It’s often the case that some of the most potent realizations and transformative viewpoints one can have are when they step outside of their routines and immerse themselves in a different context. This was the case for two students from Arkansas Tech University after they traveled to Boston, Massachusetts for a recent trip. When attending a national meeting of the National Millennial and Gen Z Community (NMGZ), sophomores Nikki Victory and Allie Stoll found their horizons expanded in ways that they once thought were not possible.
Challenging Self-Doubt: A Shift in Perspective
To Mayflower, Arkansas’s business management and digital marketing hoister, Nikki Victory, the Boston trip was a revelation. “This experience made things seem achievable.” In her own words, self-doubt has always been a battle in Victory’s life. “I used to think I wasn’t professional enough, not smart enough… not anything enough.” However, her self-perceptions changed after her meetings with industry leaders. “But after meeting with top executives of some of the biggest companies in the world, I realized that we’re still all humans. I don’t have to be perfect to make it. I have to be innovative, creative, and persevering. I learned that no, every workplace may not be for me, but I will continue my education and discover a career that I Love.”
Breaking Down Barriers: Overcoming Geographic Limitations
Stoll Allie, a business data analytics major from Benton, Arkansas, shared similar stimulating feelings of first rough intimidation.
When Stoll traveled with business students from more populated areas teeming with large firms, she recalled having an “I am just from Arkansas” mindset. “There were quite a few Californians and New Yorkers,” Stoll noted. “Sometimes I get caught in an ‘I am just from Arkansas’ state of mind, when really that has nothing to do with how I will end up. All of the executives we talked to came from schools about the size of ATU. I was so shocked about that. It really inspired me to think bigger. I limited myself to working in Arkansas because I always thought that was all I could do. This trip made me realize I can end up in Boston working at one of these companies.”
A Relaxed Reality: Demystifying the Corporate World
Stoll equally found the trip valuable in addressing her fears about big corporations. She was amazed at how relaxed and friendly the workplaces they visited were. “All of the workplaces we visited were really laid back,” she observed.
“The execs wore casual outfits, and with every visit, the NMGZ students looked more dressed up than them. It honestly relieved some of the pressure I was feeling. One of my aims is to join a bigger company, so witnessing how people I looked up to had such calm, soft demeanors really gave me a sense of assurance that I could achieve that goal.”
Meaningful Connections: Insights from Industry Leaders
Victory and Stoll were together with Katie Hook, an ATU instructor of business administration. In particular, she pointed out the meaningful opportunities for meaningful engagement during the trip. “During the trip, we had meaningful dialogues with SharkNinja, Macy’s, MullenLowe U.S., Converse executives, and others,” remarked Hook. “Such discussions offered students important perspectives on the changing workplace and the role of genuine representation”.”
Arkansas Represented: A Commitment to Student Success
The National Millennial and Gen Z Community conference held in Boston is where Arkansas Tech University proudly held the only institution in Arkansas’s claim. Hook underlined the value of this opportunity: “This is emblematic of Arkansas Tech University’s commitment to student success through providing an academic education integrated with real-world, acceleration experiences.”
ATU continues to provide relevant pathways for students as a result of partnerships like this, enabling students to develop as global leaders, seasoned professionals, and highly skilled innovators.”
Gratitude and Future Aspirations: A World of Opportunity
Hook, Victory, and Stoll also extended their profound gratitude to Bill Imada, who is the co-founder of the National Millennial and Gen Z Community, and Jimmy Ferguson, an ATU benefactor, for their instrumental funding contributions toward the achievement of the trip. “Coming back from the trip, I can conclude that the experiences you go through change your perspective,” said Victory. “I have had my mind set on accomplishing great things my whole life. This trip made me realize that those dreams can become a reality. When you think a world is a huge place, it is. Having the right attitude can make all the difference.”
