Author: Kaitlyn Hamilton

Kaitlyn Hamilton is a senior majoring in business management in the Grace Pilot School of Business at the University of Mobile. Originally from O’ahu, Hawaii, she is a student-athlete on the Rams Women's Soccer team and will graduate in May 2023. Kaitlyn likes to read, water color and go on walks in her free time. "I'm a big foodie; I like to eat a lot and try different foods whenever I travel. I have been to every state along the west coast!" she says.

What a Time to be a Ram!

by Kaitlyn Hamilton

I originally came to the University of Mobile because of a soccer scholarship. I was excited and all around nervous to come to Alabama, which was a far way from Washington state where I went my first two years of college!

Coming in as a transfer student going into my junior year of college, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had never toured the campus nor met anyone prior to coming. 

First arriving at the University of Mobile, one could tell how much this campus embodied Christian values. The University of Mobile is very welcoming, kind and overall a great place to be. I never would have thought that I would get the chance to be so involved with my university until I came here. 

Being a Ram has changed my life in so many ways. I can honestly say that I will take lifelong memories with me when I leave after graduation. Here are some of the ways UM impacted me.

Athletics

playing

Being a student athlete here, I found not only a new home but a family as well. As an athlete at the University of Mobile, I felt like I was a part of something great. I can say with full confidence that the people here genuinely care and support me. There won’t be one sporting event you go to where there aren’t other athletes there to support you and cheer you on. 

This is something I greatly appreciated, knowing just how much having support can help in a tough game. The amount of comradery and kindness is endless and well embodied by the students of this campus. 

Grace Pilot School of Business

Majoring in management in the Grace Pilot School of Business had to be one of the best decisions I’ve made as a student. From the start, you will be able to tell that the professors at the school genuinely and authentically care about you and your success. They are always doing what they can to help you to succeed. I can really feel the school spirit when going to class – as the saying goes, “Know and Be Known.” The professors create such an enjoyable learning environment and really take the time to get to know you. From my experience here, I will not only take lifelong skills and knowledge, but friends and memories as well. 

Campus Life

I will never forget the life I led here on campus. A great aspect about this campus is how involved the student body is. There are so many events on campus to get involved with and get to know people. This was such a great experience to be a part of and witness, as I was able to make many new friends and create great memories. 

As I graduate, I reminisce about my time here – looking back at the people, the classes, the games – all of it. It is a bittersweet feeling as my time here comes to an end. However, I will forever be a Ram at heart! 

New Investment Group Teaches UM Students Investment Strategies

by Kaitlyn Hamilton

A new investment group in the Grace Pilot School of Business gives students, faculty and staff at the University of Mobile a fun learning environment that helps members better understand the process of investing in the stock market.

The Investment Group is led by Dr. Kathy Dunning, dean of the Grace Pilot School of Business. Currently, 16 students plus faculty and staff meet on alternating weeks to discuss trends in the market and evaluate how current investments are either healthy or are dropping in value.

Each member starts with an imaginary $10,000 to invest. Members use a website called StockTrak that allows them to “invest” their imaginary funds in real companies  they then follow on the actual stock market. StockTrak compares information on economics and the market, showing the change in stock prices, value and volume.

Through group discussions facilitated by Dunning, members track and evaluate their investments. They discuss which companies are successful in stock price appreciation and whether it would be better to drop a company or hold out, hoping the market will change and the value will increase again.

Shaila Gupte is one of the student members currently in The Investment Group. With the knowledge she has gained, Shaila says her next step is to actually invest real money in the stock market.

“These meetings with Professor Dunning are very interesting and help me to know what exactly to look at before investing in a stock,” Shaila says. She encourages other UM students, faculty and staff to join The Investment Group, which welcomes new members throughout the year.

For more information about The Investment Group and academic programs in the Grace Pilot School of Business, visit umobile.edu/business or contact Dunning at kdunning@umobile.edu.

5 Methods for Managing Work-Life-School Balance

by Kaitlyn Hamilton

The stress of balancing work, school and life can be difficult to manage and negatively affect your overall success and mental health. Finding a good balance between work, school and life can lead to positive changes personally, academically and professionally. 

As a student in the Grace Pilot School of Business at the University of Mobile, there are so many opportunities that compete for your time and it can sometimes be difficult trying to juggle your job, health, schoolwork and personal relationships. Here are tips to help you find a good sustainable balance between work, school and life. 

1. Be Organized 

Any student who has taken one of Professor Nick Cillos’ classes on management and organization knows that one way to stay organized is to make a schedule. Dedicate blocks of time to your job, schoolwork and relationships. 

Blocking your time is beneficial because you have set a specified time to focus and complete tasks. It is recommended to do this weekly to stay ahead of your tasks. By creating this schedule, you are pre-planning the activities you need to get done and preventing yourself from procrastinating. You will start to notice which tasks take shorter or longer to complete, adjusting your schedule and finding what works for you. 

Creating a list of priorities is also beneficial to staying organized, regularly updating it so that you don’t get overwhelmed. Also block time for hobbies as well, take up a non-academic book, go for lunch with friends or take a walk outside.

2. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Maintaining your physical health is essential in order to do your best work. You can start by getting at least seven hours of sleep each night. Although that may be a lot to ask of a working student, you can still incorporate at least 30 minutes of physical activity once a day and maintain a healthy diet. 

Dr. Kathy Dunning, dean of the Grace Pilot School of Business, says that making measurable goals is effective in ensuring you are making progress. Something as simple as doing a plank every day and adding a second each day will get you started on the right path.

3. Take Breaks 

Taking breaks is a good way to prevent yourself from getting overwhelmed. Be sure to rest mentally, physically and emotionally. 

Physical rest consist of activities like sleeping, stretching, or any activity that keeps the body relaxed. 

Mental rest consists of activities that keep you in the moment like drawing, cooking, meditating and music/dancing. 

Emotional rest consists of writing down your thoughts, expressing emotions or anything that is therapeutic. 

4. Set Limits 

As hard as you try, you cannot do everything. Don’t take on more tasks than you can handle. Avoid taking on new responsibilities by politely declining and saying “no.”

Although you may miss out on some opportunities, staying focused on your top priorities will help you to accomplish your tasks more efficiently and quickly. Any professor will tell you that time management is important. Taking on more than you can handle because is counterproductive and straining. 

5. Ask for Help 

Ask for help when you need it. Don’t try to do everything on your own. 

Ask your coworkers if they can do you a favor and switch shifts or assist with larger projects. The same goes for classmates – ask if they could help you with something you are struggling with. 

Most importantly, seek help or guidance from a mental health professional if you are ever overwhelmed or unable to deal with issues in your life. The Student Success Center at the University of Mobile provides tutors and counseling resources for UM students, as well as time management skills and career guidance.

Professors in the Grace Pilot School of Business, as well as all our professors at the University of Mobile, are understanding and will work with you to make sure you succeed. They want the best for you and will do everything that they can to help. Asking for help will always benefit you!

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