Nicole Owens

Hometown: Mililani, Hawaii

Degrees: B.A. (Bethel College)

Undergraduate major: Education

What I love about my job: So much of who we become is shaped during our college years, so where to apply and enroll are weighty decisions. I love walking with students through this season of questions and self-reflection. My goal is to help make the application process clearer, friendlier, and more accessible.

What I love about Grinnell: From the minute I stepped foot on campus, it was clear that Grinnell is a place where people care about each other. They’re paying attention to what’s happening in your life, and they’re deeply interested in your perspective and story. Also: the prairie! I had never experienced tallgrass prairie before, and the medley of wildflowers, bees, grasslands birds, and grasses is stunning.

Hobbies/activities: I have a love-hate relationship with running — most days it’s about 20% love, 80% loathing, but it makes me a better human. I also enjoy good books, hiking in crisp weather, forced family fun (please ask my kids about this), and long talks with friends.

Advice about searching for schools: Don’t rule out anything prematurely. If you grew up in a city and have never experienced a small town (or vice versa), try to visit! You just might fall in love.

Advice about applying to schools: Start early. Invest time and careful thought in your personal essay — the topic can be big or small, just be sure it communicates something essential to who you are.