Senior Spotlight: Luke Owens ’24 "If I could impart three pieces of advice to my freshman self, they would be: embrace challenges wholeheartedly, don't get bogged down by the minor setbacks, and always be open to exploring new opportunities".
May 9, 2024
Luke Owens is a remarkable student in the Business Administration program with an emphasis on Finance and a minor in Modern History, who will be turning the tassel this spring. With a blend of academic prowess, extracurricular involvement, and a passion for personal growth, Luke’s journey embodies the essence of the Chapman experience.
Luke cherishes both academic and social milestones during his time at Chapman. Reflecting on his favorite memory, he shares, “Finishing this year’s equity analyst reports for JFC felt amazing. It was incredibly demanding but rewarding.” Beyond academics, Luke treasures his adventures with friends, particularly his trip to Nashville, where the city’s vibrancy and music left an indelible mark.
Charting Course
Luke highlights the Janes Financial Residency Center (JFC) as the cornerstone of his academic journey. He reflects, “The environment of that program is fantastic, and I always find myself pushed to be the best that I can by some of the smartest people I know.” Luke’s time at JFC not only honed his financial acumen but also instilled in him a drive for excellence that extends beyond the classroom.
Drawing from his experiences, Luke offers sage advice to incoming freshmen. “If I could impart three pieces of advice to my freshman self, they would be: embrace challenges wholeheartedly, don’t get bogged down by the minor setbacks, and always be open to exploring new opportunities,” he emphasizes. Luke’s journey underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability in navigating the college experience.
Beyond the Classroom
Luke’s personal growth is intertwined with the unwavering support of his friends in FIJI. “Life happens, and it is important you have people to lean on. Those guys are my closest friends and have been there for me on my worst days and my best!” he acknowledges. Luke’s camaraderie with his peers underscores the significance of a strong support system in overcoming obstacles and celebrating achievements. Luke’s intellectual curiosity extends beyond his major, as evidenced by his favorite class, CPSC 230.
Reflecting on the class, he shares, “Coding is a fun experience… there really is no limitation to it.” Luke also acknowledges the profound impact of Chapman professors, whose mentorship and expertise have shaped his academic journey.
“Professor Anderson was tough, no doubt, and would push you to know the answer in and out, but beyond this, he would often have great one-liners that to this day I use. For example, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” He also states, “Professor Lloyd is passionate about technology as am I, and it allowed me to deeply invest in his classes”.
As Luke prepares for graduation, he envisions a future in either the financial or tech industry within the Orange County area. His internship experiences, coupled with his academic pursuits, have equipped him with the skills and knowledge to thrive in these competitive fields.
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