Student Stories Archives - ��vlog��

“You’re Going to Be a Doctor”: Wright’s Dream Becoming Reality

Larry Isch — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 19:08:01 +0000

“You’re going to be a doctor—you did it.”

Those were the words from her parents that finally made it real for Jessie Wright.

Moments earlier, the ��vlog�� senior from Decatur, Texas, had been holding her breath, staring at her phone, trying to process the news she had worked toward for years. But it wasn’t until she saw her parents’ faces light up on a FaceTime call—voices breaking with pride and disbelief—that the weight of the moment settled in: she was going to medical school.

“When I got the news, I immediately FaceTimed my parents, and it didn’t fully hit me until I saw their reaction,” Wright said. “It began with excitement and quickly turned into a phone call full of tears of joy. Hearing my parents say those words will stay with me forever—they’re engraved on my heart.”

Wright, who will graduate with high honors in May with a degree in biology, has earned a provisional acceptance to Baptist University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Memphis. The offer places her on the waitlist for 2026 admission with guaranteed entry for the fall 2027 semester. In the meantime, she plans to continue building toward her goal this fall by enrolling in the one-year Master of Biomedical Science program at the Arkansas College of Health Education’s Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (ARCOM) in Fort Smith.

The call that changed everything came on the afternoon of April 1—April Fool’s Day—exactly four weeks after her in-person interview.

“I had been anxiously waiting since the three-week mark, hoping my phone would ring at any moment,” she said. “By 4:30 that afternoon, I didn’t think I would hear anything. I was in the science building—the place that holds some of my most meaningful experiences—about to head to class with Dr. Frank Knight when my watch started buzzing.”

What happened next unfolded in a blur.

“When I looked down and saw an unknown number that said ‘Maybe: Baptist University,’ I gasped and told Dr. Knight, ‘Wait—I think I’m getting an acceptance call,’” she said. “I stepped away and answered, and from that moment on I couldn’t stop smiling. It felt surreal—hearing them confirm my name and congratulate me on being accepted to medical school.”

Wright said she first became interested in the medical field when she began experiencing unexplained health issues in middle school. Even though her medical condition was never precisley identified, she eventually began feeling better, while at the same time discovering a new field of interest.

“As I continuously worked with specialty doctors, I realized there is an entirely different world of unknowns in medicine,” she said. “I learned that medicine has continuous questions, infinite unknowns, and never-ending research to be done. Watching my doctors search for answers in a selfless and dedicated way showed me the impact that physicians have both personally and on the future of medicine. Growing up in such a small town where I had to drive an hour for any doctor’s appointment, had a significant impact on my desire to pursue a career in medicine. Growing up in such an area has fostered deep appreciation for service, resilience, and opportunities. These experiences influenced my desire to pursue medicine to work towards becoming a physician who serves and addresses these healthcare gaps in underserved populations, such as my hometown.”

Wright’s love for medicine only intensified when she began shadowing Dr. Edward Taylor, a trauma and critical care surgeon at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, in the summer of 2024. She has continued to shadow Dr. Taylor over the past two years in every opportunity she’s had to go back home.

“Shadowing a trauma and critical care surgeon gave me an unfiltered look into the intensity of medicine, solidifying my commitment to the field,” Wright said. “Despite a room full of chaos, I was drawn to the focus, determination, and quick decision-making that the physicians kept while in a high-risk situation. After the chaos had calmed, I was impacted by the doctor slowing down to engage, listen, and be patient with the patients and their families. This experience showed me the kind of physician who works with steadiness, intent, and compassion; I am inspired to pursue medicine with all in mind. I look forward to engaging and teaching the younger generation of students when I am a physician, as Dr. Taylor did with me.”

In her medical school personal statement, Wright shared a moment in the hospital that made a memorable impact on her.

“My deep passion and determination for medicine were first ignited in the trauma bay and critical care unit. It was Father’s Day and the beginning of my first shadowing experience. On our first call, from the moment the pager went off to the declaration of death, the room was crowded with fully devoted personnel. As I looked at the holes on each side of his head from where a bullet had penetrated, I thought about how much life was ahead of the young man. I observed the room while commands were called out, personnel were swiftly moving, and police officers were watching anticipatorily. There was a collective sense of intense devotion toward the same goal. I immediately became infatuated with an environment that held such immense passion to assist in the learned helplessness of others. From that first pager forward, I was at the hospital every chance I had.”

Wright credited her professors at Ozarks for helping prepare her for medical school.

“My professors not only provided me with support academically through courses and for the MCAT, but they helped me grow way beyond the classroom,” she said. “Through labs, research, and extracurricular involvements they have pushed me to develop strong skills in leadership, confidence, and critical thinking. These skills have shaped me into a more complete individual. They were also incredibly helpful through the application process, always available to answer questions and offer guidance. By building strong relationships with my professors and mentors, I had many opportunities and experiences that I was able to get involved in. I firmly believe I would not be where I am without them, their impact has been invaluable.”

With minors in chemistry, education and religion, Wright said the University’s LENS curriculum was especially beneficial to her.

“Although education and religion minors may not focus on the sciences as most premedical students complete, I believe this has an impact on my success and open-mindedness,” she said. “Completing diverse classes and engaging with many professors on campus has improved my communication skills and has opened my eyes to different struggles and experiences. I believe that these opportunities have shaped me into a more compassionate and understanding person; it has strengthened my awareness and how I connect with people. A minor in education has taught me creative and strong ways to engage with all individuals. This has also taught me how to better explain difficult topics, allowing me to teach other students through study groups and one-on-one interactions. My religion courses have built a deep respect for different ethical issues and world views. This has shaped me to be more culturally sensitive, inclusive, and thoughtful to individuals in different walks of life.”

