By TYLER ELLYSON
UNK Communications
KEARNEY – Omar Sanchez used to second-guess nearly everything he did.
As a freshman at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, he was quiet, anxious and overly self-critical – the kind of student who worried about saying the wrong thing or making a mistake.
“UNK has given me the opportunity to be myself,” Sanchez said. “That’s the biggest thing I got here. Just be yourself. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. The whole point of college is to make errors and then learn from those errors.”
Now, he’s preparing to deliver a message of confidence and growth as the student speaker for UNK’s summer commencement. He’ll address fellow graduates and their guests during Friday’s ceremony at the Health and Sports Center on campus.
It’s a moment that seemed unimaginable just a few years ago.
“When I first got the email, my instant thoughts were, ‘I’m not doing this,’” Sanchez said with a laugh. “But I thought about it and realized this is another uncomfortable situation that’s going to help me grow. So I said yes.”
That idea – embracing uncomfortable situations to grow as a person – is central to Sanchez’s speech and his own journey at UNK. He credits the university’s welcoming environment, academic and career support services and strong sense of community with helping him build the confidence to pursue new opportunities.
MODEL STUDENT
A Lexington native, Sanchez was part of the Kearney Bound program, which makes higher education more accessible for first-generation students.
Selected as a high school freshman, he visited campus multiple times before enrolling at UNK and built early relationships with faculty, staff and fellow students.
“It just felt like home every time I stepped foot on campus,” he said. “Ever since then, I never regretted this decision. I love UNK. I love the faculty. The people here are very welcoming. It has that smaller-town aspect that really feels like home.”
Kearney Bound combines federal, state, institutional and private funds to cover tuition and fees for all participants, plus room and board for qualifying students living on campus. Students receive academic support and guidance throughout their time in the program, preparing them for success in college and beyond.
Sanchez leaned on campus resources like the Loper Success Hub and Student Health and Counseling, as well, further expanding his support system.
He joined a variety of campus organizations to “get the most out of the college experience.”
Among his leadership roles, Sanchez served as vice president of the Residence Hall Association and philanthropy chair for the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He was also a senator in UNK Student Government, national qualifier in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Collegiate and member of the Beta Alpha Psi accounting honor society.
“Omar is the kind of student every professor hopes to have in class,” said Theresa Yaw, a lecturer in the Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics and faculty adviser for FBLA Collegiate. “He is hardworking, respectful, intellectually curious and deeply engaged – not just in academics, but also in building a strong sense of community among his peers.”
“Omar is an outstanding choice for commencement speaker because he reflects the best of what UNK hopes to instill in its students: dedication, integrity and a commitment to growth,” Yaw added. “He communicates with authenticity and humility, and I have no doubt his remarks will resonate with graduates and families alike.”
Travis Hollman, a lecturer in the management program, describes Sanchez as a team player with a great sense of humor, strong work ethic and humble attitude.
“Everything a professor could ask for from a student in his or her class,” Hollman said. “Whatever he plans to do, he will end up doing it well and working hard at it. Omar doesn’t let himself fail.”
TOOLS TO SUCCEED
Sanchez graduates summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with emphases in accounting and finance.
He thanks the faculty in the College of Business and Technology for making his time in the classroom enjoyable and for providing opportunities to gain professional experience away from campus.
“All of that combined really makes the program what it is,” he said.
His hands-on learning included time job shadowing the chief financial officer at Lexington Regional Health Center and an internship at Cornerstone Bank in Hildreth. He also attended a summer leadership program through Eide Bailly in Omaha, which led to another internship the following year.
Sanchez continued working part time for the certified public accounting and business advisory firm in a remote role and has since accepted a full-time position as an audit associate. He moved to Omaha last week and is excited to begin his career.
“It’s just nice to know that it’s going to be a very easy transition. I know what they’re expecting from me. I know what the work entails,” he said. “I have that experience now to push through and take with me wherever I go.”
Yaw believes he has all the tools to succeed.
“His performance in the classroom as well as in high-level FBLA competitions shows he can thrive under pressure and think strategically – traits that will serve him well in the professional world. I expect him to excel and become a respected contributor wherever he goes,” she said. “His future is bright, and we will miss him.”
For Sanchez, commencement will be a time to reflect on how far he’s come – and honor the people who helped him get here. His parents, grandparents, siblings and other family members will all be in the crowd on Friday.
“Having them there means a lot, because at the end of the day I feel like this is me letting them know that all the effort they put into me paid off,” he said. “I did my best with it, and I’m going to continue to try to make them proud.”