Proud to be a Mom

Photos by Brandon Parigo, Strategic Marketing and Communications

Twenty years later, Christine Hoober returned to UMKC

Get to know our students, and you’ll know what UMKC is all about.

 

Christine Hoober, ’17
Program:
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
School: College of Arts and Sciences
Groups and organizations: Associated Students of the University of Missouri (ASUM)
Hometown: Prairie Village, Kansas

 

Why did you choose UMKC?

It’s a great school and close to home. I actually attended in 1995 for a semester, but I took a break when I found out I was pregnant. I stayed home to raise my kids, and when I came back, I picked up where I left off. The staff here made the transition easy for me.

I also appreciate the network of contacts and opportunities I’ve been given by professors. They have all been great mentors. I was really intimidated at first coming back to school, but they have pushed me to try things and have given me a lot of encouragement.

Why did you choose political science as a major?

I was raised by parents who were passionate about politics. They even spent their honeymoon at the 1968 Democratic Convention! I grew up in a home where public service was very important, and while I feel that raising children is a contribution to society, I want to do something on a bigger scale and make change happen. We are a very disconnected society, and we need to engage more if we want to make change happen.

I am interested in local politics and I haven’t ruled out running for office. I want to be an advocate for students. I’m not sure that I want to be a lawyer, but I enjoy lobbying and want to be involved in the government.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are the challenges and benefits of the UMKC political science program?

The challenges of the program are learning to listen — I mean, really listen — to thoughts, ideas and philosophies outside your comfort zone.

The UMKC Political Science Department has so many opportunities for scholarships, internships, work study and undergrad research. The faculty is extraordinarily supportive; they really want to help you find your niche and succeed.

Who do you admire most at UMKC?

I admire all of my much, much younger classmates. I’m in school with classmates the same age as my oldest son, and I am consistently blown away by these kids. They are some of the brightest, most engaging, amazing individuals I have ever met.

Since entering college, what have you learned about yourself?

I’m smarter and more capable than I give myself credit for, and I need to stop apologizing for my age and staying home with my kids. I’ve also embraced my ‘mom’ title. I interned in Jefferson City last semester for our student lobbying group (Associated Students of the University of Missouri), and they affectionately called me the ‘ASUM Mom.’ I loved being there for all of them, giving advice — sometimes they even took it — and taking pride in all their amazing accomplishments.

Are you a first generation college student?

I will be the first woman in my family to obtain a college degree. As the mother to a 12-year-old daughter, this means so much to me, and the thought of having my daughter and my 75- year-old mother with me the day I receive my diploma overwhelms me with gratitude!

What’s your greatest fear?

Letting people down. I juggle a lot between school, work and my family, and I always fear that something will be missed or forgotten. I strive daily to make sure that doesn’t happen, but sometimes, it does.

What motto do you live by?
You end up where you’re supposed to be. Trust your instincts and things will work out.

 

From across the country and around the world, our students come together in Kansas City to study business, medicine, theatre and more than 100 other academic areas. Roos become leaders in their fields and give back to their communities.

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