Also a standout swimmer for the University swimming and diving team, Wright made history earlier this semester when she became the first athlete in program history to be named Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Female Swimmer of the Year, capping a stellar senior season that included winning the 200-IM with a program record time of 2:15.39 at the 2026 SCAC Swimming & Diving Championships.

“It feels incredibly meaningful and very rewarding to be the first in program history to earn this honor,” she said, “It is very special and something I will always be proud of. It represents not only my hard work, but also the growth and progress of our program.”

“My final season felt like everything came together. It was incredibly rewarding to see that level of success come out of my time as swimmer and be recognized after so much time and effort invested in the sport. In all ways, it felt like a culmination of my entire collegiate career—the off-season, the summers, winters, and all four years together. Every setback, breakthrough, and moments of growth in the pool led to that point. These awards did not just feel like awards, but the closing of a chapter that shaped so much of who I am. To finish my career at this level, knowing I helped set a new standard for the program, was something I never could have imagined when I first arrived on campus.”

The fact that she shone as a student-athlete is quite remarkable, considering she fractured her back and was in a brace for 12 weeks in the summer before starting college.

“From overcoming a potential career-ending injury, I have grown significantly and more than I ever imagined throughout swimming in college,” she said. “Throughout my four years as a collegiate swimmer, I went from questioning whether I would ever swim again to achieving personal best times and earning placements at major meets that I never thought were possible. Swimming taught me perseverance, discipline and how to push through adversity when the future felt uncertain. Swimming here is something I would do all over again if I could. I will carry with me the lessons, accomplishments and meaningful relationships I gained through this program.”

When Wright walks across the graduation stage on May 16, she expects to feel a strong sense of gratitude.

“For God guiding me to Ozarks and for every experience that has shaped my journey,” she said. “It will be emotional to think about the growth that has taken place over the past four years and the challenges I have overcome to reach my goals. I know seeing my parents in the crowd will make it even more meaningful, as their support ultimately brought me to reach this milestone.”

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Garcia Trading the Tassel for a Badge

Larry Isch — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 14:46:44 +0000

For Lili Garcia, the most important step this May won’t be across a graduation stage—it will be into a career she’s been chasing for years. The ��vlog�� senior is choosing to miss Commencement in order to begin her journey in law enforcement, trading a ceremony for a calling

On May 16—the same day her classmates will be participating in the 2026 Commencement ceremony—Garcia will be taking the entry and physical training test for the police department in Waxahachie, Texas, officially launching her pursuit of a career in law enforcement. It’s a decision that means missing one of life’s most anticipated milestones. But for Garcia, it’s also the clearest sign yet that she’s exactly where she’s meant to be.

“The decision was difficult all around,” said Garcia, a psychology major from Ferris, Texas. “Knowing that I would miss out on those memories with my friends and family was hard. But my people know how important this career is to me. I knew no matter what I decided, they were going to support me.”

That clarity of purpose didn’t happen overnight. It’s something that has been steadily shaped—both by her lifelong passion and by the opportunities she embraced at Ozarks.

Garcia’s interest in law enforcement began long before college. As a child, she watched officers closely, drawn to their presence and purpose. That admiration turned into action during high school, when a law enforcement class—and a teacher who served in the field—ignited something deeper.

“My passion just grew as the years went on,” she said. “I have always loved helping others and making a positive impact on my community.”

At Ozarks, that passion found direction. Through her academic experience, leadership roles, and as a basketball player for the Eagles, Garcia developed the qualities she believes are essential to the profession: integrity, accountability, discipline, and resilience.

“This job requires a lot of mental and physical discipline,” she said. “That’s something I’ve experienced through my basketball career.”

Garcia’s impact on campus extended far beyond athletics. As a four-year student ambassador—and eventually president of the program—she became one of the University’s most visible and influential student leaders.

“I have loved every second of being a student ambassador,” she said. “It has opened many doors for me and created many lifelong relationships.”

What brought her the most joy wasn’t the title, but the moments that followed.

“The biggest part that brings me joy is when I see students I gave a tour to on campus the next semester—smiling, wearing their backpack, and remembering our first interaction,” she said. “It’s even more special when it’s a future teammate. I got to be a part of their transition here.”

Those experiences didn’t just build confidence—they reinforced her calling to serve others.

On the court, Garcia built a career defined by grit and unforgettable moments. One stands above the rest: a thrilling playoff victory at UT Dallas in the conference postseason tournament during her sophomore year.

“That moment was unreal,” she said. “The excitement was through the roof. We made history that year, and it will forever hold a special place in my heart.”

Even when an injury cut her senior season short, Garcia never lost perspective.

“Overall, my college basketball career was a great ride,” she said. “I developed so many skills that I will continue to use in the future. Playing at the next level was a huge blessing.”

Garcia’s story carries even deeper meaning as the first in her immediate family to graduate from college.

“It feels surreal, but such an amazing blessing,” she said. “I couldn’t have done it without my family’s support.”

That’s what makes her decision to miss Commencement especially emotional.

“I was sad knowing my parents wouldn’t get to see their youngest child walk across that stage,” she said. “But they’ve listened to me for years talk about this career. They know how driven and passionate I am. Having their love and support means the world.”

For Garcia, the choice to miss the graduation ceremony ultimately came down to faith, timing, and trust.

“I knew in my heart that God was opening this door for me sooner for a reason,” she said. “I always put my trust in Him.”

It’s a decision that reflects both sacrifice and conviction—a willingness to trade a symbolic ending for a meaningful beginning.

