Meet Kearyn, a health science pre-physical therapy major with a Spanish minor from Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Kearyn has always loved swimming and science and embraces both as a student-athlete. UWSP is home to more than 600 student-athletes, 26 varsity sports, and numerous Division III national and conference championships. Kearyn is building leadership skills that help her in and out of the classroom. Kearyn, you’re up.
– Thanks for that introduction, Alex. When I was looking for the perfect college, I knew I wanted two things, a college with a strong science and swim program. I’ve been swimming since I was seven-years-old and by the time my senior year of high school came around, I knew I just wasn’t ready to give it up. By participating in varsity athletics at UWSP, I was able to form an immediate group of friends who have become my family. I am part of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee. My time on the committee has not only helped develop my leadership skills, but connected me with other student-athletes outside of my team while helping our students and Stevens Point Community. Pointers compete in one of the most competitive Division III conferences in the country. With an impressive number of conference championships and NCAA appearances, Pointer athletics provides experiences you won’t wanna miss. UWSP still makes sure to put the student in student-athlete. The Tutoring Learning Center on campus offers free, one-on-one, or group tutoring for any class. Our teams also host study tables where we set aside time to work on classwork as a team. Juggling my pre-professional program and athletics felt overwhelming at first, but UWSP’s faculty and coaches worked with me to align my schedule with practices, enabling me to be successful both academically and athletically. While this might be my last year as a student-athlete, I’m not finished with my academic career. I’m currently applying to graduate schools to become a physical therapist. My top program is UWSP’s new Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, which will be fully accredited this year. After four years, I just can’t get enough of this campus and community. That’s all for me, roll dogs, Alex.
– Thank you, Kearyn for sharing your amazing story. Now, all varsity athletic events are free for UWSP students, so make sure to wear your purple and gold proudly. Kearyn has juggled being an athlete and continuing her studies in one of many pre-professional programs here at UWSP. Good luck in graduate school, Kearyn. We’re rooting for you.
Let’s hear from Mike, a senior majoring in psychology and philosophy with a minor in biology. UWSP helps students discover their purpose, whether it’s finding the program that piques the students’ interest or creating lasting connections with faculty and peers. UWSP is an academic powerhouse with innovative campus experiences. This is what makes UWSP so special. Mike, tell us more.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. I am in my final semester at UW-Stevens Point. I’ll be graduating with my Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Philosophy. I originally picked UWSP because I thought I knew what I wanted to study. What I found out was that I’ve learned way more than I could have expected during my time here. I entered my first year expecting to follow the path of a Wildlife Ecology student while participating in track and field as an extracurricular. My plans quickly changed just like many other students at UWSP. As an honors student, I had the opportunity to take an honors class in philosophy that left me so mystified that I had to add the major. Since then, I’ve changed my major two more times as I solidified my passions and goals. I love how this university allows its students to freely explore the many disciplines that it has to offer, along with having support from mentors such as those in the Student Success Center here on campus. You will not lack opportunities at UWSP. There’s more to experience here than could ever be done by one person. I’ve competed at national championships, I have presented at multiple conferences, and I’ve worked alongside researchers on neuroscience projects that usually aren’t accessible to undergraduates. Despite all that, my only regret is that I did not try more things. I’ll be completing my undergraduate studies soon and I intend to spend a considerable amount of time in Ghana after my graduation. I am pursuing an internship in clinical psychology at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital to gain direct experience treating mental health disorders while I await responses from my PhD applications. UWSP has helped me to discover my purpose and pursue my passions. Back to you, Alex.
– Mike, thank you for sharing how UWSP helps students discover their purpose and passion. UW-Stevens Points honors program and hands-on learning opportunities create ways for students to explore their interests. Your work is important in telling the story of how to find a program that fits your passion. Great job.
