Stacey Kalima ('06)
Year: Class of 2006
Hometown: Bloomington, Indiana
Current Occupation: Recruitment & Career Services Coordinator at Indiana University School of Social Work
B.A. Degree: Psychology and Sociology (double major), Indiana University Bloomington
Certificate: Non-profit Management, Indiana University Bloomington
M.A. Degree: Social Service Administration, University of Chicago
M.A.Ed. Degree: Adult Education and Training, University of Phoenix
IU Awards and Honors: 2002-2006 IU 21st Century Scholarship
Past IU Student Involvement: 2004-2006 Student Ambassador of IU Multicultural Outreach Recruitment Educators (MORE) at IU Office of Admissions; 2005-2006 Liaison of Advocate for Community Engagement (ACEs) at IU Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL); Student Research Assistant of IU Cognitive Development Lab under IU Chancellor’s Professor Linda B. Smith; Recipient of IU Hutton International Experiences Program (HIEP) Service Learning Trip to Monteverde, Costa Rica (summer 2004); Member of IU Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (NPLA); Receipt of 2006 Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship (see official press release: http://newsinfo.iu.edu/web/page/normal/4213.html)
Alumni Advice to Current IU 21st Century Scholars: “My biggest advice is to take advantage of the supportive services offered by the IU 21st Century Scholars Program. I can remember having so many questions about college that my family was unable to answer for me. They wanted to see me succeed, but they didn't have the tools or knowledge to help me. Having the opportunity to ask questions made all of the difference in the world for me. I also want to encourage 21st Century Scholars to get involved on-campus. You want to maximize this wonderful opportunity! Sign up for clubs, add a major, get the most out of your classes, meet your faculty, etc. Many of my closest colleagues and friends that I have met came from being involved on campus, and many ended up writing me letters of recommendation for graduate school and scholarships. I keep in touch with the majority of them today. Another piece of advice is to never doubt yourself. Do not think that just because your parents are not wealthy, or do not have a history of higher education, that you are not able to do just as well or better than your peers who may have been afforded privileges that you did not have.”
How Has the IU 21st Century Scholars Program Helped You Succeed: “The IU 21st Century Scholars Program has allowed me to focus more on my education and less on the financial stress of attending college. The program also had supportive student support services that assisted me in reaching my goals. The IU 21st Century Scholars Program helped me pay for my summer credits in the IU Cognitive Development Lab of which directly impacted my application to a master’s degree program as well as winning the prestigious 2006 Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship. The IU 21st Century Scholars Program also provided me with a computer. Prior to receiving this computer, I spent all of my time at the IU Wells Library because I needed access to a computer. The IU 21st Century Scholars advisors were there to assist me whenever I needed them and answer my questions regarding financial aid, college life, living arrangements, etc. I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to truly transform my life via the IU 21st Century Scholars Program.”