Memories of Goodrich

Goodrich was my second home during my undergrad program. I found myself and became a strong leader in many of the campus programs at
UNO. I helped create an organization for students in the Goodrich program which allowed the sense of community that was created in the classes,
to extend in campus life at UNO. I learned how to become a better person in the program and until this day I remember so many of the important
aspects of the program. I have carried these into my career as an educator in our community and in many of the volunteer organizations I volunteer
in. Goodrich taught me about who I am and what I believe in.

Every class taken with my Goodrich cohort was truly impactful for me. I vividly remember my first semester of college taking HUMN 1200
(Autobiographical Reading and Writing) with Dr. Okhamafe. It was one of my favorite classes and instilled in me a love for writing. His recurring
advice to us was "to get high on the right leaves" while shaking a novel at us. I have always taken that to heart and love reading to this day

My favorite memory as a Goodrich student was taking the Perspectives in U.S. American Culture course. This course really exposed me to the
importance of learning how to speak about race and intercultural issues in a meaningful way. It was my first time having class where we all sat in a
circle--no place to hide! I learned soooo much from this course! I still use some of the same multi-media and pedagogical strategies when teaching
courses on race and intercultural communication. Thank you, Goodrich!!!

I have fond memories of the many insights I gained through my critical reasoning coursework with Dr. Jerry Cederblom. What an incredible educator
and brilliant man. I remember being fascinated by logical fallacies and feeling such a sense of accomplishment when I could confidently articulate
my position and defend a valid argument. The concepts from my philosophy of justice course also challenged my thinking and shaped my values in really meaningful ways. Fast forwarding several years into my career, I developed a deep interest in cognitive biases and built a career that was
rooted in strategic thinking and centered on justice. I will always remember Dr. Cederblom as one of the most influential people I encountered in my
young adult life.

When I was interviewing for the scholarship, before I was even a recipient, I met Cathy. I was fidgeting nervously in the waiting area, looking behind
me at Bart Vargas's "There Are Places On The Map That Do Not Exist 2019" and she asked me about it. I said something very silly, like "it's an
upside down map" and she was so complimentary of my astute observation. It made me walk into the interview with such confidence. Goodrich is
always like that -- someone to help you out and make you feel like you belonged and deserved to be there.

Goodrich allowed me to become a first generation college graduate; I came from a low-income household and would’ve needed to take on an
insurmountable amount of debt at 17 to attend. Goodrich alleviated that pressure and allowed me to attend college not only without that stress, but
to be a part of a program and community that fostered expanding minds, growing as individuals, and pairing success with passion.

I would not be where I am today without Goodrich. I didn't even think I was able to go to college because my family didn't have the money to pay
for school. Not only Goodrich allowed me to complete college, but to encourage and push me to succeed and graduate with honors. The faculty and
staff were always supportive and helpful; along the way I also made life long friends. Using the experiences I gained with Goodrich, I continued to
achieve my goals and dreams in graduate school and my current job (I am an emergency medicine physician assistant x 11 years) . I have moved
and traveled to many places, Goodrich prepared me well in all situations to connect with multicultural population. I am grateful and proud everyday
that I am a Goodrich scholar.

There are many, but having a Goodrich-led support group for those of us who struggled to pass College Algebra truly was the only reason I was able
to fulfill the math credit requirement

I have a lot of great memories. I loved hanging out with the quartet in the Goodrich suite/computer lab. I loved attending U.S. Perspectives on
American Culture with Professor Okhamafe, getting baptized as "the quartet," and as weird as it sounds, I also loved turning in those ten-page
papers every Monday and competing for the best grade so I could get my very own copy of a Dr. O's pocket size Constitution...I love talking to
Patty in her office or anywhere in the Goodrich suite. I love the time I spent with Troy and Mike doing pre-law cohort activities. I love the fact that I
had the privilege of having an English expert, Mike Carroll, of course, review my personal statement when I was applying to law schools, even if that
meant that I had to write 11 drafts. Last, but not least, I love that despite having graduated many years ago, I can still connect with young
generations of Goodrichers. What an honor it was been to be a Goodricher. Once a Goodricher, always a Goodricher!

Goodrich changed the trajectory of my young adult life. It shaped me into a professional and caring person, while empowering me and humbling me all at once.

Penny Nordal was always a big inspiration to me and my brother. She had such a relaxing calm influence on people. She helped me many times to keep going and conquer my fears. I miss her a lot!