Campus Connection

Reflecting on four impactful years at UWL 

By Ellie Dietrich, senior

When I first joined UW-La Crosse in 2021, I had no clue what I wanted to study. Four years later, I found myself at a national conference presenting my capstone research. 

So, what transformed the doubts of my freshman year into self-confidence and lasting academic accomplishment?  

The short story is that UWL has outstanding mentors and phenomenal opportunities for undergraduate students. The long story, my story, is what I’d like to share with you before I graduate in May:  

I began my time at UWL coasting through three semesters with an undeclared major. It’s commonly said that many students start undecided or switch majors multiple times, but I still felt a sense of doom. I was quickly fulfilling the general education requirements without an idea for my future.

I finally found my special interest while learning in an introductory sociology course. My professor, Lisa Kruse, welcomed me into her office and answered all my anxious questions about the future. She patiently discussed where a degree in sociology could lead me. Not long after, I declared the major.  

As my courses began to align and my peers became familiar friends, I gained confidence and a sense of community. Little did I know, there was much more in store for my academic journey. 

Further into my sociology core classes, I met the mentor who changed the course of my college experience: Nick Bakken. He recognized my drive and invited me to be his teaching assistant for Methods of Social Research II the following semester. I had never imagined myself in the role, but stepping into it challenged me to grow in ways I didn’t expect, both academically and professionally.   

As I transitioned from my time as a teaching assistant into the sociology capstone, Quantitative Social Research Seminar, Dr. Bakken introduced me to the Undergraduate Research & Creativity office on campus. The office provided grants, and Dr. Bakken believed my capstone project was a strong contender.  

With his encouragement, I applied for and received a grant. I spent the semester independently researching how college education can indirectly affect health outcomes and compared the trends of three decades. Presenting my findings to classmates at the end of the course felt like a natural conclusion— but not to Dr. Bakken. He saw greater potential in my work and encouraged me to apply for a chance to present at a national level.  

Along with 17 other UWL students, I was selected to represent the university at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research in Pittsburgh. Attending the conference just a month before graduation felt like a celebration of how far I had come. I evolved from a nervous freshman to a contributor in larger academic conversations. I realized I was capable and ready for professional life beyond the classroom.  

However, I’m not just here to brag — I believe my story is a testament to how UWL’s faculty and staff invest in student success. Thanks to small class sizes, accessible research opportunities, and the incredible faculty who believed in me, I was able to grow in ways I never expected.  

To any students reading my story, I know it might sound corny, but connections (and yes, even office hours) are so important. UWL offers plenty of ways to get involved, but without mentors, I could have easily missed out on the academic opportunities I pursued. Plus, there’s something special about having a mentor to cheer you on.  

Even this article itself is an example of how valuable it can be to seek out experiences. I wanted to explore the administrative side of higher education, so I asked if the University Marketing & Communications office would consider taking me on as an intern – and here I am writing! I've learned more about my interests and values as I move towards the next chapter.

Now, with graduation just around the corner, I’m reminded of how I felt when I began college. Like my freshmen self, I can’t decide which career I want to pursue. However, this time, I’m facing uncertainty with versatile skills, experiences, mentor support, and absolute confidence that I will thrive wherever I find myself.