Alan Adams Works Four Jobs and Excels Academically

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ALAN ADAMS

Business Administration major | Henry W. Bloch School of Management | 2016

Where is UMKC taking you?

To a degree. To lots of opportunities. I have the opportunity to take two sets of summer courses with the Marines and either become active or in the reserves when I finish. I’d like to have a career as a hotel franchiser.

Why did you choose UMKC?

I chose it for the dense diversity. UMKC is a small place but the diversity makes it large. And when I say diversity, not just by skin color but by age and major. I also chose UMKC because it’s in-state tuition but far enough away from home — I’m from St. Louis — to make me feel independent.

How has college inspired you?

It has pushed me to dream bigger and travel to new horizons. The UMKC atmosphere has inspired me to become more.

Since entering college, what have you learned about yourself?

I have learned that my limits are not defined by my obstacles or by circumstances.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received from a professor?

To always take more from academia: learn for knowledge’s sake.

What’s your greatest fear?

Reaching my limit.

What is one word that best describes you and why?

Silly. I try to find humor in everything big or small. I try to make myself and others laugh.

Another word for you would be ‘busy.’ Four jobs!

Yes, I work at the Student Union setting up for events. I’m a campus ambassador and give tours. I’m a professional drummer for churches and events. And I’m a server at Chili’s. That’s on top of 15 credit hours and a 3.0 GPA.