As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ class of 2025, Kara Kimos, honors management major from Mount Airy, Md. has thoroughly demonstrated her excellence and dedication during her time at UD.
Kimos was nominated for this series by Assistant Professor of Management Stacy Astrove, who recognized her as a “very engaged student.”
In this profile, Kimos shared her favorite UD memories, how she has changed during her time at UD and her plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Kimos: Since my first semester at UD, I feel I’ve grown more confident in every aspect of my life. Having the opportunity to explore new topics and new places at UD has allowed me to develop my public speaking, research, French, communication, and leadership skills.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Kimos: I’ve struggled with my mental health throughout college, which led me to accept that asking for help is not a bad thing. I’ve truly benefited from therapy as well as mental health resources on and around campus, like Sean’s House.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Kimos: Studying abroad at UD absolutely changed my life. While I was applying to colleges, I vaguely dreamed of studying abroad in France, and I figured UD would be a great institution to do so. I never could have imagined that this would amount to spending a semester abroad in Aix-en-Provence, France where I held an internship in my major of human resources and in my second language, French.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Kimos: All of my Lerner professors have been incredible, but I wanted to shout out Dr. Michal Herzenstein, Dr. Nathan Bragaw, and Dr. Stacy Astrove. All three of these professors are excellent instructors who went above and beyond in helping me engage with course content. I am so grateful for their interest in my growth as a student, both professionally and personally.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Kimos: To me, being a Lifelong Lerner means constantly asking questions. Throughout my time at UD, I’ve found that I learn most effectively and produce my best work when I’m willing to ask about others’ experiences and to gain a better understanding of what’s expected of me. As I transition into my career, I aim to continue asking questions wherever I go!
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Kimos: My advice for first-year students is to pick 1-2 extracurricular activities to focus your time on. Getting to know others who share the same interest or career goal as you can build strong relationships and future leadership positions. I joined my a cappella group, DelReMi, in my first semester, which led to 3 different executive board positions and meeting friends I now consider to be my second family!
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Kimos: After graduation, I have been accepted to a teaching assistant program in France where I would be teaching English to school-aged children! I loved my study abroad experience so much that I want to return to France.