As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ class of 2024, Ethan Saunders, economics major from Waynesboro, Pennsylvania has thoroughly demonstrated his excellence and dedication during his time at UD. Saunders is also a member of the UD football team.
Saunders was nominated for this series by Assistant Professor of Economics, Associate Chair – Undergraduate Program Liz Bayley.
In this profile, Saunders shares his favorite UD memories, how he has changed during his time at UD and his plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Saunders: I think my mindset has changed so much from my first semester. As a young naive freshman I was constantly looking forward: what class to take next, what internship/job to get this summer, and other future looking milestones. Not to say that looking ahead is a bad thing, but now I feel that I do a much better job of living in the moment more and being where my feet are. I appreciate more of the little moments that I very much overlooked and undervalued when I first arrived at UD.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Saunders: Initially the most blatant challenge in college was Covid with digital learning and a change in the “college experience” early in my time at UD. My first college courses were online via Zoom and I had a genuine fear that once in person was reinstated that the class load would be too much to handle. Luckily I have had great professors and great advisors that made returning to in-person learning seamless. As far as the college experience being different, I was able to make great friends early in my freshman year and they have remained my closest social circle to this day. They were instrumental in adjusting to the different way of living during the days of Covid.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Saunders: My signature UD experiences include attending football games. I was fortunate enough to have a unique view of games from on the field as a player, and those moments I will remember forever. Also going for a walk around the beautiful campus across the green and finding my way onto Main Street to get food stuck out as well.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience? If so, who and how?
Saunders: Dr. Liz Bayley has done so much for me in my time as an undergraduate student at UD. Dr. Bayley has been my advisor since my sophomore year and has been so important in my success. We only met once or twice a semester, but each meeting was always so informative and led me in positive directions. Dr. Bayley was always sure to ask me how football was going, whether it was during the season or during the offseason; her genuine care of the personal life of myself and other students is evident and greatly appreciated.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Saunders: Lifelong Lerner to me means that you are now part of this “club” of extraordinary individuals that have come through Lerner previously and done great things. Whatever you go out and do in life will be conducted with a piece of the lessons that you learned while being enrolled in Lerner. Being a Lifelong Lerner means a lot and holds great prestige, and all those who are Lifelong Lerners will go on to do great things.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Saunders: Incoming freshmen, my best advice to you would be never be scared to ask for help. During your freshman year, you will be at a stage in life unlike anything most of you have experienced before. For many, this will be your first time away from home – that can be the greatest challenge to some due to the immense amount of decisions that you now can make for yourself. Whatever you realize your greatest obstacle is, never be scared to ask a trusted adult for help, whether that is an RA, advisor, professor, or your parents. Many people try to fake it ‘til they make it and can find themselves even more lost than if they swallowed their pride and asked for guidance and assistance. Asking for help is not cowardly, asking for help shows great courage.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Saunders: Following graduation I will enroll in the MBA graduate school program here at UD. While obtaining my MBA I will continue to be a member of the UD football team as well.