UW-Stevens Point has a long history of offering sustainable practices and courses to help students become leaders in creating a more equitable, environmentally sound and prosperous future. Let’s meet Ashley, a junior who is graduating a year early, majoring in biochemistry from Appleton, Wisconsin. Ashley was interested in learning more about recycling and composting efforts when she arrived at Stevens Point and her story is incredible. Take it away, Ashley.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. Here at UWSP, you can find me involved in multiple student organizations like Waste Management Society, 350, an environmental justice organization, and the Student Government Association where I’ve held various positions, including the Environmental and Sustainability Affairs Director, and I now currently serve as the vice president. When touring colleges, I knew Stevens Point would be my new future home. It’s hard not to fall in love with a campus that has a 280 acre field station called Schmeeckle Reserve, a beautiful tropical conservatory, over 260 student organizations to get involved with and a commitment to sustainable initiatives. When I came to campus, I quickly began to question what is recyclable when seeing a MULTI-STREAM system. I was able to start collaborating with our UWSP Office of Sustainability and a professor in the Soil and Waste program. I started doing waste audits with other students, collecting data, and eventually became an advisor for a class doing the research. Separately, I created a course with a peer to educate people on how to recycle and compost. Overall, UWSP has always been committed to sustainability. Our campus holds numerous awards. For example, UWSP was the first university to receive the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Recycling Excellence Award and the first UW, certified as a bee campus, USA School. No matter what you take on, UWSP will provide you with the tools you need to succeed. You’ll leave here with great experiences and so many memories. Now you know a bit about my story. Back to you, Alex.
– So impressive, Ashley. UWSP has been the first in many sustainable initiatives. First UW School to be certified as a bee campus USA, first to use 100% renewable electricity, first to offer composting in every academic and administrative building, first to eliminate plastic water bottles in their dining operations, and the only UW school to be a member of the Green Sports Alliance. Ashley, thank you for being a leader in creating a more sustainable future. That was awesome.
Say hello to Logan, a junior forest management student with a fire science certificate. Like many other students at UWSP, Logan has a desire to learn in the great outdoors. UWSP was a perfect fit due to its three field stations in central Wisconsin. Logan will talk to us about his time as a natural resources student. Take it away, Logan.
– Thanks, Alex. I appreciate the introduction. I’ve always loved camping, hiking, fishing, and pretty much any other outdoor activity you can think of. Since the outdoors has always played such a huge role in my life, I knew I wanted to work a job where I could be outside. When I was a junior in high school, one of my teachers told me how UW-Stevens Point had a great natural resources program, and after looking at their website and seeing the various majors and clubs available, I decided it was the right place for me. Throughout my time at UWSP, so many of my classes and experiential labs have provided real-world, hands-on experiences, including using UAV thermal imagery technology in wildland fire operations. I not only have the opportunity to learn in the classroom, but I can go out into the field with professors and practice what I’ve learned. Once I graduate, I’ll already have the skills I need to be successful in my career. I’ve been a part of a club called the UWSP Fire Crew since I was a first-year student. In this club, students get wildland firefighting and prescribe burn training and opportunities. I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer in Florida and Illinois doing prescribed burns, and I’ve learned so much along the way. As a sophomore, I was able to work a wildland firefighting job with the US Forest Service and gain valuable experience. Coming into college, I wasn’t expecting to be exposed to so many great experiences. UW-Stevens Point has provided me with an abundance of opportunities that I couldn’t have imagined, which I know will benefit me upon graduation. Whatever it is you wanna do, go out and pursue it. Take every opportunity thrown your way. Your UWSP journey is about to be fire. Now, back to you Alex.
– Wow, coming in hot, Logan, thank you so much for sharing your experiences. The Fire Crew sounds like a great organization to join as a natural resources student. The expert professors, networking, and volunteer opportunities are just some of the reasons why UWSP has a leading program in natural resources. Thanks again, Logan.
Now introducing Elliott. Elliot is a senior from Appleton, Wisconsin, studying biochemistry with an emphasis in pre-medicine. Elliott is gonna tell us about being a first-generation student, her undergraduate research, and how UWSP has equipped her with the skills needed for graduate school. Take it away, Elliott.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. Growing up, I had such a passion for science and an ambition to care for others, which led me to pursue a career in the medical field. I wanted a university that would prepare me for my future and I knew that UWSP was the best place for me to thrive. As a first-generation college student, the process of choosing the perfect college for me was daunting, but after touring UWSP, I fell in love with the campus, the faculty, and the small class sizes. The faculty are incredibly supportive and have acted as mentors for me in my undergraduate journey. They have introduced me to the many opportunities available to pre-medical students, including the honors program and undergraduate research. At UWSP, you get hands-on research experience with talented professors in our specialized labs. I am currently working as a reproductive biology research assistant and have had the honor of attending multiple conferences. I even won an award for presenting at the UW state final level and first place for my quick pitch presentation here on campus. Not only does research at UW-Stevens Point help further your education, but equip you with the skills needed for graduate school. Resources like the Tutoring Learning Center and the Academic and Career Advising Center are always available to help students succeed. Through UW-Stevens Point, I have become more independent and can seek one-on-one support from faculty and peers. UW-Stevens Point invests in their students’ goals by providing optimal support from faculty and enrichment opportunities. Because of the experiences I’ve had and the connections I’ve made, I feel more prepared than I could have imagined for my future in medical school. I would not trade my experience at UWSP for the world, and that’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Elliott. We all loved hearing your story about the small class sizes and the investment UW-Stevens Point makes in students to achieve their goals. It’s really impressive stuff. The relationships between students and faculty and UWSP really do go a long way. Thanks again, Elliott.
