As the University of Nebraska–Lincoln celebrates its May 2025 commencement, CEHS is highlighting six graduates who share about their experiences in this Q-&-A.
Carly Bredthauer
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Exercise and Health Sciences
Lincoln, Nebraska
What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
I'm incredibly grateful I got to attend UNL. I've been a Husker since I was born and having the chance to spend four years here has been truly meaningful. It's hard to believe my time here is already coming to an end.
As you think about graduating from Nebraska, please share any transformational moment(s). How did it help shape who you are or what you will do going forward?
Becoming a resident assistant and a physiology lab teaching assistant were two of my greatest experiences at UNL. These positions provided me so many valuable experiences and relationships. From these opportunities I have gained friends that will last a lifetime and I have learned valuable lessons that will take me far in my future education and life.
Involvement and activities while on campus:
Resident assistant (3 years), Physiology teaching assistant (2 years), on-campus Bible study (4 years), and intramural soccer and softball.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I will be attending physician assistant school at UNMC in Omaha.
"After graduation, I am most looking forward to _______________."
Expanding my knowledge in physician assistant school and learning how to better serve others through healthcare. I also look forward to marrying my husband, who I met through my resident assistant experience here.
Was there anything that pleasantly surprised you about the University of Nebraska-Lincoln or your experience here?
Despite starting out as a shy freshman, I found so many ways to be a part of a community at UNL and the football fan experience as a student was even better than I imagined.
Share a "thank you message" to someone who helped you throughout your time as a Husker.
Thank you, Lissette, my residence director, for always being there to listen to the stories about my crazy weeks. You are truly the best listener I know, even when the list of my dilemmas is long. We shared so many laughs and even tears over the last 3 years and you were always there for me either way. When I felt like I was being buried under school, work, personal life and other commitments, you were always there to help pull me out and remind me that I can face the challenges. Thank you for all your support through the ups and downs, I am so grateful!
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Sidney Thiele
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education (K-6)
Ewing, Nebraska
What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
It is simply amazing. When I was little, my mom instilled a love of the Huskers in me. We constantly followed Nebraska volleyball, football, etc. I was interested in anything I could watch on TV involving the Huskers! Being from a small town, Lincoln and the University seemed amazing, yet impossible for me to achieve. Even as I got older, that dream to attend UNL lingered, but was never something I would allow myself to dream of, in the hope of protecting myself. But when I got to my senior year I was able to apply for scholarships. Never believing I would get them, I tried anyway. Flash forward a month, I received the Susan Buffett, leaving me with options I never thought I would have. I now had the opportunity to attend UNL. As scary as it seemed, I was beyond excited to get my shot that I thought was impossible! I never allowed myself to dream of being a future Husker, so when having the chance to be a Husker finally came along, I couldn't pass it up. So, now, when I reflect not only about graduating from Nebraska, but about a dream I was too scared to dream that became possible, I almost can't believe it. I am left in awe of all that I was blessed with!
As you think about graduating from Nebraska, please share any transformational moment(s) — a class you took, a professor with whom you had a strong connection, a way you got involved on campus, an internship or experience you had off campus. How did it help shape who you are or what you will do going forward?
During my time at UNL I got to experience many different hands-on experiences through my practicums. My first ever experience within a classroom was at Waverly Intermediate School with Daisy Shada in her fifth grade class. I loved her and her classroom so much that I decided to head back for student teaching.
During my time as a student teacher I grew in the regular ways—how to manage a classroom, building relationships with students, instructing, leading small groups, and so much more. But Mrs. Shada taught me more than what it was like to be a good instructor, but also what it was like to be a good person. She taught me how to help create positive relationships with co-workers, standing up for my thoughts, communicating, contributing positively to work environments, setting healthy boundaries, practicing self-care, and so much more. She was someone who truly saw me and genuinely cared deeply for who I was as both a teacher and a person. Coming from similar backgrounds we were able to relate, create an honest environment, support each other, and grow because of each other.
Involvement and activities while on campus:
Navigators College Ministry
What are your plans after graduation?
Special Education Teacher at O'Neill Public School
"After graduation, I am most looking forward to _______________."
After graduation, I am most looking forward to moving back home to my husband's family ranch and starting our family! My husband and I are expecting a baby come this November!
Was there anything that pleasantly surprised you about the University of Nebraska-Lincoln or your experience here?
How small it truly is! I think people like me who are from a small town see UNL and assume that it is huge and you are just a fish in the ocean, BUT I couldn't agree less. Within the College of Education I felt seen, cared for, and knew my professor/classmates (and they knew me). It truly is a small and caring place! No one wants to see you fail, UNL cares about your success.
Share a "thank you message" to someone who helped you throughout your time as a Husker.
Thank you to Sue Kemp! Sue was always beyond helpful when I needed ANYTHING, whether that was advice or an ear to listen. She constantly showed interest and care about my education and experiences! I wouldn't be where I am today in my career or confidence as an educator if it weren't for her leadership!
