Helping Others
The road to Midland University featured a couple of detours for Monica Weber.
A senior Human Services major from Columbus, NE, Monica decided to join the Young Americans after graduating from high school and would spend the next four years touring the world and spreading her love of music to people. “In 2015, I moved to California and found myself living with people I didn’t know and learning to survive on my own. It exposed me to people who were different from me and helped me become more open-minded and prepared me to always do my best.”
After her time with Young Americans, Monica returned to Columbus and spent a year working various jobs. As she started to formulate a plan for college, her history with Midland became a factor in her decision. “Dan Hays (Director of Theatre at Midland) knew my mom and grandmother. I actually spent my 16th birthday at the Wikert Center for a Young Americans workshop. I always knew about Midland, and once I started talking with people in Admissions and Student Success, they helped me formulate a plan where I could graduate in two years, which was important to me.”
Her reason for choosing Human Services as her major is simple – she wants to help people. “I’ve always had a restorative characteristic. When I see a problem, I don’t look at it as a problem. I want to find out why it’s happening and find a solution. I believe in loving your neighbor and being kind, and I hope those are characteristics I always bring to the table. I want to be that person that will stand up and help others.”
Monica aims to take those traits with her when she starts her new role in the severe behaviors department with the Munroe-Meyer Institute following graduation in May. “I’m excited to start a new chapter and be doing more hands-on work. Starting a new life can be a little scary, but I know I’ll make it through.”
In her two years at Midland, Monica has worked to help others through her involvement on campus. She’s been an admissions ambassador, served as Secretary of Circle K, and is heavily involved in the Arts through theatre, choir, and A Cappella. Coming in as a non-traditional student, Monica said getting involved wasn’t easy at first but was necessary in her development as a student and a person. “There are so many great organizations on campus, but I had to take a leap of faith to join. It’s helped me branch out of my arts circle and allowed me to get to know athletes or many students who are here just for academics. It’s amazing what Midland offers you. Here you are, in a small town in the middle of Nebraska, and you’re getting to meet students from all over the country and international students. I hope people understand how special that is.”
Taking a unique route to college has given Monica even more perspective on the journey a young person goes through after leaving high school. While that road might not always be smooth, staying the course will have its rewards. “I’ve learned so much about myself these last two years. As an 18-year old, you will be scared and might not know what to do. I moved halfway across the country when I was 18, but sometimes you have to take those chances. You’ll have people you can lean on along the way, and you’ll make amazing friends. Even in the down times, it will help prepare you to handle the next phase. I know I learned a lot about myself at Midland, so be thankful, even in times of trial.”
She’s grateful she was able to lean on her professors to navigate through many of those challenges. “I’m thankful I’ve had professors I can rely on. I would always tell prospective students when I was giving tours that you really aren’t just a number here. You’re able to have conversations with professors and ask questions.”
Monica is steadfast in her belief that Warriors are stronger when they are working together. “A group of Warriors is a lot stronger than one, so our common goal should be to lift each other up and keep pushing and fighting together. A Warrior to me is someone who never gives up. That’s not always easy to do, but you do it as a Warrior.”
Monica Weber is a senior Human Services major from Columbus, NE. To share your story or nominate a friend, email social@midlandu.edu or post using #FacesofMidland.
