A unique path to graduation

As seen in the spring 2024 Ivy magazine.

Daniel Richter (’23 accounting) had a unique path to the graduation stage.

Raised in Omaha, Nebraska, he wasn’t always a Cyclone, as his college career started at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. However, wanting to pursue his love for animal science, Richter transferred to Iowa State University for the second semester of his freshman year.

“Initially, I struggled to meet people and adjust to learning in a classroom of over 200 students instead of about 30,” said Richter. “However, despite these initial difficulties, I began to thrive. That is until COVID-19 sent us all home for the semester.”

This adjustment was a hard one to make for students everywhere, but it didn’t put a dent in Richter’s passion for his education.

Being back on campus for his sophomore semester, his excitement was sky-high. However, unfortunate circumstances would sadly put a major roadblock in his path.

“In mid-October, I woke up one morning to the feeling of extreme pain in my tailbone. After a visit to the doctor’s office, I was informed that I had a medical condition that would require surgery. The initial recovery period was supposed to only last three months, but ultimately lasted over 21 months and affected every aspect of my life.”

“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.”

— Daniel Richter

While this situation brought various complications to Richter’s daily life and recovery, he managed to make the best of a bad break.

“This experience led me to reevaluate my future, taking new business classes I was interested in, and changing my major to accounting, which ended up being the right choice for me.”

Continuing to make the best of his situation, a change in major isn’t all that came from this experience. While in recovery, he was stuck at home having to witness the fun activities his peers were experiencing through social media. While this was emotionally exhausting for Richter, it also came with the opportunity for a shift in his perspective on life.

“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.

A unique path to graduation

Alumnus achieves goals, overcoming several hurdles

“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.”

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