April Showers Bring May Flowers

April 29th 2023

Wonderful news!

I chose my undergraduate major of biochemistry molecular biology, a mixture of biology and chemistry courses. I do not regret my decision; I got through four years of a giant time-sink, and I am happy with the results. I’ve secured a PhD student position in the bioengineering program at Oregon State University, showing that the last four years were worth the effort. I could not have achieved my goal of getting accepted by my number one choice of graduate school without the support of the McNair program at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire (UWEC). It is not all sunshine and flowers though; a few rain clouds still hang over my life. As I near the date of commencement, I am once again reminded of how little my family supports me.

I'm a Bioengineering PhD student starting in October.

Looking back at the last four years of my education, support is the defining word I would use to describe being a student at UWEC. From the many professors who teach topics I found difficult, to the UW Eau Claire Foundation who helps students like me manage the financial burden of affording college, and the support between student recreation and interest groups. Even students in labs and classes were supportive and helpful when completing course work. College is no longer a solo journey. It takes multiple people to help one person get through the higher-ed gauntlet.

I could not have achieved this alone.

What I hope to convey is that as a struggling college student, you need to reach out. The UWEC itself does have many resources available for a wide array of different people. Even if you are the “stereotypical white male that the entire diversity movement is against” -I have met a few young men with this mindset and perspective- that even if you think there is no help, there more than likely is. You just need to reach out. Don’t be discouraged if the first resource you ask for help from decides a different resource is better equipped to help you. (Of course, there is a point when someone gets the run-around without ever receiving legitimate help, and by then, it may be time to move on.) I have utilized many of the resources on campus such as counseling services, the campus closet for professional interview clothing, the campus food pantry, and career services, or even the Dean of Students emergency fund. I am not ashamed for struggling and reaching out for assistance. Even though I have experienced a few dark and stormy times during the past four years, those storms serve to water the flowers of new opportunities.

Gratitude pours from my heart as the spring thaw brings a flood.

As my last blog post for the Lost in the Woods of Life for the foreseeable future, (there could be a future class where I am assigned to write more blog posts) I want to record my gratitude to those who impacted me the most akin to the flooding of the Chippewa River that has occurred this spring.

I am filled with gratitude and excitement as I write this post. This spring has been beautiful, with blooming flowers and the promise of a beautiful future. As I prepare to graduate, I am reflecting on my journey and feeling grateful for the support that has brought me here.

It has been a challenging four years, filled with the certain sort of “busy-ness” that only comes with college. With the past pandemic and current flooding in my community causing disruption and hardship, I have persevered to the end of the long nights of studying for my undergraduate degree. I have been blessed with a wonderful husband; without his support I would not have ever embarked on this journey. To the attentive directors of the UWEC McNair chapter, those professors who saw potential in me and helped me secure research opportunities, and the talented Honors teachers at UWEC who teach unique and engaging courses, I cherish the expansion of my personal character and critical thinking skills I gained by knowing many of these professors and teachers briefly. All of your guidance has helped me discover my passions and pursue my dreams.

Professors, your guidance from the past four years are helping me achieve my career goals!

As I prepare to walk across the stage at graduation, I feel excited about the future that lies ahead. I know that it will bring challenges and setbacks, but I am ready to face them with determination and the support of those around me.