Pursuing Athletics While Planning for Real Estate: Talie Bonds '23 MRED
Talie Bonds. Photo courtesy Arizona Athletics.
Seven Questions with UArizona Track and Field Student Athlete Talie Bonds '21 Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, '23 Master of Real Estate Development
“CAPLA professors have been one of the best parts about my degree program. Their passion and love for real estate has rubbed off on me and I appreciate the concern and effort they put into my education.”
Talie Bonds, a University of Arizona Track and Field student athlete from Las Vegas, Nevada, recently tied UArizona's outdoor record in the women's 100 hurdles (12.96), a time that is currently best in the NCAA this season. Though her goal is to become a professional athlete, she also understands the value of preparing for life outside of athletics. This May, she graduates with her Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) from CAPLA.
Learn more about Talie and her CAPLA experience:
What brought you to the University of Arizona?
I came to the University of Arizona for multiple reasons. I loved the weather, the track and field coaches, the atmosphere and the academics. I came here for my undergraduate, not knowing I would pursue a master’s degree. When I learned of the Real Estate Development program in CAPLA, I knew it was something I wanted to do. I have been interested in real estate for a long time so it was an easy decision to take part in this program.
Talie Bonds '21 BA Sociology, '23 MRED.
Tell us about your decision to enter the Master of Real Estate Development program.
I wanted to learn as much as I could about the real estate world so I would be knowledgeable and prepared when entering the real work world. I have always wanted to buy and flip houses as well as own rental properties across the United States. Learning about the real estate industry and everything it entails will only help me be more prepared to invest and manage in the future. I am most excited to purchase properties in the future and see them transform and grow.
How does being a student athlete impact your studies and career outlook? Has it been particularly challenging to be a student athlete in a master's program?
Being a student athlete takes a lot of time management, planning and, of course, effort. The MRED program has made it easy for me. The real estate development professors have been very helpful and accommodating to my schedule. They communicate with me daily and make sure I am getting the help that I need. I would say the professors are one of the reasons why I have done so well. They have been one of the best parts about my degree program. Their passion and love for real estate has rubbed off on me and I appreciate the concern and effort they put into my education.
My biggest challenge in CAPLA was definitely finding the time and energy to fit everything in during the day. Here again, the professors were very helpful and accommodating. They always had extra office hours or Zoom calls to help me understand anything I missed or needed extra attention on.
Tell us about your career aspirations.
My career aspirations include becoming a professional athlete. My hopes and dreams are to continue doing what I love. In addition to running I also want to own rental properties across the country. I want to own some beach rental properties as well. I plan to get a real estate license and start selling houses once I graduate.
Talie Bonds with her parents at the 2022 Pac-12 Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon, where she placed third in the 100-meter hurdles and first in the high hump. Photo courtesy Arizona Athletics.
What are your passions outside of school and athletics?
Beyond school and athletics my passions consist of my two dogs, hiking, going to the beach, trying new foods and traveling the world.
What advice do you have for prospective CAPLA students?
My advice to any prospective CAPLA student is to get involved. Go to all the extra activities and functions the program and college put together, make tons of friends and get to know your professors personally. All these things will help you have a meaningful experience at CAPLA.
What does the CAPLA experience mean to you?
The CAPLA experience means being surrounded by people who want you to do well. My classmates, professors and friends from the other areas of CAPLA are all so willing to help one another. I think CAPLA is a very strong community that is rooting for your success. The extra activities and functions they put on shows that, as well. It’s a great place to spend your college days.
Learn more about CAPLA's top-ranked Master of Real Estate Development program, or explore how you can support students in their learning and professional development at CAPLA.
