Having just finished her freshman year of courses, she has officially paired an elementary/middle school education major with a psychology minor. Alyssa’s passion for teaching younger children was inspired by her experiences working with the Children’s Church and Nursery when she was younger and her mother homeschooling her six siblings growing up. She has a goal to teach at the third-grade level and is excited to work with that age group this summer as the head coach for her hometown’s Little League softball team.

Despite the challenges of being a first-generation college student and balancing work and school, Alyssa is motivated to succeed. This past year, she worked thirty hours a week at the local supermarket to make ends meet. Next year, she is planning to play softball for Northland College, as well as being a resident assistant for the freshman dorm. She is grateful for the support of her advisor, Dani O’Brien, as well as the dean of students, Joe Cooper.

Reflecting on the challenges of figuring out how attend college without her parents’ financial support, Alyssa shares, “It’s built so much character, and it’s built so much motivation for me, especially since I’m going to be a teacher and will have to balance so many things, with little kids. I just feel like it’s a good thing to be figuring out now rather than later.”

Thanks to the Wisconsin Grant, Alyssa can pursue her dreams and attend Northland College— where she has found a home and a community she loves.