Jodi Anderson, of Rice Lake, is married to her husband Nathan and they have four children: Jazmine 14, Allie, 11, McKenzie 8, and Sydnie-Jo 6. Jodi has been out of school for 14 years before returning to the classroom at UW-BC to pursue a career in Elementary Education.
“I had always dreamed of being a teacher or working with kids, but unfortunately did not go to college after high school. I was raised primarily in foster care and therefore was not a student that many teachers would have considered as college material. In fact, while everyone else was meeting with the guidance counselor making college plans, my counselor simply wanted to know what factory I was going to work at. I had mentioned to my spouse that I had thought of going to college and, after much encouragement from him and the UW-BC adult student advisor, I enrolled. I had no idea the ride I was in for; I simply hoped to get a degree so I could work with youth.
“UW-BC has helped me to not only work towards a degree in education, but has taught me so much more. While attending this college I have found the confidence and beauty that I held inside and am able to embrace those qualities. I am no longer afraid of the ‘what if’s,’ rather I look forward to the excitement and challenge the unknown brings. UW-BC has taught me to enjoy the world around me much more.”
When asked if she would recommend UW-BC to other adults considering the return to college, Jodi exclaimed, “Yes! Yes! Yes! A hundred times yes! This campus is like a close knit family that helps to ensure the success of every student. The smaller size of our school allows us to get to know each other and also supplies a support system. The best thing about enrolling in classes at UW-BC has been the sense of confidence I now have and the friends I have made. I have walked the halls with many of tomorrow's leaders and feel truly privileged to know them.”
Greg Hilgart, of Park Falls, is a divorced father of three children: Kristofer 18, Amanda 16, and Mariah 14. After 22 years working in a local warehouse, the plant closed and Greg decided that now was the time to go to college. After completing coursework at UW-BC, Greg will continue his education at UW-Stout in Vocational Rehabilitation.
“I came to UW-BC to begin working toward a bachelor’s degree and UW-BC has provided me with the support and guidance necessary to get me started. UW-BC staff members were more than willing to help me gain the knowledge and skills required to do well in college and beyond. I received my Associate of Arts & Science degree this spring and I feel that I'm very well prepared to transfer to a four-year university and finish my undergraduate studies.”
When asked if he would recommend UW-BC to other adults considering a university education, Greg replied, “I would definitely recommend a university education to other people, because an education is something that can never be taken away from you and it will provide career opportunities that would otherwise be unattainable. The best thing about coming to UW-BC is its small friendly atmosphere. Even though the campus is small it has provided me with many interesting options and opportunities to experience new and exciting activities. I had the opportunity to participate in many interesting forums covering a variety of provocative subjects and I also had the opportunity to try some new activities such as curling which was both a fun and educational experience. I never would have tried these things before.”
