This month's college spotlight features The University of Iowa, alma mater of Sally Del Llano, who is one of our Special Education teachers. Sally earned her B.A. in Psychology and Human Relations in 1999.1) How did you come to choose this college/university?
If you are born and raised in Iowa (as I was), you are either born into a Hawkeye (University of Iowa) or Cyclone (Iowa State) family. I was born and raised an Iowa Hawkeye; it's in my blood. My parents had three children, and we're all Hawkeyes. I looked at other colleges, but there was really never any doubt about where I would go to school. I can't imagine having gone anywhere else.
2) In what organizations, clubs, or sports did you participate?
I started out a Music major, and was actively involved in several music ensembles. My favorite was marching band, as that's how I met all of my closest college friends. Being a Big Ten Marching Band, we traveled with the football team, including to several bowl games. Those are by far my best college memories. As I got older I changed my major to Psychology, and volunteered at a local Women's Shelter, ran women's support groups, and worked as an assistant on a few different psychological research studies. One study involved interviewing terminally ill patients about how the meaning and quality of their lives changed as they faced their diagnosis; it was incredibly insightful and rewarding.
5) What did you like best about your overall college experience?
The best thing about my college experience was having the freedom to make my own decisions. That was the first time in my life I truly had the power to choose my classes, activities, and relationships. I didn't always use my freedom wisely, but there's very valuable learning in making mistakes.
6) How did this particular institution prepare you for your future career and/or help you grow as a learner?
My undergraduate experience was a rare, fantastic time capsule. It was my first exposure to true independence. I was not always well-equipped to manage this independence, and made many valuable mistakes along the way. Although many of those mistakes were painful, I would not be where I am in life without having made them. Learning to fight my own battles and advocate for myself, as no one else was going to, forced me out of my comfort zone. I was also very fortunate to have honest and caring friends, who helped me check my behavior on more than one occasion.
7) Why do you recommend your alma mater to BHS students?
At a large university, there is a niche for everyone. And I recommend you get away from home, even if it's only an hour drive. If financially feasible, live on campus and experience the joy and discomfort of having roommates and living someplace that's not home. Relocating to a different area of the country builds understanding and appreciation for people who have had an upbringing dissimilar to yours. And you might really like it. :)
8) Anything else you'd like to add or highlight or advice you'd like to share.
Go Hawkeyes!! School spirit aside, though, one of the things that makes the University of Iowa remarkable is its dedication and commitment to research. There are constantly new discoveries being made across diverse areas of study, and as a student at a large university you can make the choice to become involved in this type of research.
The Faculty College Spotlight bulletin board is located outside the BHS Guidance Office.
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