Time to meet Kaia, a senior from St. Paul, Minnesota, majoring in musical theater. UWSP’s College of Fine Arts and Communication is proud to be ranked in the top 7% nationally with accredited programs in art, music, dance and theater. Kaia will tell us about the thriving fine art scene here at UWSP and how she has become career-ready. You’re up Kaia.
– Thank you, Alex. Hi everyone. The performing arts have always been a huge part of my life. From my church’s youth choir to my very first musical in high school. During high school, I discovered that I could make a living outta this passion that I had, so I started to explore schools. After a lot of searching and auditioning, I found UW-Stevens Point, the conservatory-level education with a state school price tag was what initially attracted me. The second I arrived at UWSP, I fell in love with the campus and the community that the college and the theater and dance department curated. Since my first year, I have been lucky enough to have been cast in a wide variety of productions. These opportunities help me to not only expand as an actor, but as a person. A fun fact about me, I was born hard of hearing and I am fluent in American Sign Language. Instead of hiding that part of myself, the theater and dance department gave me the space to put on my own presentation to show the beauty of American Sign Language. This gave me confidence and has opened career opportunities for me. The UWSP Theater and Dance Program sets you up for success. They provide connections, masterclasses, and opportunities to perform. For example, my sophomore year I expressed to one of my professors that I wanted to find a company to work at for the summer. My professor provided a list of theaters and hosted an audition on campus. That very audition gave me my first professional theatrical contract. If you were to tell my first year self where I am now career-wise, I don’t think I would believe you, but here at UWSP, you are encouraged to go above and beyond and you are given the resources to do so. Now, back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Kaia, it’s amazing learning how you are able to pursue your passion in music and performance while being supported by faculty, staff, and fellow Pointers. There are really no limits to what you can do right here at UWSP. Thanks again, Kaia.
Okay, everyone, it’s time to meet Tessa, a senior who hails from Italy and embarked on a remarkable journey to Old Dominion University in pursuit of her passion for volleyball and mechanical engineering. Get ready to hear about her unique experiences as a student athlete navigating rigorous academics and the world of sports. Tossing it to you, Tessa.
– Hey, Alex, thank you for the great introduction and to everybody, I grew up in Italy and I started playing volleyball when I was 11 years old. I immediately fell in love with the sport but getting a degree while playing in Italy, it’s hard because we don’t have college teams. So to follow my dreams, I came in the US here at Old Dominion University where I found a rigorous academic program and an amazing team. Being a student athlete is like having a full-time job. We have to manage our time between classes, practices and travel all year long. But thankfully here at ODU, we have a lot of people that makes our life easier. For example, all student athletes has an academic advisor who help us with our schedule and assignments. In addition, ODU athletics offers weekly tutoring as well as many on-campus resources. We have incredible facilities and study halls, psychologists and nutritionists to help us in our journey, not to mention the amazing friendships among teammates and other athletes. Even with our busy schedule, we are always there for each other. Within my major, the engineering faculty are always very understanding and willing to help, especially when I have to travel for out of state games. The professor wants you to learn and succeed in your classes. Being a student athlete here at ODU really encourage me to follow my dreams, play the sport that I love and study to become an engineer. It taught me to never give up on the things that I really care about and that hard works pays off both on the court and in the classrooms. ODU is giving me an excellent education, but more than that, a family on the other side of the ocean and I will always be incredibly grateful for this opportunity. Back to you, Alex, ciao, ciao.
– Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. There are really no limits on what you can do with the amount of resources you have at your disposal right here at Old Dominion University. Good luck on the volleyball season this year, Tessa. We all are rooting for you.
Next up, we have Brandon, a second-year graduate student getting a master’s in lifespan and digital communications. From falling in love with ODU’s campus as a high school student to thriving as an online student and podcast producer, Brandon harnessed the university’s resources to pursue his passion and bring people together, Brandon.
