Here, five noteworthy first-year college students explain what made WSU distinctive to them as they decided where to attend college. All had plenty to say about how well we've treated them so far.

Alisia Nelson

From: Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Thinking About: Exercise Science

I took my first Tae Bo and Pilates classes in gym my junior year in high school. I loved it! My interest in leading a healthy lifestyle continued to grow. I took up weight training and my parents bought me my own weight sets.

When I was touring college campuses, the fitness center at WSU caught my attention. I also learned about the specialized aerobics classes and intramural sports offered on campus. When I discovered WSU is building a new fitness center, which will offer much more space and many more opportunities for healthy living, I knew I made the right choice to come to Winona State.

I've enjoyed the kickboxing classes and the weight training facility. These activities have allowed me to meet many new people who share my same interests. I also plan to join intramural volleyball.

I haven't decided on a major yet, but my interest in physical health has me considering Exercise Science as an option.

My nutrition professor majored in Exercise Science. I look forward to talking with her about my career options in this field of study. It's exciting to me that I can turn my passion into a possible career, but I'm still keeping my options open.

Nathan Strandell

From: Pine Island, Minnesota

Thinking About: English/Writing

In high school, Winona State University was a familiar name. A few of my teachers were recent WSU graduates, not to mention my mom, dad and grandmother all received master's degrees from this university.

Since my hometown is just one hour from Winona State, and being close to home is important to me, I decided to visit the campus. The green space on campus caught my eye immediately. I love that the university sits between the beautiful banks of the Mississippi River and the bluffs. The admissions counselors were so friendly and made such a good impression on me that I knew WSU was the perfect option.

The adjustment to campus life has been easy. The first few weeks of school, as I headed back to my residence hall, I'd tell my friends that I was going to my room. Now, I call Lourdes Hall my home, which to me has been an interesting transition in just a few short weeks.

Courses at WSU are, at times, challenging. However, classes I used to dread attending, like English, are now courses that never seem long enough. My professor has made English 111 so enjoyable that I'm thinking about majoring in a field that is focused on writing.

Nikki Olson

From: Stevens Point, Wisconsin

Thinking About: Biology

Running track has always been a part of my life. My dad has coached both track and cross country for 26 years, my mom and three siblings are all runners, and I've been on the track team since my freshman year in high school. I knew when I came to college I'd want to be on the track team.

While in high school, my best friend told me about Winona State. I was interested because I liked the idea of going to college away from home. I also liked the size of the city, the beautiful campus and the benefits of having my own computer as part of WSU's laptop program.

After learning about the university, I went online and filled out a recruitment form to be on the track team. Today, I'm a long jumper and a short distance sprinter for WSU.

My experience on a college-level track team has already helped me learn how to manage my time and be more organized; skills which will be helpful in my career as a pediatric doctor. I'm currently a pre-med biology major at WSU. I have always enjoyed working with children, which is why I've chosen to focus on pediatrics when I attend medical school.

Vikki Cheung

From: Tenafly, New Jersey

Thinking About: English

I first got to know Winona State University during a visit while I was in fifth grade. My parents both graduated from WSU, and I wanted to see where they went to college. It was the first university campus I had ever been on and it stuck in my mind.

The Winona area is very different from where I grew up, in Tenafly, New Jersey. I'm used to a fast-paced, hectic lifestyle, and I was looking for a change. In Winona, both on campus and in the community, people are friendly and welcoming, and make me feel at home. It made the adjustment to a new community much easier.

I live at the Residential College in Lourdes Hall. I take a short shuttle ride to the main campus for my classes--it's so convenient. I enjoy this style of residence hall life because it makes me feel like my studies and my personal life are two separate but related entities. Although, many people live on main campus and enjoy that as well.

I'm planning to major in English. I've loved the subject since my sophomore year in high school. I don't have a definite career in mind yet, but I'm looking into journalism and possibly speech writing.

Kyle Miller

From: Waseca, Minnesota

Thinking About: Sociology

I started playing the French horn in seventh grade. In high school, our marching band was really good and very hardcore, requiring lots of practice and music lessons. I decided, before I came to Winona State, I was going to take a break from music and focus on school.

A friend of mine from high school tried out for a music scholarship at WSU the summer before we started college, and I went along for moral support. During the audition, my friend introduced me to the Director of Bands at WSU, Donald Lovejoy. Guess what? I'm playing the French horn in both the symphonic band and the wind ensemble. I'm happy with my decision, because the people are great. My friend also got her music scholarship.

I'm planning to major in sociology, because I'd like to be a high school guidance counselor. I loved everything about high school, from the small class sizes to the ability to get to know the students and teachers—which is one of the reasons I came to Winona State.

As a professional, my goal is to help create the wonderful experience I had in high school for other students. I really want to make a difference in people's lives.

Last Modified: Monday, March 21, 2005 14:07 by Rhone Richard