As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ class of 2024, Storme Buckle, finance and accounting double major from Johannesburg, South Africa has thoroughly demonstrated her excellence and determination during her time at UD.
Buckle was nominated for this series by Professor of Marketing, Area Head – Marketing Meryl Gardner and Administrative Specialist Laura Moss.
Gardner said, “Storme is committed to community and uplifting others, while getting the most out of every minute at UD. She is a double major, a member of the UD Division 1 women’s rowing team, a member of the Blue Hen Investment Club in the consumer discretionary sector, and has two on-campus jobs (working within the BUAD department to assist professors and staff as well as TA for BUAD110). She loves learning and shares that enthusiasm with other students. Storme is a true problem solver who has developed the skills needed to identify problems and take the initiative to solve them.”
Moss said, “In addition to being an outstanding student in Lerner, Storme is a valued member of the UD rowing team and holds multiple TA positions within Lerner throughout the school year. She juggles all of this with ease and is an outstanding student worker, always smiling, conscientious, polite, and ready to help!”
In this profile, Buckle shares 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?
Buckle: Looking back, throughout my time at UD I have allowed myself to try every opportunity that has come my way. With these opportunities, I have gained confidence in myself and my abilities while working on perfecting my skills and passions in the areas of finance and accounting.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Buckle: One of the main challenges I faced in college was time management. As a student-athlete on a Division 1 team here, I had to stick to a strict schedule to ensure I was getting all of my schoolwork done. This became particularly challenging with my addition of two on-campus jobs and my involvement with the Blue Hen Investment Club. I succeeded in managing all of these responsibilities by being productive in all of my designated times to work while also allowing myself time to rest so I didn’t burn out.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Buckle: A huge part of my experience here at UD was being a member of the Division 1 women’s rowing team. I’ve spent every day of my college years surrounded by my favorite people and doing what I love the most – rowing. I’ve been able to challenge myself and my teammates and be pushed to grow into the best version of myself by those around me. The girls on my team have been foundational to my success in college and I can’t imagine my time here at UD without them.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Buckle: Professor Coffin has been instrumental to my development as a student within Lerner College. His business law classes created an environment for curious learning and engaging class discussions. He brings a lightness into every lecture, and I left inspired and wanting to learn more. He encouraged me to find my passion and has deeply enriched my life. His mentorship and guidance has given me the confidence to follow my dreams without fear of failing.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Buckle: Being a “Lifelong Lerner” has two meanings to me. First, being an actual “learner.” I feel that I have found a love for learning and a thirst for more knowledge during my time at UD. This will stay with me long after I graduate college. Secondly, I see the possibility of being a “Lifelong Lerner” as a lifelong member of the Lerner community. Post-graduation I will still be connected to UD through the supportive and inspiring network of individuals that I have met during my time here.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Buckle: Don’t be afraid to say “Yes!” Get involved in anything and everything. Give yourself the chance to try something new and be brave. There are so many opportunities to meet different people and try new things here on campus, so take advantage of it.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Buckle: I am currently pursuing my master’s in finance here at UD as a student in the 4+1 program.