for everything you've done for me throughout my time as a Husker. Your unwavering support, encouragement, and love have meant the world to me. From the late-night talks to the guidance when I needed it most, you've been my rock every step of the way. I couldn't have made it through without you, and I am so grateful to have you by my side.
Thank you for believing in me and helping me reach this milestone. I’m so lucky to have you both in my corner!
With all my love,
Your daughter
Aditya Jain
From: Omaha, NE
Majors: Mathematics, Computer Science (CoE)
What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
If you want to think and do big with the power of a tight-knit community helping you realize your goals, the Raikes School is for you. Being a powerful, mid-size institution, Nebraska can do this for any student going through the university.
Transformational moment(s)
The two people who've made the biggest impact of my college career are Dr. Ryan Bockmon and Dr. Seth Polsley. I collaborated with Dr. Ryan Bockmon on two research projects in computer science education. Our first paper was exploring participation bias in computer science studies, and I was fortunate to lead our second research project as first author on a paper centered on learning outcomes in introductory CS courses. We published this paper in the ACM CompEd conference, and I got to travel with Dr. Bockmon and Dr. Cooper to present my research at the conference. While research wasn't an avenue I had planned to go down coming into college, I owe it to Dr. Bockmon for showing me how fascinating and fulfilling research can be. Where Dr. Bockmon introduced me to and guided me through research, Dr. Polsley showed and coached me through the various facets of teaching. I'm proud to have significantly improved the data science Raikes courses working with Dr. Polsley. From modifying and rearranging curriculum, crafting brand new homework assignments, and reworking their final projects, Dr. Polsley and I have reworked these three courses (Stats, Machine Learning, and Management Science) from the ground up to create a cohesive pipeline of learning outcomes throughout these courses' progression. Their collective mentorship and countless hours I've spent in their offices have crafted my appreciation and affinity towards academia.
Involvement
Undergraduate TA for 4 courses, Raikes School, Undergraduate Research, University Honors, Intramural Sports, Quiz Bowl, Math Club
Plans (job, continuing education, internship, etc) after graduation
Moving to New York City to become a Data Scientist at Ion Group. I plan to pursue graduate school down the line!
"After graduation, I am most looking forward to ___."
Using the skills and passion to hone my craft in whatever field I apply it to. Whether it be industry or academia, the lessons learned within the walls of the University and The Raikes School specifically will stay with me for a lifetime.
Was there anything that pleasantly surprised you?
What started off as an application for an on-campus job, ended up introducing me to some of my best friends and plethora of memories over the course of my two years I worked at the Campus Rec. I joined working behind the front desk, and eventually became a manager, which added a sense of ownership and responsibility. I was put in tough situations, had to deal with injuries, angry customers, and think through stressful situations on the fly. Inadvertently, this gave me a lot leadership experience and a lot of fond memories.
Carson Haberyan
From: Maryville, MO
Majors: French, Secondary Education (CEHS)
What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
For me, graduating from Nebraska means representing the people that helped me reach where I am today and using the tools I've been given to create positive changes in education.
Transformational moment(s)
I have served as a resident assistant for half of my undergraduate career, an experience from which I've grown in all areas of my life. It was the first time in my life where I was responsible for a large group of people, and where I was tasked with building community among individuals from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, I learned to collaborate with my fellow RA's in ways I never had before. I feel confident in saying that the experience has made be a better educator.
Involvement
Video Game Devleopment Club - member, French/Francophone Club - president, 2022-2025, Resident Assistant - 2023-2025.
Plans (job, continuing education, internship, etc) after graduation
As of now, I am waiting to hear if I will be able to teach English in France for the 2025-2026 academic year. Afterwards, I will complete my master's degree in French at UNL.
"After graduation, I am most looking forward to ___."
Continuing to grow as an educator and discovering the correlation between culture and linguistic development.
What pleasantly surprised you?
Although Lincoln is not a small town by any means, it can often feel like one. It's never difficult to find community or friends. I was also surprised by the high quality of education that I received here, which was better than I had even expected when I arrived in 2021.
