Written by Emma Larson

UW-Whitewater is my home away from home. I started out college at a different school in a different state and while I am incredibly grateful for the friendships and experiences that school gave me, I would never have had the experiences that I did at UW-Whitewater. When I transferred, I found the piece of my college experience that I was missing. 

Transferring to UW-Whitewater gave me a fresh start without the people I went to high school with. I was able to meet new people, get more involved on campus, and become a part of a community where I truly felt welcome. One of the best parts of my experience has been joining the UW-Whitewater Dance Team. Being a part of the team has given me amazing memories, opportunities, and friendships that feel like family that I will keep with me long after college.

Being on the Dance Team has been a huge part of my college experience and I can’t imagine my time at UWW without it. Dance has given me a sense of belonging and a group of people that encourage in and out of the studio. Between practices, game days, performances, and all the memories we make together, I have found friendships that mean the world to me. Being part of a team has also taught me the importance of commitment, teamwork, and pushing myself to be better. More than anything, it has given me a community within a larger campus community, and I think that is one of the most special parts of getting involved in college. Some of my favorite memories at UW-Whitewater has come from being on the team, and I know those experiences and friendships will stay with me forever. We don’t have a website but we do have and Instagram you can follow, our username is @uwwdanceteam

UW-Whitewater has also helped me grow professionally. Through smaller classes, many opportunities to get involved on campus, and plenty of work experiences, I have been able to learn so much about myself and what I want to do in the future. As someone who wants to work in sports marketing and social media, being at a school where I can combine both of my interests with opportunities for hands-on experience has been incredibly meaningful.

What makes UW-Whitewater feel like home to me isn’t just the classes or our campus. It’s the people, the memories, the traditions, and the opportunities to get involved at any time throughout your time here. I love being able to walk around campus and talk to anyone I see, whether or not I know them. 

Transferring to UW-Whitewater was one of the best decisions I have made. It gave me the opportunity to start a new chapter of my life and create a college experience that feels like something I could look back on and be proud of. UWW has become more than just a place I go to school, it’s a place where I have grown, found my people, and grown as a person!