Garcia described her time at the University as transformational—not just for what she accomplished, but for who she became.

“Ozarks helped me truly find myself,” she said. “I have been extremely blessed to be a part of great programs on and off campus and I got to get out of my comfort zone and explore the world in a new lens. I got to meet wonderful people, my significant other included in that, and the memories shared here will always be extremely special to me. This University opened doors for me and gave me opportunities that I will be forever grateful for.”

From leadership development to lifelong relationships, from athletic competition to personal growth, her experience shaped both her confidence and her calling.

“The moment I stepped foot on campus, I was welcomed with open arms,” she said. “It felt like home since day one.”

While Garcia won’t walk across the graduation stage this spring, her journey is far from incomplete.

In fact, it’s just beginning.

Instead of a cap and gown, she’ll carry something else forward: a clear sense of purpose, a commitment to serve, and the lessons of a place that helped her turn ambition into action.

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Senior Willetts Finds Purpose in Publishing World

Larry Isch — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:39:11 +0000

As a child, Katelyn Willetts was rarely seen without a book in her hands.

Stories filled her imagination, formed her values, and eventually clarified her calling. Now a senior English major at ��vlog��, Willetts is turning that lifelong love of storytelling into a profession. The Flippin, Ark., native is set to graduate with high honors in May while gaining real-world publishing experience through a remote internship with Quill & Flame Publishers.

For Willetts, the path to publishing began long before college.

“Stories have been a large part of my life from the beginning,” Willetts said. “My parents read to me and raised me on audio dramas such as Adventures in Odyssey. Learning to read came naturally to me, and soon I was hardly ever without a book. Stories provided me with comfort, escape, motivation, and inspiration, especially during some dark times in my life; they became stars of hope for me. Talking about and sharing my favorite stories with others animated me like nothing else. I had been raised with the mindset of making a difference with my life and seeking a way to connect my passions, skills, and career. Given how much I loved stories and the power I knew stories held to help others, I knew I wanted to work in storytelling. It’s been a long journey to discover what that would look like for me, but eventually I discovered that I have something of a knack for grammar and writing style as well as a love of helping others make their written work the best that it can be.”

That clarity of purpose led to a providential opportunity last fall.

Willetts utilized initiative—combined with divine orchestration—to secure an ideal internship while attending the American Christian Fiction Writers annual conference in Springfield, Mo.

“One of the first sessions I went to ended up being a group discussion among authors, publishers, and others interested in the speculative fiction genre,” she said. “Later at the conference’s book signing event, I spoke with E. A. Hendryx, the author who had led the speculative fiction group discussion. When she remembered that I’m working toward being an editor, she immediately introduced me to AJ Skelly, an author and founder of Quill & Flame Publishing House. AJ was so graciously eager to help me advance my career and offered me an internship.”

In her current role, Willetts is proofreading a contemporary romantic suspense novel, identifying grammatical errors before the manuscript is formatted for publication. The experience has further confirmed she is exactly where she is meant to be.

Last summer, Linda Fulkerson of Scrivenings Press connected Willetts with editor and author Jennifer Burrows, who mentored her one-on-one in the craft of editing.

“Jennifer’s instruction prepared me to step into my current work with Quill & Flame,” Willetts said. “I hope to also work on other manuscripts in earlier stages of editing where the content and writing style are refined,” she said. “It’s so gratifying and exciting to already be doing the type of work I plan to do in my career.”

Her academic journey at Ozarks has also played a significant role in refining her goals. Through the University’s LENS program, Willetts expanded her studies beyond English, adding minors in history, entrepreneurship, and psychology.

“I hadn’t considered studying those areas before, but I quickly realized their connection to my goals,” she said. “I enjoy history since it is the story of the world. Entrepreneurship has proved especially valuable in introducing me to business operations and giving me an opportunity for and guidance in writing a business plan. And my English senior thesis project based on The Lord of the Rings is capturing and refining my beliefs about the power of stories to offer hope to people who desperately need it.”

When asked to name her favorite class, Willetts finds it nearly impossible.

“That’s hard to answer because every single one has been valuable,” she said. “Dr. Edward Ardeneaux’s Eighteenth-Century Novel and Dr. Brian Hardman’s American Romanticism come to mind; I enjoyed many of the works we read and learned so much from the discussions Dr. Ardeneaux led and from Dr. Hardman’s lectures. I appreciate Dr. Amy Oatis’s guidance and support for my senior thesis and my internship. Dr. Karen Frank’s History Workshop and Historiography classes changed the way I see the world. And Dr. Christine McCain’s encouragement and help with my business plan in Entrepreneurship Capstone means a lot to me.”

Beyond the classroom, Willetts credits the Jones Learning Center for helping her thrive at Ozarks. Willetts has a medical condition called Turner Syndrome that involves abnormalities in the structure of her DNA, resulting in a specific profile of extreme cognitive strengths and relative weaknesses. February is Turner Syndrome Awareness Month.

“Specifically, my most prominent intellectual strength is my skill with words, and my ability to deal with non-verbal information is relatively smaller,” Willetts said. “I understand and interact with the world through words more than visual imagery: words convey meaning to me more clearly than non-verbal gestures or pictures, and I generally have to put something in words to fully grasp it. An analogy that explains how some of my abilities outpace the others is that my brain’s software is larger than its hardware. My personality makes me long to grasp and express ideas and experiences in a deep, thorough, and detailed way, and my verbal strengths enable me to do so; however, my brain sometimes physically struggles to keep up with what I want and am otherwise capable of doing. It’s like all the information can overload my servers unless I manage it. With adequate time and space, I produce nuanced and sophisticated work. I cannot do everything, but my strengths uniquely equip me to edit written works.”

