Breanna Christensen
- Coon Rapids, Minn.
- B.A. in journalism and political science
- What's next: Attending Hamline University Law School in fall 2007
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UW-Eau Claire photo by Bill Hoepner |
"Grace under pressure" is a phrase that might have been invented to describe Breanna Christensen. Although she funded her own education, worked 20 hours or more per week while at UW-Eau Claire and was active in many campus organizations, she will graduate magna cum laude with university honors distinction and a double major in political science and print journalism.
She has worked as a student writer for the University News Bureau for the past three semesters and last year was promoted to assistant manager at her off-campus job at Pier 1 Imports in Eau Claire. Last summer she also served as a volunteer at the Office of the State Public Defender in Eau Claire, an experience she said reaffirmed her decision to go to law school.
"I'm not surprised that Breanna was not only accepted at Hamline University Law School for this fall, but also awarded a research fellowship," said Nancy Wesenberg, Christensen's supervisor at the News Bureau. "Breanna is exceptionally focused and mature and already conducts herself in a very professional manner. Add to that the fact that she is unfailingly polite, pleasant to work with, and truly cares about other people, and I think you have a no-fail recipe for success."
Hamline University Law School awarded Christensen a Constance L. Bakken Fellowship, given to incoming students "with the strongest credentials." It supplements a Presidential Scholarship Grant with a research stipend that will allow Christensen to work with a faculty member in her second and third years of law school on a scholarly project.
While at UW-Eau Claire, Christensen was active in a number of honor and service societies, including Alpha Lambda Delta, Gold Caps Chapter of Mortar Board, Phi Eta Sigma and Phi Sigma Alpha. She was vice president of the Pre-Law Club and public relations adviser for the Society of Politics, and she also received a UW-Eau Claire Freshman Honor Scholarship and an Arthur L. Murray Memorial Journalism award. Off campus, she volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters.
More on Breanna Christensen
Future plans: I am extremely excited about starting another phase in my education. Law school will be a healthy challenge for me for the next three years. In the long run, I look forward to completing law school and practicing law. I would love to own my own practice in a smaller community, similar to the size of Eau Claire. I also look forward to settling down and spending time with my family and friends.
What she liked most about her time at UW-Eau Claire: There are so many wonderful things about my experience here, but the most influential experience was my time at the University News Bureau. It was an amazing job for me because I learned so much about grammar and writing. While my classroom education taught me the basics of writing, my outside experience at the News Bureau helped to reinforce and expand on everything I had learned. It was a rewarding job that helped me to grow professionally. Another experience I enjoyed was my time at the State Office of the Public Defender. As a volunteer I learned a great deal about the justice system, and I also felt that I was making a valuable contribution by helping defendants with their cases.
Highlights of life at UW-Eau Claire: The highlight of my life at UW-Eau Claire was my experience studying abroad in England. I was able to travel to 10 countries in four months, which was an amazing opportunity. I don't think I will ever have the time to spend so much time abroad again, and I will always cherish those memories. Because of the personal growth I experienced, I would highly recommend that everyone study abroad at some time in their undergraduate career. Meeting new people and experiencing unknown cultures and places was the most fulfilling experience I could have imagined.
Proudest college accomplishments: One of my proudest accomplishments at UW-Eau Claire was receiving the Arthur L. Murray Memorial Scholarship. It meant a lot to receive this scholarship because it was a nomination-only award, and it was a great honor to be recognized for my efforts by the communication and journalism department. I am also proud to have created a balance between work and school. At times it can be stressful and busy to work, but in the end I am proud of my ability to combine school and work.
Advice for incoming students: My first piece of advice would be to enjoy every minute of your time at UW-Eau Claire. By the time your four years are up, you'll be wondering where all the time went. To increase your enjoyment of your time at UW-Eau Claire, I think it is valuable to be active in campus organizations and activities. You'll meet new people, learn about your career and gain insight into other job possibilities. I also think it's important to work with Eau Claire community members or in community activities, because UW-Eau Claire and the surrounding community have so much to offer students if you really look for opportunities.
Learn about other featured May 2007 graduates