– Thank you, Alex. I really hope you’re having a fantastic visit to ODU. It was the summer before high school when I first fell in love with ODU. At the time, I was attending a STEM residential program and absolutely loved exploring the campus and its wonderful resources. It’s only ironic that I now attend here as an online student. I am in my fourth year at Old Dominion University and I am now on my way to completing my master’s program. Being an online student, I have flexibility in completing my degree which allows for me to work and produce my podcast within my own schedule. Having spoken with over 100 guests on my platform, I love that I can use what I learn to help tell others’ stories. Just because I’m not on campus doesn’t mean that I can’t get involved. In fact, quite the opposite. I’ve been involved in countless organizations and leadership boards that helped make my undergraduate experience amazing. A fun fact about our university is that they have been doing distance learning for over 30 years. What’s even better is the devotion they put towards their students and alumni. As a student leader, I help advocate for online students to get involved and our Monarch community has been supportive all the way. As I always say, I’m on a mission to bring people together and my time at ODU has allowed for me to do just that. Thank you so much for listening to my story and back to you, Alex.
– Brandon, it’s evident that your time here at Old Dominion University has been filled with incredible experiences and opportunities. Your passion for storytelling and bringing people together through your podcast is remarkable. As you move towards completing your master’s program and beyond, there’s no doubt that you’ll continue to inspire others to make a difference in the world. Thanks again, Brandon.
It’s time to meet Holly Grace. Holly Grace is a senior here from Norfolk studying cinema production. She’s gonna share how her passion for anime led her to minor in Japanese and a study abroad in the country for a summer. The youngest of five sisters, she’ll talk about how her study abroad and her time at ODU helped her find her thing. Take it away, Holly.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone, greetings from Norfolk, Virginia. I come from a family of six kids and as the youngest of five girls, I was always trying to find my thing, the thing that made me unique. Well, at ODU, I found it. In fact, I found two. I decided to become a cinema production major and when I took my first film class, I knew I had found my tribe. I also discovered another passion of mine, Japanese. I’m an animator, so I decided to take Japanese as my foreign language requirement. Plot twist, I fell in love with it so much that I decided to minor in Japanese. Thanks to my Japanese senseis, I’ve studied with Japanese foreign exchange students and this summer even studied abroad in Japan, which was one of the most magical experiences I’ve ever had. And not to be dramatic, but that study abroad program changed my life. Touring shrines, experiencing ancient and modern Japanese culture, attending noh and kabuki workshops, learning skills like Japanese calligraphy and making matcha tea, and talking with Japanese college students are just some of the highlights of my study abroad experience. It was one of the scariest and most adventurous things I’ve ever done. And I’m grateful to my professors and ODU for giving me the opportunity to widen my perspectives of the world. At ODU, learning doesn’t just take place in the classroom. It happens behind the camera, on stage, in the production room or anywhere your major takes you. And that kind of support and hands-on training is what separates ODU from other schools. And now just like my siblings, I finally have my thing. Thanks, ODU. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Holly, it sounds like you were able to do so much in a short time during that study abroad. I love that your ODU professors encourage you to combine your passions and make it across the world for this once in a lifetime experience, thank you.
All right, let’s hear from Marjorie, a current junior who chose ODU for its exceptional education, diversity and career resources. She’ll share her inspiring journey as a woman in engineering and the valuable support she found within the ODU community. You’re up, Marjorie.
– Thanks, Alex, hey, guys. When I was first deciding which college I wanted to go to, some of the most important factors to me were the quality of the education, diversity and resources available to prepare me for a future career in engineering. Thankfully, ODU covered all of those bases. As a woman in engineering, I had some doubts about standing on equal footing in the male-dominated field. However, I was able to find the communities within ODU to give me that confidence to enter the working world. Civic Scholars is a program that started here in Hampton Roads to give students from ODU and Tidewater Community College the ability to meet executives in the area. They provide workshops and opportunities so that we can prepare for the professional world. This is done through etiquette dinners, leadership evaluations and mentorships with executives in Hampton Roads. Thanks to Civic, I have been able to network with people from NASA, Jefferson Lab, WHRL and so many others. ODU prepares us for our futures which is why they offer so many resources through the Career Development Services, such as mock interviews, custom business cards and Big Blue’s Closet, a service that provides students with free business clothes. There are so many other networking events at ODU and professors constantly reach out to check on our wellbeing, offer research opportunities and information on scholarships. ODU is the stepping stone into my future career. ODU’s organizations, events and faculty have helped me feel confident that I will succeed in my career after college. Well, that’s all that I have to say. Alex, take it back.
– Wow, Marjorie, it is amazing to hear how you were able to network and get career ready through the Civic Scholars organization. It is so awesome that Old Dominion University prepares students for what’s next. Thanks again, Marjorie.