Yanjie Horton embraces success through dedication and determination
By: Paris Morris
Finance student Yanjie Horton is in a constant pursuit of achieving her goals through The University of Alabama in Huntsville’s (UAH) College of Business (COB).
Yanjie currently serves as the public relations chair for the UAH Lancers, and was nominated to represent the Lancers on the UAH 2023 Homecoming Court. The UAH Lancers are competitively selected and serve as the university’s student representatives at events hosted by the Office of the President. As a Lancer, she promotes donor, alumni, and university relations through various events and interfaces with community leaders. Her Lancer experience “helped her better develop communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.”
As an Ambassador for the College of Business, she gets to continue this mission of representing UAH. “The COB has provided numerous opportunities to learn and grow.” When asked about her favorite part of the program, she responded that, “It is getting to form relationships with numerous faculty, staff, and students.”
Yanjie continues her leadership roles through the Library Student Advisory Group and the Office of Pre-Health Professions Advising. “The Library Student Advisory Group allows me to be a voice for the student body communicating student feedback to the library to help them better meet student needs.” In the Office of Pre-Health Professions, Yanjie assists students with their medical or dental school applications. When asked about her experience, she said, “This fulfilling role allows me to help students prepare for their postgraduate journey.”
Experiencing different learning opportunities and gaining knowledge are two essential elements Yanjie values. Her involvement extends beyond UAH. She is involved in Leadership Greater Huntsville, a nonprofit organization with the mission of connecting leaders to build a better community. Additionally, she is a scholar with the Women’s Economic Development Council Foundation, which has connected her with a network of supportive women. “Through these programs I have been able to learn even more about Huntsville, despite being a Huntsville native, as well as gaining invaluable mentorship. Both programs have provided me with numerous resources and support, and I am grateful to be a part of such wonderful organizations,” she said.
Not only is she involved with the Huntsville community, but she interned with Congressman Robert Aderholt in Washington, D.C. As an intern she attended hearings, press conferences, briefings, and proceedings. Yanjie’s enthusiasm was evident as she said, “I immensely enjoyed every moment and took advantage of each opportunity.”
Yanjie will continue to embrace new experiences this summer, even after graduation. She was selected as one of fourteen students participating in the inaugural University of Alabama System Capitol Scholars Program, a six-week internship providing experiential learning in Washington, D.C. She will be working in the office of Senator Katie Britt.
She has gained a strong foundation during her time in college, and her ultimate goal is to utilize her varied experiences to assist her as she begins her career. When asked to reflect on her time at UAH, Yanjie said, “I am so grateful for every opportunity that UAH and the College of Business has afforded me. I have felt very supported and encouraged by UAH and the College of Business. I have had a truly wonderful college experience.”
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