Transitions Through Life

Jul 15

The Next Steps

When deciding where I wanted to go to college, it was a hard choice. I had options, and I wanted to make sure I picked a good fit for myself and academics. I knew I didn’t want to go out of state, and so that made it easier when I was searching. My initial thoughts were Whitewater and Carroll University. I liked them both, toured both, and they had a teaching degree. I unfortunately was denied by Carroll, and Whitewater wouldn’t take me unless I sent more to prove my academics. I thought, ‘ I don’t need Whitewater, let’s keep searching. I applied to more UWs, and my first acceptance was UW-Green Bay. I was excited to be accepted into college. I was excited because I never thought I would see the day I would be applying to college.

Time goes on, and I have done more reflecting on what I wanted to do. I decided to go with UW Green Bay, and interestingly enough, I didn’t want to attend here in the first place. I was suggested to go because two of my cousins, Kasey and Michelle, had attended the university. From what I learned on my tour there, GB was my best option. It would help me academically, and that was my main goal when picking a school. So in October of 2023, I officially committed to the University of Wisconsin Green Bay, and decided on Elementary Education as my major.

Fast forward a couple of months, and I was a week out from moving into my dorm, and I was a nervous wreck. That whole week, I sobbed every day, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to do this. My mom was supportive and said ‘Let’s give it a try, and if you don’t like it, you can come home. I didn’t want to leave home, my mom, my comfortable space. I didn’t want to go. Finally, it comes to the end of the week, and I feel okay about going to college in Green Bay. We drive up to Green Bay with my mom, grandma, and Aunt Teri joining me. After 2 hours, we arrived, got me unpacked, and in my new dorm, and met my new roommate.

We finally get me settled, and we begin the emotional goodbye. I didn’t want to cry, but if I did, it would’ve been okay. My mom and Grandma were emotional, as I expected. I said goodbye, and it was just me and my new dorm. I was about to start my college experience, and that scared me a bit. Welcome Week began and finished, and the year officially was in full swing. The first week, I was sad and missed my mom. I called her one morning, and I said, ‘I miss you, I want to come home,’ and she told me she would come and visit the following weekend. This college life wasn’t what I expected, and I don’t know what I expected, to be honest. This sounds awful, but the campus felt like a prison. It wasn’t a good feeling, and I felt stuck on campus. Months pass, I’m attending events, going to club meetings, hanging with friends. Well, that all comes to a stop, and I start to develop roommate and friend issues. I don’t go out, and I stay to myself, and attend one club I was a part of. Don’t get me wrong, this school had some good people, and unfortunately, the people I was around made me second-guess myself, or made me feel down.

Second semester hits, many people I knew or talked to were transferring. I was once the person who said, Why are you leaving? It’s not too bad, and I guess I was lying to myself. For me, it wasn't good; it was a not-so-fun experience. I started thinking about transferring months into the new semester and discussing it with my mom. It’s about 2 months out from the year coming to a close, and I've decided to transfer after this year officially. Again, I began to look at schools, and my options were Concordia, UW Milwaukee, and Mount Mary, and yes, in that order. I thought ‘ Do I take the online classes at Concordia, or do I want to attend Mount Mary even with the high tuition?’ My brain was all over the place, but I talked it out with my mom, per usual, and she told me ‘ If Mount Mary is a good fit, then let’s do it.’ This was the first time I was more concerned about the money, and my mom wasn’t. I was accepted, which I thought was crazy, and then I got a scholarship. I was shocked, and honestly couldn’t believe it. It was official, I was attending Mount Mary University in the fall. I begin the transfer process at UWGB and start my moving-out process. The feelings were all over the place, and I didn’t exactly feel happy or sad. I remember posting to Instagram, my farewell Green Bay post, and I remember seeing comments full of ‘I’ll miss you’ or best of luck messages. This right here, I was glad to see, even through my struggle moments, I still met people who cared about me.

The New Beginning

Fast forward, it was the summer of 2024, and I was getting ready for the new year, which I would start at Mount Mary. How did I decide on MMU? Well, they had my major, so that was a plus! Early Childhood Education was what I initially wanted, and it was a small campus with small class sizes. I was also able to bring my cat with me, and have it live in my dorm. It had to be an Emotional Support Animal, which is why I adopted my cat in the first place. I was ready to start fresh and meet new people. I was happy to be home and closer to my family. I may be back home, but I am still an independent college student, and still have my mom a phone call away.

On August 18, I move into my new dorm room. I was excited to be in a new space, and unfortunately with a roommate, but it worked out in the end.

I was now a Blue Angel at Mount Mary and ready to continue my college journey. The nice thing about this university is that everyone you meet, you will most likely see them multiple times a day! The campus is tiny, and the undergraduate is about 700. I love being able to see the same people every day and grow closer with them. I am fortunate to have met some fantastic people, especially Hope, Megan, Marin, and so many more. Quick shoutout for ya’ll! The year has been going fast, but I have accomplished so much. I started my student organization, Mount Mary College Democrats, and have made my presence known on campus. The faculty, staff, and professors are outstanding and very supportive. I feel very welcomed, and that I matter to everyone around me. Another quick shoutout to some of my favorite staff, Catie Kocian, Dr. Karanovich, Kristin Whyte, Michelle Gabor, Andrea Stapleton, Sister Joanne, and Theresa Utschig. Now, some of them may have gone different paths, but these people have helped and supported me in what I do.

I have loved my time here so far at Mount Mary, and can’t wait for these next two years. I love the community, the people, and what the university stands for. Every day, I feel more empowered and feel powerful alongside these strong young women.