ATALIE
accounting '21 outstanding graduate 

WHY WEBER STATE? 

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I actually went to Dixie State for my freshman year of college on a full ride scholarship, but decided to come to Goddard because of the accounting program's great reputation here at Goddard. Plus, there were more internship opportunities up in the Ogden/Salt Lake area. I am so glad I chose WSU! 

WHY ACCOUNTING? 

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Growing up, I had originally wanted to go into the medical field because I loved the idea of being able to help others on a daily basis. After taking a few medical classes in high school, I quickly realized I did not have the stomach for the medical field. Fortunately, I had taken an accounting class in high school and really liked it. Plus, my high school accounting teacher pulled me aside and told me that I was really good at accounting. My grandma was a CPA and was an original partner at a local CPA firm (she was a WSU alumni), I learned that she had chosen to be a CPA to financially help small businesses and individuals in the community. Therefore, I decided to also become an accountant so that I can help make a difference in my community on a daily basis.

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INCREDIBLE ACCESS 

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Something that makes Goddard so unique is that their professors actually care about their individual students. They want you to really understand the material and to thrive professionally. They will share opportunities about local internships or conferences occurring. I knew that at Goddard, my professors that had my back and would provide recommendation letters to me if I ever needed one. 

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FACULTY IMPACT 

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There were many professors that made a big impact on me. If I had to choose just one, I would say that Darcie Costello made a big impact on me during my time at Goddard. Darcie Dostello was my mentor in Lisa's class and she was my individual taxation professor. Professor Costello gave me great advice and told me to focus on my school work/GPA and not to jeopardize it by taking exhausting internships, which I would not have done without Professor Costello. Professor Costello also helped me when I participated in VITA because she helped me feel confident on my tax return skills. I loved Professor Costello's individual taxation class because she was passionate about what she was teaching and made the class very organized. I still have the notes from her class, in case I need to refer back to them. Overall, Professor Costello really cared about her all students and it made a big impact on me.

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