Hunter Kula continues to persevere and triumph over his doubts
By: Naomi Misori
Hunter Kula’s continuous perseverance, commitment to growth and ability to defy the odds are some of his most valuable skills as he embarks on his journey as a thriving business student at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH).
During the summer of 2024, Kula had the privilege of interning with Bank Iowa in West Des Moines, Iowa. However, before starting, he would begin to doubt himself.
“It was scary for me,” he says. “I didn’t know if it was something I was going to be good at.”
Nevertheless, he put those doubts aside and decided to go into the internship with an open mind. The experience would further solidify his desire to pursue a career in the banking industry and open doors of networking opportunities. Moreover, he balanced this full-time internship with two summer courses, displaying perseverance and determination.
“Hunter is a transfer student and came from Iowa. He started in elementary education and came to the College of Business (COB),” says UAH COB Career and Internship Advisor Mona Foroughi. “He is an engaged student and came to BBQ with the Bankers prepared, spoke to bankers, shook hands and followed up.” Having left an excellent impression, Kula would be hired as a part-time branch banking specialist at Merit Bank shortly afterward.
Kula has a love for volunteer work, having volunteered with Meals from the Heartland in Humboldt, Iowa, to assist those affected by a devastating flash flood that had crippled the community. He enjoys spending time with his family, most of whom reside in Iowa, as much as possible. He coaches football with a focus on agility training. He also finds joy in building computers.
Kula defines success as “overcoming the obstacles in your path.” He has continually done this since the start of his tenure at UAH. Having transferred during the height of COVID-19 in 2021, the start of his college experience was not as ideal, and he did not get the chance to interact with his professors or students as well as he wanted. Furthermore, his switching majors also occurred during this time.
“It was a hard time for me, both personally and professionally,” he says. However, he overcame it and persevered through it all.
“It was getting through the rough times now for something better later on.” Kula is expected to graduate this May with a bachelor’s degree in business management and plans on pursuing his master’s at UAH. He intends to work full-time at Merit Bank as well.
“I’m looking forward to starting my career and seeing what the future holds for me in the working world.”