As the University of Nebraska–Lincoln celebrates its May 2025 commencement, CEHS is highlighting five graduates who share about their experiences in this Q-&-A.
Lauren Marshall
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Exercise and Health Sciences
Omaha, Nebraska
What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
Graduating from Nebraska represents the years of hard work I put in to graduate from college. I will represent the Cornhusker spirit with me as I continue my education outside of Nebraska.
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?
My favorite class I took was NUTR 488 Exercise Programing. This class encapsulated everything I have learned at UNL and allowed me to apply it to a client. While it felt out of my comfort zone, I was able to put together a tailored exercise program, preparing me for physical therapy school and being a physical therapist.
Involvement and activities while on campus:
Pre-Physical Therapy Club, Hillel, Chemistry teaching assistant, honors, CEHS ambassador, student shift supervisor at Starbucks City Campus.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to attend physical therapy school either in Iowa, Washington, or Michigan.
"After graduation, I am most looking forward to _______________."
Becoming a physical therapist.
Write a "thank you message" to someone who helped you throughout your time as a Husker.
I would like to thank all my teachers and physical therapists I have worked with. Our experience together has shaped who I've become.
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Rosa Vega-Jimenez
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
Omaha, Nebraska
What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
Graduating from Nebraska means achieving a lifelong goal and honoring the community that shaped me. It represents the hard work, resilience, and passion I’ve poured into becoming an educator, and it’s a proud reminder that I’m ready to give back to the state and schools that helped raise me.
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?
One transformational part of my time at Nebraska was getting to know my professors personally, especially as I had many of them for multiple classes over the years. Their guidance, encouragement, and deep knowledge helped shape me into the educator I am becoming. Another key experience was student teaching in Omaha Public Schools, where I had the chance to return to the district I started in. This full-circle moment confirmed my passion for teaching and my commitment to giving back. Courses like TEAC 311 and 313 helped me build strong instructional skills, especially in literacy, and gave me the confidence to support diverse learners. These experiences have deeply influenced the kind of teacher I strive to be.
Please list involvements while on campus.
Alpha Xi Delta Sorority
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to teach kindergarten in Omaha, Nebraska!
Fill in the blank: "After graduation, I am most looking forward to _______________."
Applying everything I have learned in the Teachers College to build successful and confident students who are excited to learn!
Was there anything that pleasantly surprised you about the University of Nebraska-Lincoln or your experience here?
I didn’t expect to build such close relationships with my professors and peers, but they became mentors and friends who truly cared about my growth over the years.
Write a "thank you message" to someone who helped you throughout your time as a Husker.
To my mom, thank you for being my biggest supporter and my constant source of strength. Through every moment of doubt, you have reminded me that my dreams were worth chasing. More importantly, you have taught me that I was capable of reaching any goal I set for myself. You never let me forget my worth, even when I couldn't see it myself. I hope you know that every step I take forward is a reflection of everything you’ve poured into me. I love you more than words can ever say.
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Blair Beecham
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science
Papillion, Nebraska
What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
Graduating from Nebraska means everything to me. I was born and raised here in Nebraska, and I have always dreamed of being a Husker. To see it come to fruition means everything to me.
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?
When I took NUTR 350, Nutrition Through the Lifecycle, I realized I wanted to have a career in nutrition. I had always struggled to figure out what I wanted to do for a career. This class made me realize my passion for the subject, and it led me to pursue a career in dietetics.
Involvement and activities while on campus:
Food Science and Technology club, intramural sports, working in the athletic department as an academic tutor for student athletes.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be staying here in Lincoln, Nebraska, to continue my education at UNL. I will be pursuing a master's degree in dietetics.
"After graduation, I am most looking forward to _______________."
Furthering my education here at UNL. I am super excited to start my master's program and work towards becoming a registered dietitian.
Was there anything that pleasantly surprised you about the University of Nebraska-Lincoln or your experience here?
Campus felt so big when I first arrived to UNL. I had to use my phone to figure out where my classes were, and the idea of having class in a lecture hall was scary. What surprised me was how quickly campus shrunk. It became a community where I often saw familiar faces and I knew exactly where I was going all the time. Looking back, I never expected to get to the point I am at today, but UNL gave me the space I needed to grow and become the person I am now.
Write a "thank you message" to someone who helped you throughout your time as a Husker.
I would like to say thank you to my academic advisor, Raymond Ramirez. I will always be thankful for his constant guidance and reassurance when I doubted myself. I knew I could go to him when I had questions about my academics. He instilled the confidence in me to dream big, and encouraged me to apply to dietetics programs. I simply would not be where I am today without his help.
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Sydney Bode
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Exercise and Health Sciences
Papillion, Nebraska
What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
Nebraska has shown me how to grow as a person, a student, and as a friend. It taught me how to be hard working throughout a tough major, but also allowed me to created meaningful and long-lasting friendships.
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 loved having Terry Housh and Carol Welker as teachers for my major and minor. They taught me a lot about my two passions—physical therapy and coaching. Housh was an amazing teacher who provided students with a great learning experience, and he checked up on me when needed. Welker gave me important information in class, but also set me up for success within many coaching opportunities.
Please list involvements while on campus.
Pre-PT club and intramural sports.
What are your plans after graduation?
Attend UNMC's Physical Therapy program in Omaha, Nebraska.
Fill in the blank: "After graduation, I am most looking forward to _______________."
Attending a graduate school and learning more specialized information in what I want to do in my future.
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Cece Villa
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Exercise and Health Sciences
Altoona, Iowa
What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
Graduating from Nebraska means achieving a personal and academic milestone shaped by hard work, community support, and growth. It represents the foundation for my future and the pride of being part of a strong tradition and community. GO BIG RED!
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?
The experience that changed the course of my college career was getting a job at Campus Recreation in the Injury Prevention and Care (IPC). It provided me with a community, a purpose, and mentors that I lean on every day. I met some of my best friends through that job and will always remember the hours I spent at campus recreation playing intramurals, sitting in the office, or just chatting with patrons as they came in.
Involvement and activities while on campus:
Dance Marathon, Campus Recreation IPC, intern at We Are Nebraska, Ambassador for CEHS, Teaching Assistant for ALEC, Teaching Assistant for ATB.
In the Athletic Department: varsity athletics (women's soccer), SAAC, N-Volved, Inner circle, Athlete Ally president, No Filter trip, Pen Pal.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will continue living in Lincoln, Nebraska, and attending graduate school at UNL in the educational administration department under student affairs.
"After graduation, I am most looking forward to _______________."
Attending UNL to continue my education and create amazing opportunities for myself beyond college and to continue my athletic career.
Was there anything that pleasantly surprised you about the University of Nebraska-Lincoln or your experience here?
I came to Nebraska from out of state and had no expectations of the university and its traditions. I am leaving here never having walked through the art structure that causes bad luck and always touching Archie's foot before a test! It has truly surprised me and been the best four years I could have imagined.
College of Education and Human Sciences
Nutrition and Health Sciences
Teaching, Learning & Teacher Education
