California native Haley Pflum realized Las Vegas was special at just 8 years old, when she first visited with her family on vacation. Many trips to Vegas later, she confirmed that UNLV would be the perfect school to pursue higher education.
Haley was recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. While the new diagnoses brought a wave of uncertainty, her Las Vegas visits proved that the disease couldn’t hold her back from creating new experiences. She always knew she wanted to live here, but knew it was truly possible until she applied to UNLV.
Now she’s a senior and getting ready to graduate with a degree in international business. As she prepares to walk the stage, she reflects on her experience as a Rebel.
Why did you choose UNLV?
I chose UNLV because it was close enough to my home in California, where my parents could be there when I needed them, but far enough where I could find independence. Not to mention, out-of-state tuition at UNLV was more affordable than California's in-state tuition. I was also really interested in the benefits of the Honors College.
Get to Know Haley!
If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be? A hairless cat, or anything that will make me look like a supervillain.
Candy to bring to the movies? Why eat candy when you can eat popcorn?
You’re looking to grab a bite between classes… where are you going? I’m stopping by the DC (dining commons) for a self-serve ice cream cone!
Go-to coffee shop order? Whatever tastes the least like coffee.
How have you benefited from the Las Vegas location?
I’ve enjoyed many of the benefits that come from living in an urban environment. I came to UNLV from a small town with limited opportunities, so I was really able to appreciate the resources that my friends who are Vegas locals often took for granted. Even something as simple as a two-story mall or a community library was really impressive to me. Vegas has also given me volunteer opportunities (such as Three Square and Spread the Word Nevada), as well as unique educational experiences (like visiting the courthouse and the Mob Museum).
Have you been mentored and/or inspired by a faculty member? Who were they and how did they make an impact?
Absolutely! I’d like to give a shout-out to AC Monrroy, the Residential Life Coordinator for the Dayton Complex. Her commitment to the RA staff (and all other Dayton residents) exceeds all expectations. She has helped tremendously in improving my confidence as an RA and my ability to process difficult situations. She is also extremely supportive of my personal and academic goals, and accommodative towards my medical needs.
Number one reason a future student should consider UNLV?
UNLV is a great place for students looking to expand their horizons. We are large, diverse (and inclusive), and located in the heart of the Entertainment Capital of the world. We do so much more than just teach the next generation of doctors and lawyers. We create citizens who are well adapted to succeed in an increasingly borderless world.
What student organizations, activities, or resources have you been involved with outside the classroom?
I currently work as a Rebel Recruiter and an Orientation Leader for the Office of Admissions, as well as an RA in the Dayton Complex. I’m also active in a knitting and crochet club in the Honors College. In the past, I’ve been involved with the National Residence Hall Honorary, Rebel Reads YA (a young adult book club), and the Beyond Thought Creative Arts Journal. You can find those in the UNLV Involvement Center!
Advice for fellow Rebels?
I recommend checking out the calendar for the College of Fine Arts. Just like with sports, students can often get free or discounted tickets to performances. I’ve collected tickets for over two dozen performances in my first year alone, and that includes classical, jazz, vocal, theater, dance, and percussion performances! After attending enough events, I started to recognize many of the student performers, and it felt like I was watching local celebrities.
