Amanda Mink
Upon graduation, accounting major Amanda Mink would like to pursue a career in cost accounting and merge her accounting skills into the environmental science industry.
Growing up in Tennessee in a military family, accounting major Amanda Mink followed in her father鈥檚 footsteps and joined the United States Air Force.
Mink and her father were able to bond over Air Force 鈥渁irplane stories.鈥� He always stressed the importance of an education, she says.
鈥淗e always wanted me to go to college for a better opportunity,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 want people to know the educational benefits of serving in the military. My undergraduate education is completely paid for by the US government.鈥�
鈥� When I came to Towson, I felt wanted as a person. 鈥�
Previously stationed at both Andrews and Lackland Air Force bases and a veteran of multiple deployments, she retired as a Senior Master Sergeant after serving her country for 24 years. After her retirement from the military, she began taking classes at Anne Arundel Community College where she met Associate Professor of Accounting Aru Rao, Ph.D., who inspired her not only to come to TU, but also to major in accounting.
Mink says she came to TU and the College of Business and Economics because of the culture and has stayed for the same reasons. She鈥檚 also benefited from the great resources and connections provided by TU鈥檚 Military and Veterans Center.
鈥淲hen I came to Towson, I felt wanted as a person鈥�, she says. 鈥淚 love the students at Towson and I have made good friends. It has been a great experience getting to know and working with millennials.鈥�
Mink鈥檚 background in the Air Force has taught her many transferable skills including time management.
鈥�I can effectively list everything I need to do and tackle it by plugging items into available time slots,鈥� she says.
Mink has had the opportunity to intern for Arthur Bell, a regional CPA firm, as well as the Management Advisory and Compliance Services Department of Towson University. Upon graduation, she would like to pursue a career in cost accounting or somehow merge her accounting skills into the environmental science industry. She has a strong passion for environmental science, serving as a volunteer for Jugbay Wetlands Sanctuary. She isn鈥檛 ruling out returning to TU after graduation to continue her education in environmental science.
Even though she has seen the world and had a lot of experience during her military service, Mink says what she is most looking forward to is completing her studies and walking across the stage during commencement.
鈥淲herever I end up, I will be grateful,鈥� she says. 鈥淟ive a grateful life and good things will happen. Don鈥檛 expect the world to come to you. . . . you make your life.鈥�
By Lisa Simmons 鈥�93, Lecturer