Through the trials and tribulations in life, I found myself to be quite content with who I have become. My name is Sagely Houghland and I truly believe that I have what it takes to be an exceptional addition to help better ourselves. I attack problems head on to be able to achieve a sense of knowledge and a game plan of how to resolve it. I am a Sophomore at University of Arkansas pursuing my dream of being a Psychologist. I hope to attain a full-time job working in the field of human resources. I learned at a young age that I am a determined problem solver and also advocate for those in need. From a young age I learned the importance of a strong work ethic, organization and ambition. This has inspired me to accomplish what I have today.
Throughout my life I have faced challenge after challenge, finding the best ways to adapt and make through my difficulties. In doing this, I have found taking charge of my situation and finding the best way to get through it. Personally, I adapt to every situation due to my childhood experience working with all different levels of people. I excel at problem solving with other peers and demonstrating a strong leadership view. As a result, my communication skills have sprouted throughout the years, making me feel confident to communicate with others even through difficult trials.
Ultimately I am inspired to resolve as much conflict as I can and positively help others. I strive to figure out what is not seen directly, but what is felt, realized or understood in others views. My research, extracurriculars, and experiences are an indicator of how serious I am about the quality of mental help others are receiving when they need it. I have worked with Sports Psychologists at the University of Arkansas, Life ministries sanction for those in need and also Cardinal Care Therapy Center in interning to further my depth of knowledge in this field. This is something I am very passionate about and what excites me to do. All of these experiences are here on my ePortfolio I would love for you to check out. Helping others is the key to success in my eyes and I would love to discuss more with you about my passion.
This is screenshot of Emirra Harris’ About Me from her portfolio. The text is provided below.
There is no one like me, but I am still like everyone else. I have goals, aspirations, and passions just like my peers. At the University of Arkansas, I am a Junior Civil Engineer major with a minor in mathematics in the College of Engineering. I am expected to graduate in May 2024. My current focus in undergrad is in transportation engineering. I am currently an Undergraduate Research Assistant for Dr. Sarah Hernandez, a transportation civil engineering professor in the College of Engineering. Education and STEM are two of my passions, so through the years I’ve had to figure out how to incorporate these passions in the development of my future. I have goals that align with both, and I plan to fulfill them through my life’s journey.
My goal after obtaining my bachelors of science in civil engineering is to earn my masters degree in a masters research program. I hope to participate in a graduate program directly after my undergraduate studies. After I obtain my masters of science in civil engineering, I hope to find a position in either roadway construction, aviation, or land development. So far, I have civil engineering internship experience in private and public sectors; the Arkansas Department of Transportation in Jonesboro and APAC-Central in Fayetteville. During the duration of both internships, I was able to exercise valuable skills such as critical thinking, professionalism, and communication. I was also able to expand my competence in surveying, roadway design, material quality control, project management, etc. I feel as though part of my purpose in life is to serve black youth as a face of representation. As an African American female in civil engineering, we are very few. I want to show other black girls and boys that it is possible for them to pursue careers in these spaces that are so white and male dominated.
Outside of my education career, I enjoy hobbies such as spending time with my family and friends, going on walks and drives, reading, listening to music, and watching movies. I am very family oriented. Not only do I value education, but I also value God, family, and mental health, among other things. I aspire to apply my values in order to make lasting change in the world.
Will Lambley
No Excuses, I remember my dad telling me this as I got diagnosed legally blind in 2019. My name is Will Lambley I’m a student at the University of Arkansas and some might say it’s a miracle I am where I am in my life. After graduating high school, playing high school football, and navigating and being a student at a college since only being legally blind for 3 years. What it all comes down to is two simple but powerful words No excuses.
In December of 2018 during a high school football game I started to realize I could no longer see the scoreboard and why teammates were all blurry. Two weeks later I could no longer drive. 1 month later I could no longer make out the faces of my friends, family, teachers, and coaches. 2 months later I was told there might be an issue going on with my eyes and I could be legally blind. 5 months later I was diagnosed legally blind. This was a shock to me and everyone around me since I had previously had 20/20 eyesight for the first 16 years of my life. Something my dad said in that moment that has changed my mindset and my life was “no matter how hard anything is you are not making any excuses”.
By not making any excuses I am still able to do everything I want just in a different way. As I still navigate around areas just like I would when I had sight, but with a stick so I can Identify where I am. I still function in school where I do all my school work on a computer that talks to me and I just had to memorize where all the keys are. Has it always been easy adapting to a new way of life? No, but by not making excuses through this adverse situation many doors have opened in my life that never would have been there if it wasn’t for this situation.
Since going blind I have scored a touchdown in a high school football game where I was two year captain for my high school team. I have been asked to speak to various groups of people from churches to sports teams. The most important thing I have done though is learned when hard times come I don’t need to worry rather I need to look to see how I can use whatever I am facing to help someone else. Knowing that when I wake up everyday I need to be a giver and not a taker.
This is screenshot of Kyle Young’s About Me from his portfolio. The text is provided below.
Growing up, I was described as both a risk-taker and an adventurer by my mom and dad.
I braved a lot of experiences and the unknown, always trying new and exciting things. Motivated by my family and the influential individuals and mentors around me, I have always been someone who is open to new challenges and experiences, due to the motto I have always gone by since I was little. This motto being “Hard work and dedication equals success.”
