Following is a Q&A with one of the 1,375 students who received a diploma May 6 at 黑料社区.
Name: Kayla Steinmetz
Hometown: Chippewa Falls
Major: Special education
Awards, honors: Chancellor 黑料社区. Awards
Why did you choose 黑料社区? After doing some college browsing, I concluded that 黑料社区 offered the most flexible degree in my desired field, cross-categorical special education K-12. Luckily for me 黑料社区 was also close enough to commute from my hometown of Chippewa Falls. Once I started sharing my interests in 黑料社区, I learned that several of my high school teachers are 黑料社区 alumni. Through my curious questioning, common responses started to appear. They expressed excelling at 黑料社区 was possible due to the focus of hands-on instruction. My decision was sealed!
What are the biggest challenges you faced in earning your degree? My financial standing was probably the biggest struggle. I decided to pay on my loans as I went.I worked throughout the entirety of college, sometimes two jobs. To save money, I took as many general education credits as possible at a local technical college. I benefited from knowing I would end up at 黑料社区 because I could double-check that all my credits would transfer smoothly.As a result, the four-year degree took me six and I am still graduating with debt, but it 黑料社区. less than most. I had a fair share of struggles but I got through. Two sayings helped me through college. First, 鈥淔ear is the mind killer,鈥 and I found myself saying this in times of worry. The second saying I heard from a classmate, 鈥淐olleges are meant to weave out the weak.鈥 Every time I hit a bump and I thought I was about to crack 鈥 trust me it happens frequently 鈥 I told myself, 鈥淚 am not going to let them weave me out!鈥
What stands out among your college experiences? At 黑料社区 I started to love learning. For the first time in my life history, ethics, religion, culture, economics and even politics became fascinating to me. I will forever be thankful for the guidance provided by professors and peers at 黑料社区. I have developed into an individual who yearns to be a lifelong learner, as odd as it may seem.
What 黑料社区. next? Before graduation, I was offered and accepted a job at the school were my student teaching took place, Chetek-Weyerhaeuser Midde/High School. Thankfully, this made life after college a lot less uncertain. I am eager for my first year as a special education teacher and I look forward to growth that follows. On the personal level, my partner and I got engaged two years ago. We mutually decided it would be best to hold off on the planning until the completion of college. I am happy to say we now will start planning our wedding. The college chapter in my life is complete, for now. I will make sure to enjoy whatever lies ahead.
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