Long before she ever stepped onto Northwestern’s campus, Flor Amador’s journey was shaped by generations of hard work, sacrifice and determination. From her family’s roots in Durango, Mexico, to her upbringing in Hooker, Oklahoma, every step forward has carried the weight of those who came before her and the promise of those who will follow.
As a first-generation college student, Amador’s journey to higher education carries special significance for both her and her family.
Amador’s story is deeply rooted in family. Her parents immigrated to the United States, bringing with them a strong work ethic and a firm commitment to providing opportunities for their children.
“My motivation to further my education after high school was to do it for my parents,” Amador said. “They have sacrificed a lot for my siblings and me. I owe it to them.”
Her motivation continues to come from family, including her grandfathers, who still work hard labor jobs in Mexico.
One grandfather is 85 and continues to work as a cattle rancher. The other grandfather worked until he was 90, riding his donkey and cultivating crops.
“My grandpas serve as my biggest role models because of their dedication and hard work. Their strong work ethic has inspired me to keep going.”
To help future generations of her family, she will continue to work hard and lead by example.
“If I want to help my family and be a better version of myself, I have to work hard at it.”
When Amador visits her grandfather in Mexico, she is reminded of the sacrifices and determination of those who came before her and of the path that led her to where she is today. Each visit serves as a powerful reminder of the hard work put in by her ancestors, fueling her drive to keep moving forward.
The Embrace of Northwestern
With these values in mind, Northwestern was an easy decision for Amador. As she explored her college options, she found Northwestern offered something she knew she needed in order to succeed.
“The student to instructor ratio was such a huge part in my decision. After looking into other universities, I decided I didn’t want to be a number. I wanted to be able to have that one-on-one relationship with my professors.”
Northwestern’s 15:1 student to faculty ratio has allowed Amador to build meaningful connections across campus that have shaped her experience in unexpected ways.
One impactful relationship is with Annette Schwerdtfeger, a part-time cashier in the Business Office who previously served over three decades as the head cashier on campus. Amador, who has worked as a student employee since her freshmen year, met Schwerdtfeger in the Business Office. What began as a workplace interaction quickly grew into something more meaningful.
Schwerdtfeger has become a mentor Amador never anticipated but now deeply values.
“She has always been supportive of my academic endeavors and helps me whenever I have questions at work. With her friendship and encouragement, Annette has made my college experience feel more like I am at home.”
For Schwerdtfeger, Amador brought a fresh energy to the office and effortlessly became someone the entire staff looked forward to seeing each day.
“She’s such a fun-loving person, and the whole office will truly miss her when she graduates,” Schwerdtfeger said. “We even make time to get together outside of work once a month. I know she’s going to be very successful in life after graduation.”
Influence in the Classroom
Another influential figure in Amador’s journey is Teri Allen, an instructor of business at Northwestern. Amador says Allen brings real-world experience into the classroom and prepares students for what they may encounter in the workforce.
“Flor is an exemplary student and active learner who pays attention, takes notes, and asks questions as needed,” said Allen. “I can see she actually wants to learn the material and understand how to apply various accounting concepts and practices in different situations. She realizes how this knowledge will not only impact her grades, degree completion, and accounting certification, but ultimately her accounting career.”
Focus on Her Next Chapter
Amador is on track to graduate in the spring of 2027 with her accounting degree and without debt thanks to the scholarships she received from Northwestern.
“The scholarships have taken the weight and stress off of my shoulders,” said Amador. “I am able to focus on my schooling without the financial worry.”
Amador plans to work for an accounting firm in Oklahoma City after graduation. Her future may also include pursuing a master’s degree in business administration or completing the certified public accountant (CPA) exam.
“Northwestern has shaped me in a way that I will carry throughout life.”