Scholars Academy: Lilly Swanson

The UNO College of Business Administration Scholars Academy is a close-knit community of ambitious, high-achieving business students who want to challenge themselves while pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

During this four-year program, Scholars are mentored by Omaha-area business professionals, take special business courses taught by award-winning faculty, and gain real-world experience through community engagement and international travel. They also receive generous scholarships.

Scholars are selected the spring of their senior year in high school after a rigorous and competitive application process.

Meet new member Lilly Swanson of St. Paul, Nebraska.

Why did you choose UNO?

I chose UNO for many reasons, but one of the big reasons is because after all of the different times I got the chance to visit UNO I fell in love with the community, people, and atmosphere. Something about the college makes you feel welcome and at home. Another reason I chose UNO was because there are so many opportunities that it gives students.

Why did you choose business as a major?

I chose business as my major because there is something for everyone no matter what your personality is and I like the stability of that. Another reason I chose this field is all throughout high school math has always been my favorite subject specifically algebra, and when I started my first finance and accounting classes I began loving it even more. I love being able to see how everything even the tiniest thing has an effect on the big picture. My final reason is that the economy keeps getting better and better and with that, the demand for accounting and business careers is on the rise, so this field brings me many opportunities for my future.

What business concentration are you planning to pursue? Why?

I am planning to pursue accounting because I love putting formulas and numbers in a spreadsheet and watching how everything comes together in the end. If something goes wrong it can be a challenge at times and I like trying to solve the puzzle of what went wrong. I have watched my mom help people balance their budgets and talk to them about how their finances were doing, and as I got older I even got to help at times. It was always cool to watch how over time their businesses would grow and see them come more successful, and one day I want to help people see that too.

What aspect of the Scholars Academy are you most looking forward to?

I am looking forward to being pushed to be the best that I can be in the Scholars Academy. I have a feeling it is going to be a challenge to transition into this new setting where my peers care just as much about school as I do. I'm excited to see where this new aspect drives me to go. I am also looking forward to all the opportunities that the Scholars Academy will bring me in my future.

What do you like to do in your free time?

One thing I love to do in my free time is hang out and make new memories with my friends and family. Something I also do a lot in my free time is make salads, appetizers, entrees, and desserts at Miletta Vista Winery. I grew up on a farm so some things I do are feeding cows, riding horses, and other odd jobs my dad has me do. Other things I enjoy doing are playing volleyball, working on projects for my FBLA chapter, painting, and teaching Sunday school to preschoolers.

What is one thing we would be surprised to know about you?

Something you might be surprised about me is that I love being outside on the farm doing chores, feeding baby cows, having mud fights with my brothers, and playing sports. I also love art whether it's drawing with charcoal, painting a landscape, making something abstract, or making a coffee cup out of clay for my dad.