“I began to focus on what unique opportunities I had while living at home that I would not have been able to do at school,” he said.
“For example, right before I moved home, my niece, Rollins Rose, was born. Living at home presented an opportunity to get to see my niece much more often. Spending time with her helped grow my appreciation for the simpler things in life, such as her laughing or smiling at me. That’s all it took to make my day.”
Through these experiences, Richter shaped a path for himself in college that best prepared him for the future, while also making the most of the present. From working as a student finance assistant to completing an accounting internship that helped prepare him for his position as a tax associate with Deloitte in Des Moines, Iowa, Richter has made the most of every opportunity that has come his way.
Richter’s advice to current students?
“College forces you to step out of your comfort zone in numerous ways, and whatever topic or task it may be, often you look back and realize that what you once believed was difficult or challenging, is now rather simple. Therefore, I have good news and bad news. The bad news is that this feeling of being uncomfortable does not end in college. The good news is that you are now equipped to adequately handle this adversity. I hope my story can be a reminder to take a minute and pause to enjoy the moment, find gratitude in any situation, and to take risks by embracing the uncomfortable.”
Top: Daniel Richter (far left) and friends at Jack Trice Stadium. Left/middle: Daniel and his sister after hiking in Scotland. Right/bottom: Daniel and his mom after transferring and moving into Maple Hall.
