Name: Mira (Emma) Adamek
Major: Horticulture – turfgrass management
Graduation year: 2023
Current job title and company/organization: Field crew at Gillette Stadium
What moment or experience at Iowa State most shaped your career path?
The moment that shaped my career path at Iowa State was the moment I met Barb Clawson. During my freshman orientation, my mom and I were on a tour of campus with our department when a woman walked up to me and said, "You're Mira Emma. You're on the women's soccer team. You want to study turfgrass management, and I already have a job for you down at the stadium." First of all, I had no idea who this woman was. Second, how did she already know who I was and what I wanted to do? Third, I already had a job? That was the moment I knew I was in great hands. Soon after, we sat down and talked about my career goals, expectations and how we could create a plan to help me achieve them. From that day forward, Barb became a mentor who played a significant role in my development, both personally and professionally. The horticulture department as a whole has a unique way of welcoming students and truly investing in their success. The faculty and staff don't just teach – they take the time to get to know each student, support their goals, create opportunities and help guide them toward successful careers. Looking back, that first interaction with Barb was the beginning of a journey filled with mentorship, hands-on experience and opportunities that ultimately shaped the career I have today.
How did your involvement in clubs, internships or research opportunities at Iowa State prepare you for your current role?
At Iowa State, I was a member of the women's soccer team, served on SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee) and was the social media chair for the Turfgrass Club. These extracurricular activities taught me valuable skills such as time management, teamwork and performing under pressure, all of which have translated directly into my career. My internships also played a significant role in preparing me for my current position and advancing my career. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of gaining hands-on experience. Not only did my internships help me become a better turfgrass professional, but they also allowed me to build meaningful relationships and establish a professional network that continues to benefit me today. I will forever be grateful for the mentors who trusted me, invested in my development and supported me every step of the way. Their guidance and encouragement have had a lasting impact on both my personal and professional growth.
What’s one challenge you’ve faced in your education or career, and how did you overcome it?
There have been many challenges throughout college and in my career so far, but one that stands out the most was taking my first job out of college. I accepted a role with the Kansas City Current, an organization in the National Women's Soccer League, as an assistant groundskeeper. While my passion has always been in and around the game of soccer, officially moving away from home, maintaining a long-distance relationship with my boyfriend and starting my first professional job brought a lot of emotions. I knew this was a role I wanted and that would help develop my career but pursuing that opportunity required sacrifices. Leaving family and friends, adjusting to a new city and navigating life on my own for the first time was not easy. However, those challenges pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me grow both personally and professionally. Looking back, it was one of the most impactful experiences of my career. It taught me independence, resilience and confidence, and showed me the importance of surrounding yourself with great people. The relationships I built and the culture we created are what I remember most and continue to influence the way I approach leadership and teamwork.
Fill in the blank and provide a brief explanation: “I wouldn’t be where I am today without ______.”
I wouldn't be where I am today without my husband, who stood by me through the challenges of a long-distance relationship, my parents and brothers, who have always supported me, and Barb Clawson, the ray of sunshine everyone needs in their life.
Fill in the blank: “The best piece of advice I received in college was _________, and here’s why it stuck with me: _________.”
The best piece of advice I received in college was to get comfortable being uncomfortable, and here's why it stuck with me: The moments that challenge you the most are when you're thrown into the fire, faced with change, or dealing with unexpected situations. Those are often the moments when you grow the most. It might not feel like it at that moment, and it's surely not easy, but real development happens when you're pushed outside of your comfort zone. Those experiences teach problem-solving, adapting and overcoming, and proactive thinking that you can't necessarily replicate in the classroom.