Juliana Cameron is a 2021 graduate from Marysville, Washington. She is majoring in Business with a focus in Marketing, and her minor is Health. Juliana is also an award winner from WOU’s Leadership Recognition Month, where she was recognized as the Don Boderman Volunteer of the Year, as well as being an IFC Committee member.

 

What has your experience been like in the Honors Program? 

I am an honors student! It has been a great experience. I have enjoyed the in-depth, discussion-based classes. Although there are additional reading and writing requirements, the professors of these classes have a passion for the information and translate it into the content. These classes have been some of my favorites because the information is presented with excitement and passion for learning. 

 

Why did you choose WOU? 

I chose WOU primarily for athletics. I was recruited for the women’s volleyball team but found the location and small town to be just what I was looking for in my college experience. 

 

What has been your most memorable class? 

As a health minor, I have really enjoyed all of my public health coursework. That being said, my most memorable class was Epidemiology, taught by Dr. Emily Vala-Haynes. This class sparked my interest in pursuing a master’s in Public Health. I enjoyed analyzing data to make conclusions about exposure and risks to various diseases. 

 

What have some of your extracurriculars been? How did those impact your time on campus?

In my time at WOU, I have participated in a variety of extracurricular activities. I have been an IFC Member for three years, and I volunteer at the WOU Food Pantry. Each of these experiences have allowed me to gain an appreciation of the WOU community. Our school offers a variety of great opportunities to become involved. In addition to volunteering, I worked at an assisted living facility, as a club volleyball coach, and at a restaurant. My Sophomore year, I had the amazing opportunity to intern for the United States House of Representatives. Aside from my internship in Washington D.C., my local work experiences have allowed me to make connections with the Monmouth/Independence community. 

 

Do you have any advice for current and prospective students? 

My advice for future students is to take risks and try new things. The most memorable experiences for myself at WOU resulted from taking a risk. It can be scary to try new things, but the opportunities and friendships that result are ones that will make your college experience great!

 

What was your most visited spot on campus? 

Honestly, my most visited spots on campus are the New PE gymnasium and the Wayne & Lynn Hamersly Library. As a student athlete for a majority of my time at WOU, I spent countless hours in practice with my teammates. Aside from time with my team, most of my time was spent studying in the library. The library is my favorite place to accomplish schoolwork because the calm environment helps me to focus.

 

What will you miss the most about WOU? 

The thing I will miss most about WOU is being able to see my friends on a daily basis. The majority of my friends are moving to different parts of the country to pursue their careers, and I will miss being close to them. The memories we have together will last a lifetime, and I cannot wait to see all that they will accomplish. 

 

What has been your biggest achievement in college?

My biggest achievement at WOU is being named co-valedictorian for the Business and Economics department. I was surprised to have earned this honor, yet I am excited to see my hard work in the classroom pay off. Aside from this academic achievement, I am also excited to have been named the Don Boderman Volunteer of the Year. I have a passion for helping others, and to receive this award validates my desire to pursue this passion in my future. 

 

What do you know now that you wish you knew your first term in college?

I wish I knew professors want their students to succeed. As a freshman, I put a lot of pressure on myself to be perfect in order to succeed in my classes. In light of class difficulties and stress, this behavior is a quick route to burning out. Professors desire student participation and engagement. If you openly communicate with professors about misunderstandings and struggles, most are willing to help you find a solution. 

 

What are your plans for after graduation? 

After I graduate, I plan to take some time off from my studies and live in Paris, France. I plan to eventually obtain a master’s degree, but I want to get some hands-on experience in the real world to identify my true passions and career goals.