By Noah Johnson
Taina Davis’ drive for success doesn’t come with an off switch.
“I’m definitely the type that wants to go, go, go,” said Davis, a junior marketing major at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s College of Business.
Davis grew up in Columbus, Nebraska, and was the first in her family to consider pursuing higher education. Her first experience with UNL came while attending the College of Business’ DREAMBIG Academy.
The three-day summer camp held at UNL’s College of Business provided Davis with the opportunity to experience college life firsthand while learning about the world of business and connecting with other prospective students.
That experience — and the orange chicken from the Cather Dining Center — convinced Davis that UNL and the College of Business were the right place to pursue her dreams.
“[That experience] was really special because it felt like I had a place here,” Davis said.
Davis was also one of the inaugural recipients of the Future of Nebraska Scholarship at the College of Business. The scholarship recognizes high school seniors in Nebraska who showcase the potential to become future leaders and make an impact within the state.
Davis said this support gave her the confidence to take her first step toward a college education. Since then, she hasn’t looked back.
Davis was also selected for the Integrity in Business Leadership (IBL) program during her freshman year. She later served as a student mentor within the program as a sophomore.
The program provided her with the opportunity to travel to Atlanta with other IBL students last year to connect with alumni and employers.
“Traveling to Atlanta for IBL was one of my favorite experiences ever,” Davis said. “The College of Business does a really great job of helping students envision their future careers.”
These opportunities for students like Davis are possible thanks to donor support to the N Fund – Business Start Something. The fund provides much-needed general support to the college and allows it to meet priority needs as they arise.
As Davis prepares to enter her junior year, she can’t help but look back and feel proud of the growth she’s experienced thanks to the opportunities provided through the College of Business.
To donors who have supported Davis through gifts to the N Fund – Business Start Something, she said a simple thank you isn’t enough.
“As a first-generation college student, it means so much just to have the opportunity to be here,” she said. “Their support has helped me gain a better understanding of what I want to do with my future.”
N Fund - Business Start Something
The N Fund – Business Start Something provides general support, student scholarships, and immediate support to areas where students and faculty may need it most. You can support students like Taina by making a gift to the N Fund – Business Start Something today.
“If I didn’t have those scholarships, I definitely would not have gone to college at all. These scholarships helped me immensely and were one of the reasons I got through my first year of college.”
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