Working with her JLC academic coordinator, Samantha Hoing, and her JLC social coach, Whitleigh Wilhelmi, has helped Willetts succeed both academically and personally.

“The JLC provides a place for me to use my verbal strengths to process all the thoughts in my head that otherwise can be overwhelming,” she said. “Samantha’s constant support and advice has been one of the biggest blessings of my life at Ozarks. From day one, she’s provided a safe space for me to process everything going on. She’s helped me learn how to deal with life and stay focused on what matters. I can’t thank her enough for her friendship and care; my college experience has been immeasurably better because of her. Along with Samantha, Whitleigh has been greatly instrumental in helping me prepare for life outside college. The ladies there help me pull back to see the bigger picture I otherwise tend to miss for all the details, and they provide wise counsel on navigating the various life issues I encounter. Having that support system in place reduces so much of the stress of college for me. The JLC program is making my college experience so much better and helping prepare me for life after college.”

Willetts also praised staff members Kerry and Matt Bewley for their personal influence.

“In their pastoring of Project Church, their nonprofit and social justice work, and their work at Ozarks, they have become personal and moral role models for me,” she said. “Just by being who they are and by their warmth and care as my pastors, they gave me a much-needed view of what it can look like to live out my faith in this world.”

With graduation approaching, Willetts is already looking ahead. She plans to launch her own publishing venture—Refine to Shine Editing—after college.

Her entrepreneurial vision traces back to her teenage years.

“As a young teenager, I was part of a group of volunteers working with author Brock Eastman to track story details for consistency as he wrote his middle-grade science fiction series, The Quest for Truth,” Willetts said. “That experience introduced me to the behind-the-scenes work involved in publishing books and the need for author support. One of my close friends is a freelancer working in the digital arts, and with her encouragement and some wonderful opportunities provided by Brock, I began thinking in vague terms about providing general author/storyteller support services. I took some detours, explored different areas, and came around to the more specific idea of working in the publishing industry as an editor. Those in the industry informed me that most publishing houses hire outside editors on a contract basis and that I’d be more likely to get work as a freelancer than if I sought an in-house position. So I took my original freelance idea and focused it specifically on the typical editing services that publishing houses and self-publishing authors would need. My aim is to support authors throughout the process of refining their stories to shine like stars of hope. Thus, my brand is Refine to Shine Editing.”

As she enters her final months at Ozarks, Willetts reflects with gratitude on the University that helped sharpen both her calling and her confidence.

“Solidifying and expanding are the two words that come to mind,” she said. “I have become more solid, more certain, in who I am, where I’m going, and how I am to live in this world. At the same time, my perspective has been greatly expanded as I’ve learned more about the complex past and current state of the world and engaged with others who hold their own points of view.”

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All in the Family: Rofkahr Siblings Share Love of Sports

Larry Isch — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:26:08 +0000

For the Rofkahr siblings from Barling, Ark., Eagle athletics has become a family tradition.

This academic year, ��vlog�� senior wrestler Hayden Rofkahr (pictured, right) welcomed his younger twin siblings—freshman wrestler Landon Rofkahr and freshman softball player Brilea Rofkahr—to campus, turning their shared love of sports into a full-fledged family affair at Ozarks.

“It’s been great having us all back together again,” said Hayden, who is scheduled to graduate in December. “I haven’t really gotten to see them much the past few years with me being at college and them being at home. Just having them here this year and getting to spend time together has been really special.”

Hayden, a two-time state champion at Greenwood High School, said coming out of high school he wasn’t sure if he wanted to wrestle in college. Late in his senior season, he visited Ozarks and said he quickly fell in love with the University.

“I loved the small campus and how close everyone was,” Hayden said. “On my visit, I just enjoyed the vibe of the wrestling team. It felt like the right place for me. I decided that I wanted to wrestle in college and that Ozarks was the place for me.”

Hayden has been a four-year standout for the wrestling team, earning all-conference honors last year and helping the Eagles to back-to-back conference team championships in 2024 and 2025. The physical education major is also a two-time academic all-district selection.

While Landon, a three-time all-stater at Greenwood, knew during his junior year in high school that he wanted to join Hayden at Ozarks, Brilea visited several other colleges before choosing the University.

“I knew I had my brothers here and I hate being away from home,” Brilea said. “There was a certain comfort knowing that I had family here.”

Said Landon, “I kind of knew that Brilea and I would end up together at the same college. She’s my best friend, we grew up together, so we knew we’d end up at the same college. It just makes it even better that Hayden is here also.”

The Rofkahrs come from an athletic family—both of their parents played competitive softball when they were younger.

“Growing up we were always around athletics, just about any sport you can think of,” Hayden said. “Sports has always been a part of our lives as long as we can remember.”

Brilea, a four-year standout on the softball diamond at Greenwood High School, said she started playing t-ball at age 5.

“It just seemed normal that I would be playing some kind of sport as soon as I could,” she said. “It seems like I always had a ball in my hand.”

When it came to sibling competition growing up, oftentimes their competitive natured kicked in.

“There were times all three of us would be out in the driveway playing basketball and it would get pretty heated,” Hayden said. “It was fun, but we all wanted to win against each other. It was definitely sibling-rivalry. There were times it would end in a fight and our parents had to break it up.”

The Rofkahrs are also just as competitive when it comes to academics. In her first semester in college in the fall, Brilea made the President’s List with a perfect 4.0 GPA, outshining her brothers and earning family bragging rights for the semester.

“She’s what we call the second mother at college because she’s always asking to see my homework,” Landon said. “She definitely rubbed it in that she made all “A’s’ and we didn’t.”

