Meet Ali

Alexandra or “Ali” | Class of 2013 Hometown: Appleton, Wisconsin Major: Accounting Involvements: Choir, Intramural volleyball, Ministry Partner, and a Teaching Assistant (TA) for one of the business professors

Why did you choose Northwestern?
I love the sense of community at Northwestern. From my initial visit, I witnessed genuine Christian staff members whose mission is to serve Christ through investing in the students at this college. I was excited for the opportunity to gather together with believers and grow in both spiritual and academic knowledge.

How did you decide on your major?
I was looking for a challenging field of study as well as something I enjoyed. After being introduced to accounting in high school and further learning about it in beginning college accounting classes, I found this area of study to be unique, relevant, and beneficial.

Why do you think Northwestern is a good place to study business?
The business program is definitely challenging. Classes and high expectations of professors result in us rising to the challenge of excellence and developing important skills in the process. The professors take a personal interest in their students and seek to equip us with knowledge to thrive in the competitive business world beyond the walls of this college. Not only do they teach us academically, but their faith integration and personal stories encourage students to continue to live out their lives for Christ, being a light for Him.

Most influential professor?
Professor Dick Middleton has been the most influential to me. He calls his students to excellence and expects top notch, professional work all of the time. Although his classes are challenging and demanding, they are incredibly rewarding as he stretches students to achieve beyond their personal expectations. In addition, his take-away life lessons are valuable. His teaching style and relationships with his students shows he truly cares for their wellbeing and life outside of school, too.

Favorite class?
Management with Professor Dick Middleton. Although this was one of the hardest classes I’ve taken, I learned so much about myself and the business world. With such high expectations, I was stretched and forced to go out of my comfort zone. This was not necessarily fun at the time, but looking back, I can see how much I’ve grown specifically in the areas of public speaking, pursuing excellence, and working and communicating within a team. When you realize a professor is pushing you because they want to you to do well, their belief in you strengthens your belief in yourself and serves as a motivation for achieving success.

What would you like to do when you graduate from Northwestern?
I hope to get a job at a large accounting firm and get my CPA license. Aside from a career, I hope to get married and start a family.