A lot changes during the transition from high school to college. That's a lesson Ashley Weyers learned when she arrived at UNL more than two years ago.
"At the beginning of my college career, I wasn't prepared for all of the studying that had to be done in order to receive good grades," said Weyers, a junior geography major. "I've had to buckle down at times and really work on my homework or studying to get the good grades that I want."
Weyers said that she didn't select her major until the middle of her sophomore year.
"I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted to do," she said. "After talking to my adviser about my interests and what kind of classes I enjoyed, I decided geography was a good fit for me."
One class that stands out to Weyers as particularly memorable is "Historical Geography of the Great Plains," taught by David Wishart, professor of geography.
"Having lived in Nebraska my whole life, I could really relate to the subject," Weyers said. "I enjoyed learning about Native Americans and the different types of stages the Great Plains has been through."
Wishart said that Weyers is one of the geography program's best undergraduate majors.
"She is intelligent and conscientious – always in class, always prepared, always interested," he said.
Weyers' dedication to her coursework is evidenced by the fact that even on the one occasion when she did miss class, she had asked Wishart for his permission before doing so.
"I've taught her in two classes and she only missed one session," Wishart said. "That was the day after her birthday, and she asked my permission to miss my 8 a.m. class. How could I refuse? She had earned it through her previous efforts and accomplishments."
Outside of the classroom, Weyers has experienced increasing amounts of responsibility that have contributed to her growth both as a student and as an individual.
During the week, she works for the Office of the University Registrar, where she helps organize and file papers. On the weekends, Weyers will spend time with friends and babysit on occasion.
"I've personally grown up a ton," she said. "Being on my own in college is fun, crazy, wild, exciting and at times very stressful. I've had to learn how to take care of myself."
Weyers' maturity and hard work have placed her on the path to graduate a semester early in December 2014.
"I've learned that hard work and determination do go a long way," she said. "I hope to find a job I enjoy and that is close to my family and friends."
— Mekita Rivas, Natural Resources
Do you know a stellar SNR student who should be spotlighted in an issue of Inside SNR? Send his or her contact information to mrivas@unl.edu.