Taking the leap

Adam Rose, a senior accounting major from Trenton, Mich., came to Central Michigan University looking for something more than convenience, he was looking for connection, challenge and a true college experience.

After starting at community college, he made the decision to transfer, drawn by CMU’s balance of affordability, campus life and opportunity to get involved. That choice quickly shaped the trajectory of his college experience.

Since arriving, Rose has immersed himself in both academic and leadership opportunities. He became involved in the Michigan Finance Scholars program and the Student Managed Investment Fund, while also serving as a College of Business Administration Ambassador. Through those experiences, he built relationships with faculty and peers, developed professionally and pushed himself outside his comfort zone.

“CMU has really helped me challenge myself, step outside my comfort zone, and make the most of my college experience,” he said.

Choosing a path, and expanding it

Rose’s decision to pursue accounting came from a desire to understand business at its core. Originally studying general business, his perspective shifted after hearing a simple but impactful comparison: accounting serves as the foundation of business in the same way physics underpins science. That idea stayed with him and ultimately guided his decision to major in accounting.

“If I understood accounting, I would understand the foundation of business,” he said.

Since then, his interests have expanded beyond accounting alone. Through coursework and involvement in finance-focused organizations, he developed a growing interest in global markets and financial analysis, an area he now sees as a valuable complement to his degree.

Learning through real-world experience

Inside and outside the classroom, Rose has focused on applying what he learns in practical settings. Courses like audit and federal income tax challenged him to think critically and build confidence in complex subject matter. At the same time, hands-on experiences played a key role in reinforcing those skills.

Through business simulations like ERPsim, Rose gained exposure to fast-paced decision-making and learned how different parts of a business operate together. Long-term group projects strengthened his communication and teamwork skills, while also preparing him for professional environments.

His work with the Student Managed Investment Fund added another layer of real-world experience. There, he conducted industry research, performed valuations and contributed to portfolio decisions, experiences that helped bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional application.

“These experiences have made a real difference in helping me apply what I’ve learned in class in a practical and professional way,” he said.

Leadership, involvement and impact

For Rose, involvement became one of the most meaningful parts of his time at CMU.

As a CBA Ambassador and co-chair of the Student Managed Investment Fund, he took on leadership roles that allowed him to connect with other students, contribute to the college community and grow as a professional. These roles also gave him the opportunity to mentor others, something he sees as an important part of his experience.

He views leadership not just as personal growth, but to help other students navigate their own paths and take advantage of the same opportunities that shaped his journey.

Finding community and building confidence

Adam’s sense of belonging at CMU didn’t happen by chance, it came from intentional involvement and surrounding himself with driven, like-minded peers.

“I found my community at CMU by getting involved and surrounding myself with people who had similar goals and interests,” he said.

Through organizations, leadership roles and shared experiences, he built a strong support system that helped him grow both academically and personally. Those relationships became a defining part of his college experience and contributed to his confidence as a student and leader.

Learning balance along the way

Alongside his achievements, Rose also learned an important lesson many students face: how to balance opportunity with well-being. Rather than trying to do everything, he began focusing on being intentional with his time, prioritizing the experiences that mattered most while still making space to enjoy college life.

“I’ve learned that sometimes doing less is more,” he said.

That perspective helped him stay engaged, avoid burning out and make the most of his time at CMU.

The path forward

After graduation, Rose plans to begin his career in Audit & Assurance at UHY and pursue his CPA licensure. He sees his time at CMU as the foundation that prepared him for that next step, academically, professionally and personally.

“CMU has played a big role in shaping those goals by giving me the foundation, opportunities, and confidence to see where I want to go next,” he said.

When Rose reflects on his college journey, one thing stands out above everything else: the people.

“The people will be what I remember most because they’ve had the biggest impact on my life,” he said.

Taking the chance to transfer to CMU was a leap into the unknown, but it became a defining decision. Through involvement, leadership and connection, Adam turned that uncertainty into growth, direction and a clear path forward.