One of the benefits of the Rofkahrs being on the same campus is the built-in support system.

“I’ve always enjoyed going to Hayden’s wrestling matches and supporting him,” Brilea said. “It’s one of my favorite things to do and this year has been amazing to be able to do that.”

“Growing up I loved to go to Brilea’s travel games and tournaments, but I haven’t been able to do that in the past few years,” Hayden said. “Now I can walk across campus and go to her games. I’m really looking forward to that.”

For Landon, he has enjoyed sharing the wrestling mat one last time with his big brother. “I’ve definitely been savoring the moment, knowing it’s the last time we will wrestle together.”

The siblings frequently find themselves together at Hayden’s off-campus house, either cooking burgers or hanging out for late-night talks. Those late-nighters often end with Landon crashing on one couch and Brilea on the other.

“We have family debriefing sessions where we’ll just sit and talk for hours into the night,” Landon said. “We’ll share everything that has gone on that week, both the good and the bad. It’s a great therapy session.”

There are a few drawbacks to having siblings on campus.

“They know everything that goes on because it’s such a small campus,” said Brilea. “You’re not going to keep any secrets.”

Still, for the Rofkahrs, the benefits far outweigh the occasional lack of privacy. Between shared meals, late-night conversations, and cheering each other on from the sidelines, the siblings are savoring a rare season of togetherness—one that has strengthened not only their athletic journeys, but the bond that first brought them together long before Ozarks felt like home.

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A Global Lesson in Finance

Larry Isch — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 16:26:17 +0000

A two-and-a-half-week study abroad experience over the winter break proved to be transformational for ��vlog�� junior Carol Yesivel Samaniego Montenegro, opening her eyes to global perspectives that will shape her future career.

Samaniego, a finance and marketing major from Panama, participated in a 17-day winter program at Hanyang University in Seoul, South Korea, where she completed an intensive course in behavioral finance. The experience aligned seamlessly with her long-term goal of returning to Panama after graduation to pursue a career in financial planning and development with a multinational company.

“The course really aligned with my future goals, since one of my dreams is to work at a multinational firm back home,” she said. “I believe that the course helped me gain a better understanding of a side of the world that I did not have a complete grasp on. I am glad I got to meet people from different continents and to had the opportunity to understand the reasoning behind financial behaviors in each of their countries.”

Samaniego said she had been searching for a study abroad opportunity for several months when she discovered the Hanyang University Winter Program.

“I was drawn to the program’s benefits, like the opportunity to build a global network, the chance to study under a renowned professor in a field that directly complements my majors, and the fact that the program included funded cultural travel,” she said. “I got a scholarship from Hanyang University to cover part of the tuition expenses, and the remaining balance was covered through the Student Enrichment Fund here at ��vlog��.”

Her days in Seoul followed a structured yet immersive rhythm, blending academic rigor with cultural exploration.

“Classes would start at 9 a.m. and last until 3 p.m., and then right after class a group of friends and I would explore Seoul,” Samaniego said. “For example, we would go to the most iconic places like the Historical Palace dressed in traditional clothes or visit the Seoul Communications Tower, most known as Seoul N Tower from which you could see the whole city. After that, we would go to the busiest district in the city to grab a local dinner and then enjoy the city at night.”

Beyond the classroom and sightseeing, Samaniego said the experience had a profound impact on her worldview.

“I got to know a lot about Asia and Europe through my classmates, their experiences and insights, our cultural differences and how we can learn every day from them,” she said. “I also got to learn from my professor because the course I took is not usually offered here at Ozarks. However, I found myself applying things I learned here. The best thing that I gained from it was the whole experience of comparing countries and applying concepts through panels and hands-on projects. Surprisingly, I got to know that even if our cultures might differ, we share economic and financial aspects that help the relations between countries. I believe it made my view of the future broader. And of course, I got to learn incredible things about Korea and its people while traveling to many provinces within the country.”

Several moments from the trip stood out as especially meaningful.

“The moment that impacted me the most was when I visited the province of Pyeongchang and the province of Gangwon,” she said. “The first is where the 2018 Winter Olympics happened. We got to see the old Olympic villa and a museum, and days later I got to see a team of kids training for winter sports at another site. That was shocking because winter sports seems so foreign to me and something I would only see through a screen. Another really special moment was to wear the traditional clothing called Hanbok while walking through the Historical Bukchon Hanok Village, which is a preserved site with traditional houses and buildings from the 19th century. After that, we walked from the village right to the skyscrapers of Seoul and saw the Historical Gyeongbokgung Palace. With friends from the winter session, we got to meet an international photographer that featured a story of us in his page and guided us through the Historical Village.”

As she prepares to graduate and return home, Samaniego said the experience reinforced her desire to contribute meaningfully to Panama’s financial sector.

“I believe Panama is a great country for exchange and financial trading, and its growth depends on people who understand that the world is more connected than we think,” she said. “That is why having a broader, real, and educated perspective of the world can help Panama with bigger goals. By returning home with a specialized understanding of behavioral finance and Asian market dynamics, I hope to join and be of help in Panamanian firms to better work international projects. My main goal is to use this perspective to work on local financial planning and global economic trends, because it would be great for our markets to remain competitive and attractive to international investors.”

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Ozarks Senior Wilson Helps Historical Society Go Digital

Larry Isch — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 17:22:09 +0000

��vlog�� senior Zachary Wilson spent his fall semester bridging past and present—using his digital media skills to help the Johnson County Historical Society (JCHS) preserve local history for future generations.

Wilson spent the Fall 2025 Semester working in an internship with the JCHS in downtown Clarksville. The communication (media studies) major from Jacksonville, Ark., helped the organization move further into the digital age through his video and editing expertise and knowledge.

