Jessica Jesswein
- Germantown, Wis.
- Sociology, with a topic minor in event planning
- What's next: Looking for a job in event planning or volunteer coordinating at a nonprofit agency
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UW-Eau Claire photo by Bill Hoepner |
Jessica Jesswein was able to cross a few things off her to-do list thanks to the hundreds of hours she has spent volunteering at Eau Claire nonprofit agencies during her years at UW-Eau Claire.
Fulfill her required service-learning hours? Check.
Build her resume? Check.
Discover a passion for giving back to the community? Check.
Decide on a major — and find a career path? Check.
"As a freshman I was an elementary education major," said Jesswein, whose parents are both teachers. "But I spent a day in my dad's classroom and realized right away that it wasn't for me. I was undeclared and then a communications major. Nothing felt quite right. But then I got an internship at Western Dairyland, and it changed everything."
Jesswein, a native of Germantown, quickly switched her major. She now will graduate with a bachelor's degree in sociology and a topical minor in event planning, and she is looking for a job in event planning or volunteer coordinating at a nonprofit agency. Read Jesswein's full story.
More on Jessica Jesswein
A UW-Eau Claire person, class or project that's had the most impact on her life: I did a lot of service-learning. I found out through those projects that I love giving back to the community. That's why I've decided to look for jobs at non-profits.
Most memorable highlights of her time at UW-Eau Claire: Probably all the friendships I made at UW-Eau Claire. I met so many great people in the Eau Claire community as well. I think that those connections will benefit me in the long run for many years down the road.
How she defines the UW-Eau Claire Advantage: With the smaller class sizes you are able to connect with your professors and really get a one-to-one relationship with them. Also, the connection UW-Eau Claire has to the community through the service-learning requirement. I think that the connections I've made with people from UW-Eau Claire and throughout the community will benefit me in the long run.
Advice for success to incoming UW-Eau Claire students: Take your service-learning to the next level. Go above and beyond and see what Eau Claire really has to offer. There are so many people in the city willing to work with students, and those connections can last a lifetime. The things I learned outside of the classroom through service-learning were really what benefited me the most. Get to know people on campus — faculty and staff members are the people who want you to succeed in life and will do anything in their power to help you achieve your goals.
Learn about other May 2011 graduates.