My expertise in life comes from being a valuable learner. I always try and apply new teachings and experiences to my everyday life. I always found interest in many different hobbies that occupied my attention, some of these beings sports like Football and Basketball, gaming, and even activities pertained to the outside. Yet, I was also open to trying new things like Taekwondo, boxing and hiking.
I have always applied the small things in life, learning and rising to the challenge to overcome the obstacles that came my way. The result? Giving me more motivation and purpose than I could possibly imagine. As I grew older, my interest matured into mainly wanting to make my own impact within the world. To assist others and to attempt in some way or another, heal the world and to make it a better place. For you and for me, and the entire human race.
This is screenshot Lidia Belete’s About Me from her portfolio. The text is provided below.
My passion for research stems from the unknowns in the world. In Ethiopia, there is a popular flatbread called Injera that is paired with different stews and sauces. There are many steps that go into making the flatbread, and I would always mess up some part of the recipe. As I continued to get frustrated, my mom showed me different methods and techniques to combat those issues. Instead of getting stuck at a problem, my mom exemplified characteristics of a researcher where critical thinking skills and determination came in handy. Experiences like those pushed me to explore research and serve as my motivation to pursue graduate school.
Attending the University of Arkansas, I have been involved in many different activities as a student. Majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Statistics has motivated me to explore research in the Chemistry and Biochemistry department. I have been involved in a research class working with bacteria, chelating agents, etc. Working in mentor’s lab has been an incredible experience by learning what it means to use critical thinking skills and working in a lab. While I have focused on academics and research, I am also involved in extracurricular activities I am passionate about. Serving as the National Communications Coordinator in the Residents’ Interhall Congress (RIC) has allowed me to grow my leadership skills by holding meetings, communicating with my advisors, and working in my committee. Additionally, I serve as the Content Creator for the African Students Organization where I can showcase the very culture I am proud of and highlight that for my campus.
My experiences in academia and research became the very reason why I am currently studying Biochemistry. As I continue to learn more about the field of chemistry, I am amazed to hear about the multitude of branches that can be pursued. Researchers with different backgrounds around the world continue to encounter problems and test new questions that need to be solved, and it is with that curiosity that fuels my interest to pursue further learning in chemistry through graduate school.
This is screenshot Lidia Belete’s About Me from her portfolio. The text is provided below.
Ever since I was about 7 years old, I have been fascinated with healthcare. Before every doctor’s appointment, I researched my symptoms and gave myself and my family members diagnoses. My parents would laugh at me and call me silly, but when their results were strep or flu positive like I had predicted they encouraged me to pursue the medical field. I am passionate about helping others and educating future patients on how to better their health. Because of this, I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology with a minor in Human Nutrition.
I understand that working in healthcare you must have outstanding communication skills and empathy to effectively treat patients. Being able to have a positive outlook and work as a team player is also crucial to the healthcare field. Going to see a provider means putting your trust in the hands of a dependable and knowledgeable physician and that is what I hope to become. Attending the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and being accepted into the Physician Assistant Program is the next step in fulfilling my dreams.
Being an immigrant at a young age is just one of the challenges I have conquered so far in life. I know how to overcome and persevere through whatever may come my way to reach my goals. I am determined to make a difference in other peoples’ lives because serving others is my top priority. Providing care to not only my family and friends, but also the people of my community, is my greatest passion in life and I plan on working hard every day until I can achieve that.
This is screenshot of Danika Nottage’s About Me from her portfolio. The text is provided below.
Growing up in the Bahamas was a blast, and I have a lot of funny memories from my childhood. I remember spending hours playing in the sand and sun, trying to catch lizards and dreaming about being a pirate. But as I got older, I found myself increasingly curious about the world around me, and that curiosity eventually led me to pursue a career in research. It turns out that my childhood love of exploring and discovering new things was just the start of my passion for digging deeper into complex topics. And while I may not be hunting for treasure or chasing lizards anymore, I still get a thrill from uncovering new information and making breakthroughs in my field. Who knew that growing up in the Bahamas could lead to a career in research?
Welcome to a glimpse of Danika’s world, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share a bit about myself with you. I am someone who loves to help and encourage others, as I know first-hand the incredible impact it can have on someone’s life. I am passionate about clinical research and development and have always been curious about complex processes. Specifically, I am deeply interested in triple-negative cancer research and the ways in which we can work to develop new treatments and therapies to improve the lives of those affected by this devastating disease. I am excited to continue learning and growing in this field, and I am grateful for any opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
In addition to my professional pursuits, I am also an avid tennis player and swimmer. These hobbies not only provide me with physical exercise, but they also serve as a form of mental relaxation and stress relief. When I am on the tennis court or in the pool, I am able to clear my mind and focus on the task at hand, allowing me to return to my work with renewed focus and energy. Additionally, the physical activity from these hobbies is crucial to my overall well-being, keeping me healthy and energized for the demands of my career. Overall, I view my hobbies as an essential part of my self-care routine and am grateful for the ways in which they contribute to my overall sense of well-being.
Do You Have a Portfolio Example to Share?
We all benefit from having a variety of samples to examine. If you have an example that you think should be included in this book, email me at lmeade@uark.edu to let me know, and complete this quick form to grant permission https://forms.office.com/r/LcFVDUPNF3.