The idea for the internship came about last summer in a meeting between Susan Edens, associate professor in communication, and Mark Hodge, president of the JCHS.

“We mentioned that we’d been wanting to work on an oral history project, but none of us had any experience with digital media and Susan said that she might be able to work out an internship,” Hodge said. “Zachary brought the skills and experience that we were lacking and really helped us.”

Wilson worked every Tuesday and Thursday morning of the semester at the historical society center and put in approximately 135 hours for the three-hour, upper-level credit. He did video editing and video recording for things like the quarterly meeting as well researching lenses for their DSLR camera. He also helped set up and train volunteers on editing software and how to upload videos to the organization’s YouTube channel.

“I feel like I benefited both personally and as a student from this internship,” Wilson said. “I learned some new skills on video editing and learned a lot about Clarksville, Johnson County and the surrounding area.”

Wilson said he especially enjoyed hearing the stories from local historians and people whose families have lived in Johnson County for generations.

“I just really liked editing the videos and hearing stories about the families that have been here for years and hearing how the county became to be and how it changed over time,” Wilson said. “It definitely made me appreciate history more and to appreciate how important it is to capture these stories on video.”

Hodge said working with Wilson was a pleasure.

“Zachary was really friendly to be around and he seemed to enjoy the work,” Hodge said. “We were tickled to death to have him here, providing the boost we’ve needed in our digital and technical areas. His work has definitely positioned us to move further into the digital environment.”

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First-Gen Trailblazer: Green Crosses the Finish Line

Larry Isch — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 14:30:24 +0000

When ��vlog�� graduating senior AntErica Green steps onto the Commencement stage on Dec. 20, she won’t just be accepting a diploma—she’ll be rewriting what’s possible for her family. The Clarksville native is becoming the first in her family to earn a college degree, a milestone she hopes will ripple through the younger cousins who look up to her.

A 2022 graduate of Clarksville High School, Green will receive a degree in biology, with minors in criminal justice and philosophy.

As a first-generation college student, Green said the achievement feels both personal and generational.

“Being the first to graduate from college is a huge accomplishment for me, and I’m proud to set an example for my younger family members,” Green said. “It feels like I’m breaking barriers and opening doors for the next generation. As I walk across the stage, I think I’ll feel proud, grateful, and emotional. I’ll be thinking about all the hard work, sacrifices, and support that helped me get to that moment. It will feel like both an ending and a beginning.”

Among those sources of support, Green said, was the University’s TRIO Student Support Services program, a federally funded initiative that provides free, personalized academic services for first-generation and other qualifying students.

“TRIO has been a huge part of my success,” Green said. “My TRIO advisor supported me both academically and personally and helped me navigate things like financial aid, course planning, and time management. TRIO gave me a safe space, resources, and people who genuinely cared about my success. Having that support system made a big difference in helping me stay motivated while balancing work and school, and it played a major role in helping me become a college graduate.”

Green is also part of the first graduating class to participate in First Look, a new TRIO SSS summer bridge experience launched in 2022. The program brings first-generation students to campus before their first semester to help ease the transition to college life.

“Students attend mock classes, explore the campus, meet upperclassmen, connect with faculty, and stay in a residential hall,” said Lori Wineland, student success advisor and academic skills coach. “TRIO SSS and other campus departments provide a variety of workshops intended to increase student’s connection to campus. First Look creates an environment for students to build skills and knowledge to help them be successful during their time at Ozarks.”

Green said Wineland played a particularly meaningful role in her college journey.

“My favorite professor has been Professor Wineland, who taught me during my freshman year,” Green said. “She has always been supportive, caring, and committed to helping her students succeed. She is also my TRIO advisor and has been an incredible source of guidance and encouragement throughout my time at Ozarks.”

Green’s accomplishments are all the more notable given her demanding schedule. Throughout college, she worked an average of 36 hours a week at Johnson Regional Medical Center while maintaining her studies—and will still graduate in just 3½ years.

“Some obstacles I’ve faced include balancing school and work, managing stress, and pushing through moments where things felt overwhelming,” Green said. “Staying determined, staying organized, and relying on my support systems helped me stay focused on my goals. Balancing school and work has taught me time management and discipline. I stay organized, plan, and make sure to set priorities so I can be successful in both areas.”

With her background in biology and criminal justice, Green plans to pursue a career in forensics.

“My long-term goal is to become a forensic scientist or homicide detective, possibly specializing in DNA analysis or crime scene investigation,” Green said. “I want a career where I can contribute to the justice system by helping provide accurate, science-based evidence for real cases and provide justice to families.”

Green said she chose to attend her hometown University because she wanted a place where she could form deep academic and personal connections.

“The smaller class sizes, welcoming community, and opportunities for mentorship made Ozarks the perfect fit for me,” Green said. “My experience at Ozarks has been so meaningful and transformative. I’ve grown academically, personally, and professionally.”

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Meier Driven by Work Ethic, Academic Excellence

Larry Isch — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 19:18:43 +0000

By the time Mackenzie Meier crosses the graduation stage later this month, she will have logged more than 5,000 hours at work, earned the highest academic honors, and finished college early — all while carrying a full course load. For the ��vlog�� senior from Knoxville, Ark., ambition has never been something you talk about; it’s something you do.

Meier will graduate on Dec. 20 with a major in biology (wildlife) and minors in art and environmental studies — and with Summa Cum Laude honors (3.85 and higher cumulative grade point average).