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Katie Charest
Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management, and Dance
Olathe, Kansas
What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
Graduating from Nebraska means that I am taking the next step in my career. Nebraska has prepared me for this moment and I am grateful for all of the opportunities it has provided me over the past four years. I am proud of my accomplishments and everything I have been able to achieve at Nebraska.
As you think about graduating from Nebraska, please share any transformational moment(s) — a class you took, a professor with whom you had a strong connection, a way you got involved on campus, an internship or experience you had off campus. How did it help shape who you are or what you will do going forward?
In my time at Nebraska, I had multiple professors who played a big role in my development. Professor Susan Ourida and Dr. Hye-Won Hwang both supported me throughout my time in the dance program and have helped me to become the person I am. Dr. Kristin Malek has shaped my skillset in the events industry and she has pushed me in many ways to prepare me to have a successful career. My internship at Pink Gorilla Events has helped me to get amazing experience in the events industry and has helped to give me a look into what my future may look like.
Involvement and activities while on campus:
Alpha Chi Omega, Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts Student Ambassador
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I plan to move back to Kansas City and pursue a career in events.
"After graduation, I am most looking forward to _______________."
After graduation, I am looking forward to being home and starting my career journey.
Was there anything that pleasantly surprised you about the University of Nebraska-Lincoln or your experience here?
What pleasantly surprised me was the amazing relationships I was able to build with my professors. I have been able to lean on them to help me through obstacles and create a close bond I will cherish forever.
Share a "thank you message" to someone who helped you throughout your time as a Husker.
I want to thank my family for supporting me through my time in college. They have been there to celebrate my biggest accomplishments, but also to help me through my greatest challenges. I also want to thank my friends for always being my biggest cheerleaders and being the best friends to have through college.
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Carson Haberyan
Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education: French, and French
Maryville, Missouri
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.
As you think about graduating from Nebraska, please share any transformational moment(s) — a class you took, a professor with whom you had a strong connection, a way you got involved on campus, an internship or experience you had off campus. How did it help shape who you are or what you will do going forward?
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 resident assistant's in ways I never had before. I feel confident in saying that the experience has made be a better educator.
Involvement and activities while on campus:
Video Game Development Club member, French/Francophone Club - president, 2022-2025, Resident assistant - 2023-2025.
What are your plans 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.
Was there anything that pleasantly surprised you about the University of Nebraska-Lincoln or your experience here?
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.
Share a "thank you message" to someone who helped you throughout your time as a Husker.
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.
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Cassidy Smith
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Exercise and Health Sciences
Omaha, Nebraska
What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
Graduating from Nebraska is a reminder to me that there is growth during times of hardship. The journey to this degree has certainly not been easy, but I can honestly say that I am more resilient and well-equipped to deal with stress because of my time here.
As you think about graduating from Nebraska, please share any transformational moment(s). How did it help shape who you are or what you will do going forward?
Being a part of the gerontology program played a huge part in my career trajectory. Bede Bolin and Julie Masters are so encouraging and enthusiastic about advocating and teaching about the older adult population. They fueled my passion for helping older adults age in place.
Involvement and activities while on campus:
President of Pre-Occupational Therapy Club, member of pep band, Christian Student Fellowship-Lincoln, tutor for Nebraska Athletics Department, teaching assistant for Environmental Justice and Public Health (UHON 181), and ran a hydroponics honors afterschool club at Prescott Elementary.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be attending occupational therapy school at the University of Nebraska Medical center in Omaha, NE.
"After graduation, I am most looking forward to _______________."
Moving in with my grandparents and spending time with my family.
Share a "thank you message" to someone who helped you throughout your time as a Husker.
Thank you to the professors that took the time to know me or gave me grace when I needed it. Dr. Haney-Douglass, Mrs. Zempleni, and Dr. Hansen, thank you for your passion and kindness.
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Kasandra De La Cruz-Gutierrez
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Exercise and Health Sciences
Omaha, Nebraska
What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
I am a first generation college student. Having this opportunity opens the door for me and my family. It also means I am one step closer to reaching my goals!
As you think about graduating from Nebraska, please share any transformational moment(s). How did it help shape who you are or what you will do going forward?
Amanda Higgins (athletic training professor) was one professor who impacted me the most. Before changing my major, I was having a tough time mentally. She was one of the people who made me realize that I didn't want to give up on my dreams. When I changed my major, she helped me figure out what the next step was.
Involvement and activities while on campus:
Athletic Training Student Association
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be pursuing my master's degree in athletic training at UNL.
"After graduation, I am most looking forward to _______________."
Working toward my second degree and becoming a certified athletic trainer.
Was there anything that pleasantly surprised you about the University of Nebraska-Lincoln or your experience here?
I was surprised by how much the staff cares. It is such a big campus, and the advisors have their plate full. But when it came to me changing my degree plans, he was quick to help me and made sure I was back on track to graduate this spring.
Share a "thank you message" to someone who helped you throughout your time as a Husker.
Thank you to my family who were always there for me, even when I didn't know where my path was going. Especially to my parents and sister. Without them, I would not be graduating this May.
College of Education and Human Sciences
Nutrition and Health Sciences
Special Education and Communication Disorders
Teaching, Learning & Teacher Education
