Freshman Experience: The University of Wisconsin

Holly Shulman

Consumer Behavior and Marketplace Studies Major

Ever since I visited my sister Abby at University of Wisconsin-Madison when I was in 7th grade, I knew Wisconsin was my dream school. I fell in love with the city-like campus as well as the school spirit that was evident after a short conversation with any student. Throughout the college process, I made sure to keep an open mind, but always knew I wanted to go there. After receiving my acceptance in December 2020, I committed shortly after.

I have always had a passion for fashion for as long as I could remember. In high school, I had my own small college clothing business on Instagram called AllPatchedUp, so I knew I wanted to explore more of the business side of fashion in college. Within Wisconsin’s School of Human Ecology, the consumer behavior and marketplace studies major is the perfect fit for me to learn about all things retail, consumer behavior, business, and more all wrapped up into one. Being such a large university, it is nice to be a part of a smaller school, with only around 500 students in my major. This allows me to have more individualized attention, and get to know the other students in my major better.

Aside from the consumer behavior major, I have been able to explore other areas of study that interest me, such as women and gender studies and graphic design, which I intend on getting certificates in. With such a wide range of class options, there are endless opportunities at UW-Madison to explore anything you're interested in!

Outside of the classroom, I was able to get involved in Greek life in the fall semester. Although the recruitment process can be stressful, I am so happy with the group of girls I ended up with, and it helped shaped my freshman year experience. I am living in the sorority house this year, and I could not be more excited. I also got involved with Humorology during my first semester, which is a student-run philanthropy organization that raises money for a beneficiary each year. 1-2 sororities are paired with 1-2 fraternities, and we put on an annual musical show that takes place in April. Being involved with theater throughout high school, this was the perfect opportunity to continue my love of theater while being involved in my sorority. After having a lead role last year, I now have a leadership position this year, and will be helping to write and produce my cast’s show! I am so happy to be a Badger, and enjoy all of the opportunities that Wisconsin has and will continue to give me!

Freshman Experience: The University of Miami

Lindsay Arone

I just finished my freshman year at the University of Miami, and I absolutely loved it! I am a psychology major on the pre-law track. With psychology being such a large major, it was slightly stressful picking classes, but everything always worked out. I had great experiences with my

professors as well. Classes were on the larger side, but each professor was eager to help me when I approached them. I did very well academically this past year and I owe that in part to having great professors. Living in the dorms was so much fun. I had a great relationship with my roommate and the other girls on my floor. I joined a few clubs last year and there are more organizations that I hope to join next year. There were so many athletic, academic, and recreational organizations to choose from! I also joined a sorority and, while it is not a huge part of campus life, I love it! I met so many incredible women and had some wonderful experiences. My best accomplishment of freshman year was my academic success, I had very good grades in all my classes for both semesters and ended with a high GPA. I had an amazing first year and I am so excited to go back to Miami for sophomore year!

None of this would have been possible if I hadn’t worked with Less College Stress Consulting. I experienced no stress during the application process, Pamela planned everything out for me and helped me through everything. All my applications were complete before the end of the summer which allowed me to enjoy my senior year. I absolutely love the University of Miami and I know it is where I belong.

Freshman Experience, The University of Tennessee

Kassidy Puglisi

Architecture Major

From the moment that I stepped onto UT’s campus, I

knew it was going to be a place where I wanted to spend my next years. It had everything to offer that I could ever want or imagine in a school, and more. Being from New Jersey and wanting to go to college in the south, I was a bit hesitant that I was going to miss home, or have a hard time adjusting, but soon after move in, I came to find out that the University of Tennessee, Knoxville was going to easily be my new home.

For as long as I can remember, I have loved everything art and design, and ever since I was young, I’ve had a vivid love for architecture. This being said, that was one of the main reasons that I chose UT. I just finished my first year as a student in the University of Tennessee’s College of Architecture and Design, a place where I go each day to design, create, and learn from some of the best professors, mentors, and students the country has to offer. Although each day brings new challenges being a student in design school, I can confidently say I felt prepared and supported by the environment and community around me in the College to take on each day to full potential, and grow my skills and knowledge.

Outside of the College of Architecture, I was challenged throughout all the other courses I took, learning English,

Math, Spanish, and Physics at a higher level than I have before, but doing great in these courses with ease, by

the teaching skills and assistance from my professors and peers.

Growing up an athlete, playing various sports throughout my life and always being a part of a team, I knew joining Greek life was for sure something I wanted to do when I got to college. The Greek community at UT made the “recruitment” experience so seamless, and easily helped me find a second home inside of the campus. Joining my sorority was one of the best decisions that I have made thus far - socially as well as, making it so simple to surround myself with tons of other women similar to myself, who are there for me each day in and out, and allowed me to be apart of something that’ll last a lifetime.