A graduate of Lamar High School, Meier started Ozarks in the fall of 2022 with a semester of credits already secured, helping her to graduate in three and a half years. Her first day at Ozarks was also her first day starting her new job at Walmart. Since then, she has worked between 26-32 hours a week while juggling the everyday rigors of college — finals, research projects, scholarly papers, homework and study sessions.

“I brought to college with me the dedication and work ethic that I cultivated while in high school,” said Meier. “I’ve always held myself to a high standard and I think that’s where most of my motivation comes from. I’m not looking for gratification or a pat on the head from anyone else but myself. I started at Walmart the same day I started college, so I’ve not gone a day in higher education without other obligations. Overall, I’ve worked close to 5,000 hours while in school. It’s meant I’ve had to prioritize my time and be responsible with how I spend it. It’s not always an easy thing to do because it means choosing schoolwork over time with friends sometimes — but not every time.”

Working through college has allowed Meier to graduate debt-free.

“That is such a blessing and it allows me to focus on my future with a lot less stress,” she said.

Meier said that from a young age she knew she wanted to pursue a profession connected to wildlife welfare and conservation.

“It’s something I’ve always felt strongly about,” she said. “One night in 2022, I saw a mother mountain lion and her cub cross my driveway while I was looking out the window brushing my teeth and that’s when I knew for certain that I wanted to pursue a career in wildlife welfare. Our everyday lives intersect with animals more often than we could ever imagine. And since they can’t speak up for themselves, that responsibility falls on us as society.”

Classes and research projects with U of O biology professors such as Dr. Christie Sampson and Dr. Frank Knight have only intensified her desire to pursue that career path.

“Ozarks has fueled this interest by providing access to brilliant professors like Dr. Sampson and Dr. Knight,” Meier said. “They each bring a lot to the table when it comes to experience and knowledge. Every semester they continue to stoke the fire as their passion for biology — and all it encompasses — is contagious.”

While wildlife biology and art may seem like an odd academic couple, it was a natural pairing for Meier.

“I’ve always enjoyed being outdoors and in nature, so studying wildlife biology just seemed like the natural thing to do,” she said. “I chose art for a minor because it’s something I’ve enjoyed for years now as well. I love the process of planning something out and creating in front of me what I see in my mind. It balances well with biology because they each use different sides of the brain.”

Fittingly, she was able to connect her science and art interests in a senior art practicum earlier this semester.

“I’m using the sun to expose photographs that I took on a photo trip to California onto leaves,” she said. “It’s a really cool process that combines the powers of photosynthesis with photography.”

She said one of her favorite classes at Ozarks was a ceramics course, which inadvertently helped teach her a valuable life lesson.

“I’ve loved so many classes at Ozarks but one that I would take again if I had the opportunity would be ceramics,” she said. “I loved getting my hands dirty, both metaphorically and physically, in the medium. It’s a process that takes time to develop and I loved how clay acts like it has a mind of its own. I would have an idea of what I wanted to create, but sometimes the clay had a different idea. It taught me how to be flexible and open to new things, which is exactly how the science world works. The class may have been an art class, but it paralleled beautifully with biology by illustrating how ever-changing the natural world is, even if confined to a clay-form inside a studio.”

While Meier isn’t exactly sure where her professional future is headed, she knows it will most likely include animals, nature and art.

“I plan on shadowing my uncle in taxidermy and, if I end up liking it, I may pursue that and specialize in small animals-birds-fish,” she said. “If it turns out to be something I don’t fall in love with, I’d like to end up working with big cats, either at a refuge or some other form of conservation application. I like the idea of taxidermy: how it combines art and biology and how it can be used for education. However, I’m not sure how I feel about working with carcasses over live animals. Either way, I’m remaining open to any opportunity that comes my way. I’m just eager to get out there and start getting my hands dirty.”

Meier called her time at Ozarks “a whirlwind.”

“It’s gone by so fast and I’ve learned so much,” she said. “Because of work, I haven’t gotten super involved on campus. I was an Ozarks Experience Mentor (OEM) my sophomore semester and I really enjoyed that, which surprised me given my introverted nature. I’ve gone on a couple trips with the photography professor, Margo Duvall, and those have been some of my favorite memories. Last spring we went to California to photograph the redwoods and Yosemite after studying the f/64 group of photographers in class and it was such a surreal experience. It was definitely something I could have only gotten to be a part of because of Ozarks. “

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Swafford Named 2025 Hurie Award Recipient

Larry Isch — Thu, 08 May 2025 13:21:52 +0000

��vlog�� senior Raegan Swafford, an English and psychology major from Van Buren, Ark., has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Hurie Award, given to the outstanding member of the graduating class.

The award was announced during Wednesday’s Honors Day ceremony. She is pictured center with ��vlog�� President Richard Dunsworth and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Janie Diels.

Voted on by the faculty, the award is named for Dr. Wiley Lin Hurie, who served as president of the college from 1923-1949. The Hurie Award is the highest honor an Ozarks student can receive. The faculty members choose a graduating senior who has been an exemplary scholar, a campus leader, and a person of outstanding character.

A first-generation college graduate, Swafford is graduating with Summa Cum Laude honors with a minor in sociology during the University’s spring commencement on May 17. She was named the Outstanding Student in English in 2025 and in 2023 she earned the title of Poet Laureate of the Spadra Valley after winning the annual Project Poet competition.

“Simply, an honor. I feel absolutely blessed and fortunate to be here,” Swafford said of her four years at Ozarks. “I had great mentors, met my best friends, and learned the truth of a community built on sabbath, service, justice, hospitality, honesty, and growth. I would not change a single thing.”

When asked how she has grown during her time at Ozarks, Swafford responded, “How have I not grown?”

