Perkins' educational pursuits have always been a priority, even with her busy volleyball schedule. One of the highlights for her was being able to serve as an intern for the Federal Reserve Bank in Dallas.

In summer 2023, Perkins was placed within the Finance Department and got to shadow members of the team that worked on financial planning and budgeting for the bank.

"I loved it. The people were amazing and so helpful," she said. "They were teaching me a lot of things and making time for me, so it was just a great experience."

Coming back to CSUB in the fall after completing her internship, Perkins took a data analytics class taught by Professor Abran Padilla, which turned out to be one of the most influential courses for her at the university.

While she originally considered working in finance, Perkins determined that it wasn't what she wanted to do. It wasn't until she took the course that she realized analytics was the pathway she wanted to pursue.

"I knew nothing about analytics until I was exposed to it in that course, and I just loved it. That made me shift my focus," she said.

Professor Padilla said he enjoyed having Perkins in his classes and believes she has a bright future ahead of her.

"Maci is a cheerful and intelligent young lady who shines academically while presenting a smile to everyone who has the privilege of meeting her," he said. "I know her success at CSUB is only the base of the mountain she will conquer both academically and professionally. I look forward to seeing the transformative future impacts she will have in the world."

Perkins was able to return to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas in summer 2024 for a second, more hands-on internship.

"It was even better the second time around. I got to connect with a lot of people my age from other colleges," she said.

Perkins was able to complete the internship while staying committed to her academic coursework and playing volleyball.

"I was juggling a lot on my plate, but it was all worth it," she said about being on the team. "It's been very rewarding. It's definitely had its challenges, but I don't regret it at all."

After graduating from CSUB, Perkins will be moving back to her hometown to work full time at the Federal Reserve Bank as an internal controls analyst. She also plans to begin pursuing her master's in analytics next spring.

While Perkins is excited about the future, she said she will miss CSUB and the relationships she's established here, especially those with her teammates on the volleyball team.

"The people have made this experience really awesome," she said. "You meet all these people that have been a part of your life for a couple of years and then you're moving on and you don't know if you'll see them anymore. This is an exciting new stage and step in my life, but I'll always fondly remember my time at CSUB."