Inside the life of grad student Nick Kavanaugh

Nick Kavanaugh's office is plastered with purple and gold posters and swag, as one might expect of University of Northern Iowa fan. Ask him about anything related to UNI, however, and the true Panther's eyes light up as a grin spreads across his face.

Kavanaugh's love for UNI is essential to his work as a graduate assistant in the Admissions office. He is working toward his master's degree in postsecondary education: student affairs.

As an undergraduate at UNI, Kavanaugh studied communication. He had an internship that made him realize that he no longer wanted to pursue a career as a broadcaster, but wanted to work at an Iowa university instead.

"Given how much I love everything at UNI, it was an easy decision to continue on to get my master's degree," said Kavanaugh. "UNI provides a private college feel with the size, but offers all the university amenities."

Kavanaugh said that right now, his goals are to "figure out what my interests are in student affairs, and get experience in every department I can." His future goals are to find a job he loves wherever the location may be and "someday, be married and all that good stuff."

The change from undergraduate to graduate can be daunting for some. Kavanaugh faced some big challenges along the way.

"The amount of reading is so overwhelming and I had to reframe my mind to learn a different way," said Kavanaugh. "Also, getting used to working all day and then heading to night class was also a challenge within itself."

When Kavanaugh is not going to work or in class, he participates in the Student Affairs Pre-Professional Association (SAPA), attends UNI sporting events and goes to shows at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center.

When Kavanaugh actually has free time, he loves to relax and do nothing. He also sings at the Nazareth Lutheran Church and enjoys exercising.

Kavanaugh had some advice for his fellow students.

"Get the most out of your experiences here at UNI. Get involved and get yourself exposed to all that is offered. But it is also important to take time for you and relax. Also, if you are thinking about graduate school, start researching early, and remember that going to graduate school is a right, not a privilege."