Why Kansas? A question I find myself answering quite frequently, whether that being my peers from my hometown in Southern California asking, or students from Kansas State University. Hello, my name is Shelby Keehan, and I chose to study halfway across the country at Kansas State University because of their world renowned Interior Design program. Starting at a young age, I always knew that I would want to pursue a career that would embrace, nurture, and encourage my artistic ability, for that is where I thrive; however it wasn't until my sophomore year of high school during Covid that I realized Interior Design would be my passion. As I spent more and more time being cooped up in my bedroom, I soon came to realize that I was no longer productive or happy in the environment that consumed so much of my time. I decided to make a change and create an environment that I was able to be successful, content, and productive in. After thoroughly enjoying the entire process, I realized that I would want to create the same feeling of happiness and productivity into as many people's lives as possible, and that I wanted to be an Interior Designer. As I began my transition to Kansas State as a Freshman studying Interior Design, I found myself constantly surprising myself with what I was capable of. I joined a sorority through COBing and am a proud sister of Alpha Chi Omega, I continued to help with a local organization from my hometown called RAA (Ridgecrest Autism Awareness), I got a job at the Wefald Cornerstone Coffee shop, I achieved a 4.0 GPA my first semester, and even found myself swing dancing on Wednesday nights at Dirty Dogs with my friends. When I found out about Margot Bogner and her scholarship for strong, goal focused women attending K-State who are interested in their career, it was a perfect match. As I read more and more about her, I began to realize how similar we really are, but also, how much I aspire to be like her. Like Margot, I am extremely invested in my major and already have a plan dedicated to helping others in my future. I plan to create beautiful, productive environments that promote success and joy to its users. I want to eventually run my own business where I can pick and choose the projects my team works on. This will ensure that spaces that need restoration and creativity, like schools, assisted living facilities, homeless shelters, and hospitals can be top on our list because of the value and importance they hold. I also have learned how to manage my time between Greek life, volunteering, and Interior Design. While Interior Design and Law are very different fields of practice, they both take an extended amount of time, patience, and thought. Learning how to manage a difficult major on top of joining a sorority was difficult at times, but having special moments with my sisters during I-Week, Homecoming, and Big Little made it all worth it. As I further my journey at K-State, I plan on continuing the bond between my sisters and I at Alpha Chi Omega and running for an executive position next semester, as well as keeping my grades at a 3.5 or higher in order to stay in the running for the best internship and opportunities available. To end, I want to introduce my favorite quote by Deb Sofied that has always resonated with me: “Attract what you expect, reflect what you desire, become what you respect, and mirror what you admire.