KU Business student builds college experience beyond academics
Junior Amelia Knopp defines success beyond academic achievement. For her, putting purpose to life by pursuing her passions, appreciating the small things, and finding joy in life’s challenges have been the building blocks to the community around her.
The start of Knopp's resilience began growing up as a Jayhawk in Manhattan, Kansas. With two KU alumni parents, the title as a diehard college basketball fan, and appreciation for Lawrence, KU was always a top contender when deciding her college path.
The KU School of Business was the second easy decision for Knopp. Drawn to the versatility of the business program and the endless stream of opportunities, she landed on a degree in accounting.
“The department and faculty are amazing. I have learned so much and they are so supportive of me in every area, professionally, personally and academically,” Knopp said.
Knopp also added a major in sociology after her freshman year. She enjoyed the writing process that complemented her business studies and provided a new perspective on the social impact and policies that influence business decisions.
Beyond her studies, she has immersed herself in campus life as an active member of the University Honors Program while taking part in Common Cause, a yearlong initiative seeking to create conversation and research about urgent issues. Through her involvement and formed community, she was inspired by her peers to apply for the University Scholars Program. This competitive program selects 30 high-achieving second-year students to be awarded a scholarship while gaining mentorship from a faculty mentor. Knopps’ commitment and academic excellence made her the perfect candidate.
“The University Scholars Program experience really emphasized for me how fulfilling it is to do something that is interdisciplinary,” Knopp said. “It’s also something I am pursuing with my different degrees and interacting with a diverse group of people from different backgrounds and different passions while considering really complicated but pressing issues.”
Through the program, she also had the opportunity to learn from Sarah Deer, a University Distinguished Professor who helped impart her knowledge and experience to Knopp as one of the many guiding hands in her academic and personal journey.
Knopp’s support system has been especially meaningful with a college journey that has been anything but ordinary. In the fall of her junior year of high school, Knopp was diagnosed with leukemia. Her treatments continued into college as she finished chemotherapy her freshman year and underwent four separate joint replacements as a result.
Prior to her diagnosis, Knopp was unfamiliar with donating blood. However, with the reroute in her journey, her perspective quickly changed once she became a beneficiary of many blood donations. During chemotherapy, the donation process is an essential measure to replace the healthy blood cells that are lost during treatment. Knowing the gravity of this contribution, Knopp jumped at the opportunity to volunteer at a KU blood drive her freshman year.
As a junior, Knopp takes on the role of the community outreach coordinator, spreading the word and mission of KU’s blood drives on campus. Her volunteer role extends further by being a second pair of eyes during the donor’s recovery process. For Knopp, this experience is deeply personal.
“The people I interact with at blood drives are genuinely some of the most kind, compassionate and generous people,” Knopp said. “Just the idea that they showed up on their own accord and want to help people in this way are maybe less known than other acts of community service. It’s really special.”
Beyond her involvement and challenges, Knopp’s attitude is what makes her a star student. KU has brought her an amazing support system of professors and friends, the chance to be seen as more than a student pushing for good grades and the flexibility to take care of her health while balancing an academic and social life.
“I approach everything with positivity and just gratitude that I even get to be in college and take exams and live a healthy life,” Knopp said. “Even just the small things I have appreciated so much like being independent, pursuing my passion in every way that I can, and being able to walk to class.”
Knopp is exploring a variety of career paths with the possibility of law school or a master’s degree in accounting at KU. Seeking to incorporate her personal values into her work, Knopp’s resilience and radiating positivity are shaping for a bright future.
“I am a cancer survivor,” Knopp said. “That new perspective that I have really inspires me and motivates me to take advantage of every opportunity while squeezing all the joy and happiness out of life.”