MORE ABOUT LATOYA
Graduation Date: November 2007
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
High School: Nicholas Senn High School
Awards & Achievements:
- Dean’s List
- NABA DePaul Chapter Scholarship
- Village Foundation Scholarship
Campus Involvement:
- National Association of Black Accountants
- Student Support Services (TRIO)
Current Employment:
- McGladrey & Pullen
LaToya Wilkins
Area of Study:Accounting and Marketing
My favorite thing to do on campus is... hang out at the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) office. I am a part of NABA, where we are all a close group of individuals. Before, between and even after class, most of the members just spend time talking and hanging out in the office. It’s just a time for us to get our minds off of class, take a break from doing work and enjoy one another’s company.
I decided to attend DePaul because... it was the best choice for my career path. Before graduating high school, I had the opportunity to attend a variety of schools within the state, but my desire was to find a school that would provide me with a great learning experience. I was also attracted to the diversity of DePaul and how I would be given the opportunity to socialize and learn with people of different ethnic and religious backgrounds.
My favorite professor at DePaul is... Dr. Patrick Murphy. I must say that Professor Murphy is one of the most driven and determined professors in the university. I had the pleasure of taking him for a management class and a senior seminar class. In each class, students were given the opportunity to interact with actual businesses by bringing real life situations into the classroom. If students have an interest in management or becoming an entrepreneur, Professor Murphy's classes really prepare students for their future by helping them find their passion.
When I have free time, I like to... shop and hang out with family and friends. During my free time, I make sure that I spend time doing what I enjoy; whether it’s going to the movies, bowling or just sitting in the house and having a good time. It took me a year or two to realize that I needed a social life outside of school because I used to spend all of my free time studying. Part of enjoying the college experience is to make sure that you just get out and kick it sometimes.
My favorite thing to do off campus is... eat at Buffalo Wild Wings on Tuesdays. Their wings are incredible and only 40 cents each, which is a great price when you’re a college student and only have about $5 in your pocket. Try them — they’re great!
One thing I didn’t know about DePaul before coming was... that students would be receiving a U-Pass. I knew that I would have to travel back and forth from Lincoln Park to the Loop, but I thought that I would have to pay for the train every day that I had class. Of course students pay for it, but it’s automatically included in your tuition. The U-Pass is great, and it works seven days a week!
The greatest thing about going to school in Chicago is... the convenience of living in the city. Many universities are placed in rural areas where it’s difficult for students to travel from place to place without a vehicle or public transportation. Going to school in the City of Chicago gives students the opportunity to enjoy a social life and have better access to employment and internships because it’s so much easier to get around. Also, being surrounded by museums, theaters, clubs, shopping centers and restaurants, you can never get bored.
One of the things that has been unique about my College of Commerce experience... are the opportunities for career advancement. At DePaul, there are always career fairs, office visits and company presentations set up for the students. At many schools, students worry about finding a full-time career or having the experience needed for employment after graduation. The College of Commerce always extends many opportunities to students, so that they are able to gain experience in an area of their interest.
The best thing about DePaul is... being able to pick a school schedule that works best for you. At most colleges, students do not have a choice of what professor they want to take, the type of classes that want to take or a specific class time. At DePaul, students have the freedom of choosing a schedule that best fits their interests; whether it’s to accommodate their work schedule, avoid a professor they dislike or just decide not to have class on a certain day.
My greatest success as a student here has been... getting involved in an organization. Students need to involve themselves in activities aside from attending class. This not only allows students to become active within the school, but it provides them with the chance to meet new people and expand their network.
After graduation, I plan to... work for three or four years before returning to graduate school. I plan on pursuing an M.B.A in entrepreneurship, but I have not decided on what school I would like to attend. If I go into public accounting, I will sit for the CPA in the summer of 2008.
The one thing I’d like to say to students considering DePaul... look for a university where you will be able to learn, as well as enjoy the atmosphere and people around you. Many students choose to attend a college because their friends go there, or their parents have attended the school. Find a place that is going to provide you with the best opportunities for your career path. Also, take financial aid and scholarships into consideration. School is extremely expensive and any source helps.
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