Henry W. Bloch
School of Management

Undergraduate Student Ambassadors

India Bratrud

Accounting, Sophomore

Columbia, Missouri

What made you choose to come to college at UMKC?

I chose to come to UMKC because I felt that I would have the most supportive classroom environment, and for the numerous internship opportunities in the city.   

 

What piece of advice would you share with high school students or transfer students that are just beginning their college search process?

To any student beginning the college search process, I would recommend that they come to campus and sit in one of the classrooms they will be learning in. It will show them both the general expected class size and what facilities they will be using for the next few years.  

 

How do you (or do you plan to) find balance between school and your personal life?

I balance my school and personal life by scheduling out an hour in the evening for my hobbies. Usually, I spend that time reading. I also try not to procrastinate doing my work so that, when I have an opportunity to do something fun, I know that I have time to accept.  

 

 

What is your favorite thing about Kansas City? What parts of Kansas City are you excited to explore?

My favorite part of being Kansas City is exploring the new environment. I come from a smaller town, and I like the opportunity of exploring all of the small businesses and museums. One of my favorite places to walk around is the plaza and the outdoor markets, there is always something new to see!

Trevor Davis

Accounting, Senior

Hometown: Lee's Summit, Missouri

What made you choose to come to college at UMKC?

I chose UMKC because of the proximity to Kansas City, the Bloch Launchpad program, and the Bloch School in general. Throughout my years at UMKC, I’ve been able to connect with many companies across the city that I wouldn’t have outside of the Bloch School. Bloch Launchpad has been an incredible plus to my college experience as well by fostering my development as a professional and a student.

 

What piece of advice would you share with high school students or transfer students that are just beginning their college search process?

I recommend looking at affordability, quality of programs, and networking opportunities when searching for a college. One of my favorite things about going to college at UMKC is being a stone’s throw away from so many great companies in Kansas City. UMKC is also competitive in affordability through different competitive programs as well as tuition costs.

 

How do you (or do you plan to) find balance between school and your personal life?

Since I live at home, I try to do my school activities like homework and studying on campus. I’ve found that if I do these things in a place like the library, I get a lot more done than If I were to do it on my couch. I also believe it is important to spend time having fun in college, whether it be hanging out with my fraternity brothers, going to sporting events, or lounging at the pool.

 

What is your favorite thing about Kansas City? What parts of Kansas City are you excited to explore?

It is said by many that Kansas City is a big city with a small-town feel, and I must agree! Ever since starting at UMKC, I’ve been able to explore the culture of the city outside of the suburbs. My favorite thing, however, is the sports culture. When football season starts, there is nothing like being in those stands with a roaring crowd watching our Chiefs play. Especially with friends and a good tailgate tent, a day at Arrowhead cannot be matched! How ‘bout them chiiieeeefffssss.

Jesse Frazier

Business Administration, Marketing, Junior

Kansas City, Missouri

What made you choose to come to college at UMKC?

Proximity to my house, scholarship opportunities, and the Bloch Business School.   

 

What piece of advice would you share with high school students or transfer students that are just beginning their college search process?

Do not be afraid to knock out your associates degree at a community college before transferring to a four-year university. Take as much time as you need to figure out what path you want to pursue in your higher education and professional career. College is expensive, and most people only get one shot at it, so don’t let people rush you into it if you’re not ready. Make sure to do your research, visit campuses, and find the best college for you.  

 

How do you (or do you plan to) find balance between school and your personal life?

Setting agendas, planning out my days, making sure I’m hitting my goals and making new friends at UMKC. Staying on top of myself and holding myself accountable works very well for me.  

 

What is your favorite thing about Kansas City? What parts of Kansas City are you excited to explore?

My favorite thing about Kansas City is that it’s big enough to always discover new things and meet great people, but not too large that prices or traffic are crazy.

Ariela Lara

First year Business Administration Emphasis

Hometown: Ozark, Missouri

What made you choose to come to college at UMKC?

I chose UMKC because they really care about making sure you get the most out of your education.  

 

What piece of advice would you share with high school students or transfer students that are just beginning their college search process?

Make sure you go to college where you know you will be the most successful at.  

