Her Story
About Ria
Ria Merkle is currently studying at Purdue University in the College of Health and Human Sciences, where she is pursuing a Bachelor's of Science in Speech, Language and Hearing. She has completed an internship at Eskenazi Hospital, a community nonprofit hospital in Indianapolis, serving in the Volunteer Services Department by leading teens and individuals volunteering in the hospital and introducing them to healthcare careers. During her internship she also shadowed various departments and gained direct patient interaction experience. Ria plans to return to Eskenazi as a therapy tech to gain hands-on experience in speech-language pathology while considering a pivot toward pre-law to become a medical attorney. She has been recognized on the Dean's List for the past year, received semester honors both semesters, and joined her student honor society. Ria attributes her success to her strong work ethic, developed from working since she was able to get a job while coming from a low-income household. She values morality and empathy in her decision-making, which led her to become vegetarian and to decline a research position involving chinchillas despite admiring the work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ria
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would definitely say my work ethic. I've been working ever since I was able to get a job. Coming from a low-income household, I was taught to have to work for things if I want the extra things. I saved up my money for the first 2 years to get a car, walking to my job or getting rides when possible. Now that I'm in college, working hard feels more natural to me because I'm already used to that mindset.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't do something, or feel that you can't, just because anything about you physically, emotionally, mentally. You're just as adequate for any position as anybody else, and it's the time and effort that you put in to make yourself get there. Don't try to change yourself just for trying to fit a certain role or position. Utilize the characteristics you already have. I found it difficult when figuring out my career because I always felt less capable due to my softer demeanor, but I've learned that being a softer leader makes me a better leader as people are more likely to understand and want to work with you.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Morality and empathy. I've become vegetarian because I wanted to treat everybody, whether animal or human, with the same amount of empathy. I turned down a research lab position on campus involving chinchillas because it conflicted with my moral stance, even though I admire the work being done.
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