“When I first came to Ozarks as a freshman, I was so dependent on others,” she said. “When you’re 18, all you can do is pretend to know what everyone is talking about when they use the term ‘adult.’ Ozarks gave me the space to explore aspects of myself I wouldn’t have gotten otherwise. My professors challenged me throughout my journey, and without their constant support, I would not be the person I am today. Ozarks also gave me the opportunity to study abroad, which allowed me to spend more time with myself outside my comfort zone. Ozarks was truly my coming-of-age moment.”

In 2024, Swafford spent the fall semester studying abroad in Northern Ireland. She has served as president of the University’s creative writing club, Wordsmiths, and as a member of the Campus Activities Board (CAB).

“Wordsmiths gave me an outlet for my creativity and passion for writing,” she said. “It is a great place for all writers when they need encouragement and inspiration. I was also a member of the Campus Activities Board (CAB) for most of my time here. I love working with others to make an event come alive and be enjoyed by others on campus.”

She has also served the Jones Learning Center in a number of positions, including tutor, JLC assistant and note-taker.

She has also been active as a volunteer in her hometown church, Van Buren First Assembly, as a member of the worship team and in community outreach programs. Follwoing graduation, she plans to pursue graduate degrees in English literature with plans on one day being a college professor. She is the daughter of Daniel and Christi Swafford.

Following graduation, she plans to pursue graduate degrees in English literature with a goal of becoming a college professor.

“Once again, I feel just feel blessed,” Swafford said. “I’ve realized that the opportunities given to me don’t come every day, so I thank God every day for where He has placed me, and I’m so glad it’s at Ozarks.”

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Trinidad Overcomes Challenges on Way to College Diploma

Larry Isch — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 14:48:13 +0000

While most college students might be a bit timid and nervous to get on a plane for their first study abroad trip, ��vlog�� student Enya Trinidad was excited and prepared, thanks to her history of accepting new challenges and experiences in order to improve herself.

Trinidad, a senior psychology major from Mexico who will graduate in May with honors, spent the Spring 2024 Semester studying at Ulster University, in Coleraine, Northern Ireland.

Leaving home and forging new experiences is nothing new for Trinidad. With her family’s blessing, as a 14-year-old she left her small community in central Mexico to enroll at Presbyterian Pan American School (PPAS) in Kingsville, Texas. Founded in 1911, PPAS is a Christian, college-preparatory boarding school that “educates and empowers young adults for leadership in a global society.”

Trinidad’s father had attended PPAS and he credited the school for helping him become a successful business owner in Mexico. He wanted Enya and his other children to have that same advantage.

“My first year at the Pan American School was very difficult; I was homesick and struggling with English and the new culture,” Trinidad said. “But I knew it was for the best and, with the help of God, I kept going and it got easier. When I think back about that whole experience, I’m grateful to God for helping me overcome those challenges and for my time at the Pan American School. It was a great experience and it definitely helped prepare me for college in the U.S.”

When it came time to pick a college, Trinidad and her parents were attracted to the small campus, diversity and Christian-affiliated aspects of Ozarks.

“In a lot of ways, Ozarks was like the Pan American School and me and my parents both liked that,” she said. “It was an adjustment when I went to the Pan American School. You are just so used to being with the same people in the same environment, doing the same things, and then you meet people that think differently, have been through different things, have lived in different environments with different cultures and it’s an eye-opening experience. At Pan American School, we had students from all over the world, with different cultures and different languages, but friendship, caring and support have a language all its own. That’s the same environment that I found at Ozarks.”

The decision to study abroad for a semester was made easier when her best friend and roommate, Lizzie Soper, decided to also go.

“What made the experience even better, is that I had my friend Lizzie with me, because we were both accepted in the same program and were able to adapt to the lifestyle in Northern Ireland together,” Trinidad said. “The study abroad experience was great. I learned a lot about their culture, public transportation, Irish words, food, and Irish people that were always very kind, welcoming, and curious to know about me and my home country.”

Trinidad took three psychology classes during the term.

“I was amazed by how big the psychology classes were in that school, with about 120 students per class, and the teachers even had to use microphones so the students in the back could hear them,” she said. “It was very cool. Lizzie and I used our time wisely and hopped on a bus every weekend to go and explore as many towns as we could. What I enjoyed most was the connections I met. The first week I arrived I met a group of girls at a Baptist church event for international students and they often invited Lizzie and I to join their worship nights at the University Campus, Bible studies, and to join the McDonald’s at midnight tradition once a week. It was very fun to see McDonald’s filled with university students at midnight, and our now friends were always giving us rides home after that.”

Trinidad said one particular memory that sticks out is a weekend that she and her friends spent in Galway, the Republic of Ireland.

“To get there we had to get on three different trains, which was a little tiring but worth it,” she said. “Galway was filled with life. There were people from all over the world there, many people selling handcrafts and my favorite thing was seeing and hearing all the musicians that played music live in the streets. I love going to concerts, so it was amazing for me to be able to hear a different type of music in every street. I saw musicians playing acoustic and electric guitars, violins, bagpipes, harmonicas, ukuleles, and singing in different languages. That affected me in a positive way because seeing so much culture in music and in people, mostly from Europe and Asia, filled me with an overwhelming sense of joy.”

Trinidad said her study abroad experience had a “strong impact” on her.

“Even though I have been facing a lot of changes in my life since I was 14, the simple fact of getting on a plane to study in a different continent made me realize that I am capable of doing really great things and overcoming life’s challenges with God by my side,” she said. “Going to Ireland was another opportunity to expand my horizons like the one I had coming to study in the U.S. These experiences are what nurture me and help me achieve personal growth.”

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