 

How do you (or do you plan to) find balance between school and your personal life?

I plan to use a calendar to set aside time for my family and friends, so I am not just focusing on school and work.  

 

What is your favorite thing about Kansas City? What parts of Kansas City are you excited to explore?

Kansas City is so beautiful, and I love going on top of big buildings and looking at its view. I am extremely excited to visit the World War I Museum. I have heard it is incredibly beautiful and cool to see!  

What made you choose to come to college at UMKC?

I chose UMKC for school because of the Bloch Launchpad program and all of the benefits that come from living in a city while getting a business degree. Kansas City has so many internship opportunities and the Bloch School really helps students get connected with employers in the Kansas City area. 

 

What piece of advice would you share with high school students or transfer students that are just beginning their college search process?

Find time for yourself and immerse yourself in the city. Grades are important but college goes by so fast so try to find time to do things you enjoy and explore the city. 

 

How do you (or do you plan to) find balance between school and your personal life?

I find balance by spending my days working on homework, class and working. At night I spend time with my nights with my friends, doing things I enjoy. 

 

What is your favorite thing about Kansas City? What parts of Kansas City are you excited to explore?

My favorite part of Kansas City is the River Market. I go with my friends every Sunday to get coffee and just walk around. It’s definitely one of my favorite parts of Kansas City and Sunday traditions.

Fernando Olivares

Business Administration, Ainance, Freshman

San Salvador, El Salvador

What made you choose to come to college at UMKC?

There were many aspects that put UMKC as my first choice. Besides the excellent student and academic environment on campus, their Bloch School of Management is an excepcional institution for me to develop my major and acquire knowledge and experience in the field of Finance that interests me so much. On top  f that, UMKC’s teachers and staff make me feel like home even though classes haven’t even started yet! 

 

What piece of advice would you share with high school students or transfer students that are just beginning their college search process?

The first fundamental step to begin with this process is establishing at least two major options, and from that point on try to find the institutions that best fit their academic, athletic, or social interests, taking into consideration financing and location as well. Remember, UMKC is always a great option! 

 

How do you (or do you plan to) find balance between school and your personal life?

The key to finding balance is organizing. Besides school and personal life, there are many other aspects that I have to take care of while attending UMKC, but having a clear schedule and taking advantage of  ime are the best things you can do to make the most out of your days. 

 

What is your favorite thing about Kansas City? What parts of Kansas City are you excited to explore?

My favorite thing about Kansas City is its tranquility and  lawfulness. Moreover, Kansas City is exponentially growing, and transforming into a bigger and more influential city. There are many parts of KC that I like,  but the part I am more excited to explore more is downtown. I love using the streetcar to appreciate the view of different sized buildings and cool local businesses. I want to explore downtown better since I want to get internships in many of KC’s companies.

Elyse Payne

BBA Major, French Minor, Freshman

Kansas City, Missouri

What made you choose to come to college at UMKC?

My sister is a student at UMKC and often let me come visit her and we spent time together on campus. I knew pretty quickly that this is a place I could see myself getting used to, as it felt like home. I also love Kansas City and have done all sorts of things there over the years in downtown, the river market, the Plaza etc., so I knew it would be a fun place to enhance my college experience. 

 

What piece of advice would you share with high school students or transfer students that are just beginning their college search process?

Think about the whole picture. Choosing a school solely based on a program might be okay for some, but I think it makes such a difference when you consider other aspects that will make you happy such as the available clubs, activities outside of campus, even the smaller details like the food, outdoor spaces and campus buildings that remind you of the movies. It will most likely be your home for the next 4 years of your life, so make sure you can picture yourself there. 

 

How do you (or do you plan to) find balance between school and your personal life?

I plan on weekly taking time to look over my planner and see what time is available after assignments, studying and events/meetings, and then seeing which days and times I can spend time with friends and doing things for myself such as working out and relaxing. 

 

What is your favorite thing about Kansas City? What parts of Kansas City are you excited to explore?

My favorite thing about Kansas City is the variety of events. I’m excited to go to the art fairs near the crossroads, more concerts in the many theaters there are, First Fridays and Graffiti Attic in Union Station.
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