Cheer, Puppies, and Coffee.
I think my life has been filled with several different obstacles and experiences. Even though I haven’t had a typical cookie-cutter life, I have learned so much through the hardships and successes. Losing my mother during my sophomore year of high school had the potential to break me, but fast-forwarding six years later, it has made me a stronger woman. Midland University has changed my life. It’s been the place where not only have I found myself, but also my home and my family.”
Flora Grandel has overcome more obstacles than most of us even begin to relate to, but that hasn’t stopped her from finding her purpose and true calling. As a psychology major, it’s no surprise that Flora loves people and being around people. Not only does she spend her days talking about why she loves Midland as a senior admissions ambassador, but she also is spreading the Warrior spirit as one of the game day cheerleading captains and the cheerleading head recruitment chair.
Of all those accomplishments, Flora is most proud of herself for being chosen to be a senior ambassador for the admissions team, being on the Dean’s list several times during her academic career, and earning her spot on the competition cheerleading team.
When she’s not busy participating in all of those activities, you can find Flora rockin’ Groutfits, speaking fluent gibberish, and listening to One Man Band. She loves spending time with her cheer team, learning new skills, playing with her two puppies, and drinking copious amounts of coffee. And when she really needs a break from reality, she binge-watches The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
I chose Midland because when I came on my visit I just knew it was my home. They also had an amazing cheer program that excelled in the competition area of cheerleading. It was a great legacy to join and I knew I would grow so much not only as an athlete but as a person as well.”
After graduation, Flora hopes to continue her education by earning her Master’s in mental health counseling. And one day, she hopes to be a mental health counselor and a drug and alcohol addiction counselor.
Being a Warrior is one of the most pristine titles you can classify with. We are a family-style community, who shows up for each other. A Warrior does not give up when things are hard, but instead works harder to achieve something great.”
Before she leaves Midland, she leaves her fellow students with one piece of advice.
Make connections with your professors and the other faculty around you. They are here to aid your success and will stop at no limits to make sure you reach your goals. The efforts you put into Midland will determine how much you take away from it.”
Flora Grandel is a senior Psychology major minoring in sociology from Lincoln, Nebraska. To share your story or nominate a friend, email social@midlandu.edu or post using #FacesofMidland.
