Sophomore Daniel Ballagh is a double major in insurance and risk management and financial planning. He’s also a member of the baseball team, the son of an OC alumnus and pursuing experiences to help him build real-world skills. With this perfect combination, Daniel is enjoying his college journey and is confident in his future.
“I am from a small, rural community called Stockbridge,” Daniel said. “I choose Olivet because I wanted to be a part of the nationally-ranked insurance and risk management program, and I was given an opportunity to play baseball. When I visited campus, I knew right away that I would love it here. The people were extremely helpful and nice, and the size of the college was exactly what I had in mind.”
Daniel’s dad actually attended The University of Olivet, so the family connection helped him feel comfortable on campus right away. In addition, building relationships through the baseball team before he even arrived on campus further reassured Daniel that he had made the right college choice.
“I was offered a spot on the baseball team during my high school senior season, and to me, it was too good of an offer to pass up,” Daniel said. “I’ve had a great experience on the baseball team so far. Being on the team gave me a chance to meet a lot of great people who have become some of my best friends, and I have a great coach who made me feel welcomed into the program and on campus immediately.”
In the classroom, Daniel enjoys close relationships with his professors, as well.
“I have very good relationships with many different faculty members around campus that made the transition into college much easier for me,” Daniel said. “I met one of the professors, Tom Humphreys, director of the insurance and risk management center, in high school, and it was very nice to have a familiar face that I could talk to if I had any problems.”
Daniel’s decision to major in insurance and risk management came as naturally as his choice to attend The University of Olivet. His dad serves as an insurance agent in Chelsea, and Daniel regularly shadows his dad to develop his professional skillset.
“I chose my major because I started taking insurance classes as a junior in high school, and it was something that really seemed to click with and interest me,” Daniel said. “The College has given me every opportunity to get help and meet professionals from my chosen major through things like job fairs and guest speakers. This has benefited me greatly and made me more outgoing and willing to participate in events. It’s helped me think more seriously about my career path and what I want to do.”
Now, Daniel is proud to use his experiences to share advice with high school students as they transition to college. He’s even serving as a peer leader for a Self and Community class section, comprised of first-year students.
“Olivet is a small, welcoming place where you won’t feel overwhelmed like you might if you attended a larger school,” Daniel said. “There are also many faculty members around campus that are more than happy to help with any problem you could ever have. I have really enjoyed the time I’ve spent at Olivet and believe that my decision to attend OC is one of the best I’ve ever made. My experience as a Comet has made me a more confident, focused and social individual.”
Learn more about The University of Olivet by contacting the Office of Admissions at 800-456-7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu.
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