As students mature and grow during their years here at WSU, this change is visible and happens within as well. Five freshmen were photographed during their first semester and were asked questions about their anticipated college career and self for the My WSU Journey project. Now, two years later, they are roughly halfway through their time at WSU and transformations can be seen in their followup photos and responses.
Elizabeth Schwanke 2014
What are you most looking forward to in college?
Growing up and finding my place in the world.
What is your biggest fear about college?
Not fitting in and not doing well in classes.
Elizabeth Schwanke 2016
What has been your favorite thing about WSU and your college experience?
Working in the Admissions Office has been a ton of fun and it’s the one thing I go back to every year.
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced at WSU so far?
Switching departments. I decided to think of it as an opportunity rather than something negative.
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Nicki Zahhos 2014
What are you most looking forward to in college?
Meeting new people and finding out more about myself.
What is your biggest fear about college?
Failing or not doing as well as I would want to.
Nicki Zahhos 2016
What has been your favorite thing about WSU and your college experience?
My supportive advisors and professors. I would not have confidence in myself if it was not for them.
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced at WSU so far?
Not feeling like I can do it/college in general. I overcame this with encouragement from family and advisors.
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Jacob Striker 2014
What are you most looking forward to in college?
Learning and studying with my major.
What is your biggest fear about college?
Spiders – because they’re everywhere and that’s a problem.
Jacob Striker 2016
What has been your favorite thing about WSU?
The geographic environment of Winona is breathtaking. My favorite experiences have been either on the bluffs, the Mississippi, or the lakes.
What has been the most valuable experience you have had at WSU so far?
Working on campus provided me with the connections and experiences to work professionally. After college, I would like to explore the world living off my camera.
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Rebecca Borchardt 2014
What are you most looking forward to in college?
Meeting awesome friends so I can have fun with people that are somewhat like me.
What is your biggest fear about college?
All the tests and readings for homework.
Rebecca Borchardt 2016
What has been your favorite thing about WSU and your college experience?
The amount of opportunities that are available for us to explore and learn about.
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced at WSU so far?
My biggest challenge has been trying to juggle a 19 credit load, on top of sorority and theatre.
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Rachel Williams Belter 2014
What are you most looking forward to in college?
Meeting people.
What is your biggest fear about college?
Being away from family.
Rachel Williams Belter 2016
What has been your favorite thing about WSU and your college experience?
The opportunity I was given to meet amazing individuals who have become some of my closest friends. WSU and the city of Winona provide an exceptional college environment. There is always something for my friends and me to do in Winona: visit Lake Lodge, attend five dollar movie night, go on a hike, grab a coffee at Mugby, etc.
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced at WSU so far?
Transitioning from high school to college academia. I was not prepared for the amount of time and effort that each of my courses required. After the first few weeks of class I started to realize that I needed to get serious about studying and doing my homework, and so I did.
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