Thank you message
I would like to thank Dr. Schauer in the Modern Languages department for supporting me as French Club president and through all four years of my French major. Her support was crucial during my time at UNL, and I will forever be grateful for the effort she put into ensuring my success.
Aya Boko
From: Lincoln, NE
Majors: Global Studies, Elementary Education (CEHS)
What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
Graduating from Nebraska means everything to me. As a former refugee who moved to Nebraska at age 11, this milestone is more than just a degree — it’s proof of how far I’ve come. It represents the resilience of my family, the opportunities I never imagined I’d have, and the hope I carry for the future. Nebraska became the place where I rebuilt my life and found my voice, and graduating here feels like coming full circle.
Transformational moment(s)
One of the most transformational moments during my time at Nebraska was discovering the student organization Future Teachers of Color (FTOC). I first got involved through Dr. Amanda Morales, who introduced me to the group and became a mentor who truly believed in me. Through FTOC, I found a powerful sense of community, a space where I felt seen and supported as a future educator of color. Being part of the executive team gave me leadership experience, opportunities to mentor high school students of color interested in teaching, and even took me to Texas for a professional development event I’ll never forget. FTOC helped me realize that I belong in education and that I have the power to create inclusive spaces for my future students, just like others did for me.
Involvement
Future Teachers of Color, Teacher Scholars Academy, William H. Thompson Scholars, Peace Corps Prep, Delta Xi Nu Multicultural Sorority, Multicultural Greek Council, African Student’s Association
Plans (job, continuing education, internship, etc) after graduation
After graduation, I plan to begin my teaching career with Lincoln Public Schools. I have signed a contract and am currently exploring job openings within the district. I will be staying in Lincoln, Nebraska as I take this next step in becoming an elementary educator.
"After graduation, I am most looking forward to ___."
After graduation, I am most looking forward to finally having the time to read for fun again and getting lost in books I’ve been putting off!
What pleasantly surprised you?
Even on such a big campus, I was pleasantly surprised by how possible it was to find a sense of community. Through my majors and organizations like Future Teachers of Color, I found supportive spaces where I could grow, connect, and feel like I truly belonged.
Thank you message
I’m incredibly grateful to all the amazing professors who supported, encouraged, and believed in me throughout my time at UNL. Your guidance shaped my journey in more ways than you know, and I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without your dedication and care.
Ahmed Alsayid
From: Lincoln, NE
Majors: Global Studies
What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
Graduating from Nebraska means fulfilling a dream built on resilience, community, and growth. It represents the support of those who believed in me and the responsibility to give back to the community that shaped who I am.
Transformational moment(s)
I often think back to when I was just a sophomore applying for the Critical Language Scholarship. The opportunity to study abroad in Turkey and immerse myself in language learning was a turning point in my life. It was my first time traveling abroad on my own, and the experience opened my eyes to the world in ways I never expected. It was in Turkey that I truly discovered my passion for language learning, diplomacy, and international affairs. That summer shaped everything I now want to pursue. If I hadn’t lived that one experience, I honestly don’t know where I’d be today. It was deeply transformative and laid the foundation for my career goals.
Involvement
African student association President, Middle Eastern North African student association student Ambassador, ASUN Senator, ASUN Equity Grant Selections committee chair, UNL Tennis club, NSE International Welcome team, WHT Peer mentor
Plans (job, continuing education, internship, etc) after graduation
I will be attending George Washington University for a Masters in International Affairs, In Washington D.C.
"After graduation, I am most looking forward to ___."
Making new memories, connecting with others, and using what I've learned over the past 4 years out in the real world.
What pleasantly surprised you?
The number of connections I’ve made here, both personal and professional, has been incredible. Each relationship I’ve built has led me to new lessons, insights, and paths to knowledge. I’ve learned that success can mean many different things to many different people, and I’m grateful to have been part of such a thoughtful and welcoming community.
Thank you message
Thank you to Dr. Emira Ibrahimpasic for constantly opening doors and introducing me to new opportunities. I’m incredibly grateful for her steady support and guidance—she’s always been someone I could count on. Her positivity and direction have had a lasting impact on me. She’s taught me so much about the real world, connected me with countless opportunities, and reminded me that learning is a lifelong journey.