When I was starting to look at colleges my senior year of high school, University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point (or UWSP) was not at the top of my list. I wanted to be really far from home, and Stevens Point was just an hour away.
But something convinced me otherwise to apply and when I got accepted, I knew this is where I was going to spend at least some of my college career.
It's true what they say, "everything happens for a reason."
Now everyone's reasons may be different, but here are my top six for why I love my university and my UWSP.
1. Adventure
Before I started my freshman year I got a brochure in the mail to go on a hiking trip, I've never been hiking before, but the brochure sold me on the adventure. So there I was sitting in a van with a bunch of strangers, on our way to Upper Michigan, that I was about to spend a week with.
We became family, by the second night. And those strangers are now my best friends, and I don't know what I'd do without them. We started out our freshman year, with an advantage. Already having four friends that we could all become familiar with our new home. We also already had tons of great memories, that will last a lifetime.
The only thing that sucks about having great friends in college is the three month period of going home for the summer and not being able to see each other because most of us are in different states.
2. Opportunities
Coming to UWSP, as a nursing major, I didn't think I was going to have many opportunities, considering it's a very big natural resources school. But I was wrong. I was very wrong.
Just a short month after I started school, a posting came online for a CNA at the clinic on campus. Of course, I applied, but I was hesitant because I was a freshman and they were looking for either a CNA, LPN, or MA. And I had the lowest degree.
But to my surprise, I got an email a few days later offering me a job at the clinic. Later I found out I was 1 of 10 people to apply. And I was one of two they actually hired, which gave me a huge confidence boost.
As a freshman nursing major, all I was taking was my general courses, no classes that really pertained to nursing. At Student Health Services, they've taught me things most people don't learn until their last year of nursing school. I'm still an amateur and have a lot of room for improvement but they showed me how to take a manual blood pressure, draw blood and switch the tubes (its a lot harder than it sounds), ear lavages, and I even get to assist the doctors on minor surgeries and procedures! The staff that works there, I've gotten very close with and often confide in them when seeking advice. They truly showed me that there is such a thing as having a job, where I don't have to work a day in my life because I truly enjoy waking up and going there every morning.
3. Campus
Every freshmen's biggest fear is getting lost on campus, and it'll happen at least once. My first day I sat through a whole lecture of a wrong class just because I was too embarrassed to get up and leave.
I quickly learned my way around campus, and I think the hardest part was trying to master the science building, and that only took me a few days. It's a small enough campus, where you can almost always recognize someone walking to class, but big enough for you to get awesome opportunities.
A unique trait of our campus, is we have a 40-acre forest reserve. It's the biggest part of the campus, that I still have not mastered and almost always get lost when I go for a bike ride. There is a lake and even a tree hut, it's the most relaxing place to study or unwind from a hard week.
4. Location
UWSP is the heart of the town, no doubt. Everything is in walking distance, I didn't have a car my freshman year, and I didn't really need it. There's a line of fast food right across the parking lot which is a blessing and a curse, and gives you the true meaning to the "freshman 15."
5. Compassion
The compassion of the professors are truly spectacular. I yet to have a professor, that didn't know my name, or absolutely hates their job. I could walk into one of the biggest lecture halls and my professor would always greet me by my first name. Some of my high school teachers couldn't even do that! Nothing feels better than feeling welcome in a strange place.
Every professor I've had is also very passionate about their subject, and they want to teach you this stuff because they honestly enjoy it. You know how much easier it is to learn from someone who loves their job?
6. Safety
One thing I knew for sure when I arrived on campus is that I would never have to worry about not being safe. They took things like sexual assault, and harassment very seriously, and they have actions to show it. Their security team is also very respected and I don't how many times I've had to call them because I get locked out of my work building.
Over the summer I worked on campus and would get done very late and have to walk to my car, they would never hesitate to meet me at my office and walk me to my car if I was feeling uneasy of the walk in the dark by myself. They take their job very seriously, and nothing is more reassuring than that.
Unfortunately, I have to leave this beautiful campus after my sophomore year to continue my college career of becoming a nurse.
I wasn't lucky by having such a great campus that accompanies me so well, I work very hard to have what I have at this campus. And it is truly going to be a sad day when I have to pack up my final bag and leave UWSP behind.
