Hailie Wilke, '26 BS

I am not originally from Arizona. I moved here from North Dakota during high school and later began my Arizona State University journey through an early start program, which gave me a head start on classes and helped me learn my way around campus before officially beginning college. At ASU, I pursued a Bachelor of Science in Medical Microbiology while also participating in the Next Generation Service Corps (NGSC) and earning a certificate in Cross-Sector Leadership.
One of the most memorable parts of my college experience was discovering a passion for dance. During my freshman year, I joined KODE after developing an interest in K-pop and wanting to connect with others who shared similar interests. While I had some experience performing through theater, dancing on stage in front of hundreds of students at events like CultureFest and International Night was an entirely different challenge. Auditioning alongside talented dancers was intimidating, and there were times when I questioned whether I deserved my place. Looking back, however, receiving that congratulatory audition email was an achievement I am incredibly proud of. The late nights spent practicing, rehearsing, and preparing for performances were demanding, but they became some of the most rewarding moments of my college career. Dance remained my primary extracurricular activity throughout all four years at ASU. Along the way, I became involved with several student organizations, including the Vietnamese Student Association, where I performed on both the vocal and dance teams, as well as other dance groups that allowed me to explore a wider variety of styles. My final organization was the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE), which became my favorite community because of its welcoming and inclusive environment. My favorite performance of my entire college experience was my final one with SASE. During my last year, I also joined the organization's marketing committee, where I had the opportunity to contribute behind the scenes and help support the group's growth and outreach.
While dance gave me a creative outlet and community, the Next Generation Service Corps became the foundation of my leadership development and professional growth. Although I do not remember exactly how I first learned about NGSC, I was immediately drawn to the program because it reminded me of the service and leadership opportunities I enjoyed in high school.
One of my favorite memories from NGSC was the Year 1 Retreat. It was my first opportunity to connect with fellow students who shared a passion for leadership and service. One evening, many of us decided to sleep outside because the cabins were uncomfortable. Unfortunately, it started raining in the middle of the night, forcing us to rush our mattresses back indoors. It was chaotic, hilarious, and ultimately one of the best bonding experiences I had during college. Although NGSC only requires students to serve in one leadership position, I chose to serve in three different leadership roles throughout my time at ASU, each one teaching me valuable lessons and providing experiences I never would have had otherwise. I had the honor of leading the Criminal Justice and Security Mission Team, where our team became the first in eight years to organize a fundraising event while also building connections with professionals and organizations across Arizona. Later, I served on the Executive Leadership Council alongside an incredible group of student leaders. In this role, I helped plan the National Leadership Conference, an event that brings together more than 600 students and professionals from across the country to network, share experiences, and develop leadership skills. One of the most rewarding aspects of NGSC was interacting with incoming students during their own Year 1 Retreats. I enjoyed leading activities, hearing their stories, and helping them begin their college journeys. Through NGSC, I also had the opportunity to complete internships in a police department working in the homicide cold case unit, a non profit animal rescue organization, and a private food business, experiences that broadened my perspective and strengthened my professional skills. Another experience that left a lasting impact on me was serving as a mentor for foster youth through First Star. During the summer, I remained on campus and worked closely with students as they explored their educational and career goals. Being able to encourage them, answer questions about college life, and help them envision their futures was incredibly meaningful. What makes the experience even more special is that the relationships did not end when the program concluded. I have run into several of those students on campus since then, and seeing them pursue their goals at ASU serves as a reminder that the work we did together made a difference.
During my final year, I served as a Section Lead, overseeing the section that I had been part of throughout my entire college career. Watching students grow into confident leaders and seeing the impact they were making in their communities was incredibly rewarding. Looking back, this role represents one of my proudest accomplishments at ASU because it allowed me to give back to a program that had given so much to me. At graduation, I was honored to receive special recognition for my commitment, leadership, and contributions to the program. While the recognition was meaningful, what I value most are the relationships I built and the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others throughout my college journey.

Of course, college was not always easy. Medical Microbiology is a challenging degree, and there were countless late nights spent studying biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, and genetics. There were stressful exams, difficult laboratory courses, and moments when I genuinely questioned whether I would make it to graduation. One moment that stands out occurred near the end of Organic Chemistry. I was struggling to understand a particularly difficult concept and decided to attend my professor's office hours for help. Instead of immediately explaining the answer, he asked me to describe the concept in my own words so he could identify where I was getting stuck. After listening, he encouraged me to keep returning to office hours until I understood the material thoroughly. More importantly, he reminded me that he believed I was capable of succeeding. That conversation has stayed with me ever since. His patience, encouragement, and confidence in my abilities motivated me to keep pushing forward when I was ready to give up, and I will always be grateful for the role he played in my success. Those challenges taught me resilience, discipline, and confidence in my abilities. The rigorous coursework prepared me for professional opportunities while also showing me that I was capable of overcoming obstacles that once seemed impossible. One of my favorite classroom memories came from my laboratory courses. My lab partner and I were tasked with presenting research projects on topics such as developing a vaccine for Valley fever and investigating an unknown disease-causing microorganism. Rather than creating traditional presentations, we decided to make them Minecraft-themed. The presentations not only helped us communicate complex scientific concepts but also brought plenty of laughter to the classroom and made learning more enjoyable for everyone involved. Despite the challenges, the long nights, and the moments of self-doubt, I graduated with honors. Looking back, I am proud not only of the academic achievements themselves but also of the perseverance and growth that made them possible.

When I reflect on my time at Arizona State University, I think about the people I met, the communities I joined, and the opportunities that pushed me beyond my comfort zone. ASU helped me grow not only as a scientist but also as a leader, performer, mentor, and professional. The friendships, experiences, and lessons I gained will stay with me long after graduation, and I am grateful for the journey that ASU made possible.