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Traveling Home: U.P. Winter Driving Tips
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How to get the "College Experience" While Living Off Campus
One of the most significant choices students face when entering college is deciding their living situation. Whether that be choosing to live on campus and deciding what hall suits you best or making the choice to commute from home. I can honestly say that this was a very difficult decision for me to make.
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How I Moved in Freshman My Year Having Everything Packed Into One Vehicle: My Tips and Tricks
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Your Roommate Doesn't Have to be Your Best Friend
It’s very alluring to have a movie-like experience with your roommate, but the truth is, that’s not always what happens. But I want to emphasize that that is okay. It can be very scary as a first year when you realize your roommate experience isn’t everything you’ve been hoping for, but the truth is, you just need to coexist. Here’s what I’ve seen, how to handle it, and how you can still make the most out of your residence hall experience even without a bestie roommate
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Beyond the Packing List
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A Reminder to Live in the Present
NMU alumna Jen Nelson, '99 BS, reflects on her approach to life, taking a step back and reminding yourself to live in the present, and how that has directed her professional career. Jen is currently the Chief Operating and Customer Experience Officer of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
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We Don’t All Have to Fit the Same Leadership Mold
NMU alumna Sarah Lucas, '22 MPA, reflects on the challenges of being a non-traditional student in a graduate school and how she found her own leadership style while growing academically and personally. Sarah is the Director of the Office of Rural Development, Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.
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A Few of Our Favorite Things
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Beginning the Semester with Your Best Paw Forward
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Your Guide to NMU Winters: From a Warm Weather Friend
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Planning a Semester Schedule
Planning for a new semester always seems like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re an on- or off-campus student, athlete, or involved in a club, you’ll want to be wise when planning a schedule. If you commute, how long does it take for you to get to and from campus? Have you considered what the weather might be like now or later in the semester that could affect your commute? Hey athletes… What time is your practice each day? Are you going to miss practice because of that 2:00-3:40 class you just scheduled?
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Advice for Students from All Over Campus
Whether you are a first year student, a fourth year student or someone in between, there is always room for some advice from those around us. We have compiled a list of advice from several places around campus and put them in one place for you to reference and take from regardless of if it is your first semester or your last.
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The Difference Between Graduate and Undergraduate
If you’ve never talked at length with someone who attended graduate school, chances are you don’t know about all the ways it is different from undergrad. And even if you do have some knowledge of a particular program, it doesn’t necessarily mean that’s how all programs are. Learn the differences between undergraduate and graduate school through several aspects.
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Fall Leaves in the Upper Peninsula
Marquette is a beautiful and welcoming place to visit, especially when your child attends college at the heart of Marquette, Northern Michigan University. The queen city is home to a community of mountain bikers, hikers, adventurers, and more. To make Marquette even more unique, it has spectacular views, especially in the fall.
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Breaking into the Sports Industry: From NMU to the NHL, NBA, MLB and Beyond
I was uncertain of my major while attending Northern Michigan University. As a freshman I knew I was interested in sports and enrolled in the Entertainment & Sports Promotion program in the Communications Department. This opened my eyes to working sports games and learning skills that eventually lead me to work for organizations like the Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bulls, New York Yankees, Big 10, & More.
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Calling Others In
For many of us LGBTQIA+ folks, being our best, most authentic selves often comes with great risk. The reward is also truly great. When we call others in (a.k.a. ‘come out’), we invite them to know us better and therefore, invite them to be known. I know this sounds pretty dreamy, but there are innumerable quiet acts that present themselves daily to do this, if we are open to them.
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From Closeted at NMU to being the Mayor of the "Hottest Gay Destination" in Michigan
I arrived at NMU in late 1983 as a grad student and newly hired Hall Director. As I look back almost 40 years and reflect on Northern and Marquette and being a young professional struggling with her identity, I can honestly say that NMU at that time was not the safest place to be out. A lot has changed since 1987 and I have watched NMU change and grow and become a welcoming and safe place for LGBTQ+ individuals. It is so cool and makes me very proud to be an NMU Alum.
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Organization Tips for Any Student
Worried about finding the balance between your academics, clubs, work, and having fun? Staying organized is the absolute best way to help you be involved and stay in good academic standing. Whether you are just starting college, or in your final year at NMU, these tips are easy to implement for any student to stay organized.
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They Still Need You...
Having your child away at college is bittersweet as a parent. You are excited for them – excited for the new experiences they will have, excited for the new friends they will make, excited for them to find what they want to be when they grow up, and excited for them to flourish and thrive and gain independence.
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Watching My Daughter Grow at NMU
Four years ago my daughter, after visiting several colleges, chose NMU. I, for the life of me, could not figure out why. “You want to go that far north? Where they get four feet of snow?” Little did I know that can happen over a long February weekend. Still, her mind was made up and I knew better than to debate. And now that she is ready to graduate (within 4 years), I am proud of the woman she has become.
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NMU Alumna Talks Overcoming Self-Doubt
When I was in high school, I didn’t feel supported; I felt like a number. As a student at NMU, I had a team of faculty and staff who believed in me from day one. It was the support I received there that allowed me to see my potential and work through my own feelings of self-doubt. Today, I provide similar support to my clients.
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Working a Part-Time Job in College
Coming into my first year at NMU, I debated if or when I should get a part-time job. I had worked throughout high school, but my college classes were different. I worried I wouldn't be able to manage my course load while working. At the end of the day, it all came down to one simple fact… I needed money.
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I Never Missed a Football Practice…Until My Cancer Battle in 2019
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Dealing with Burnout in College
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A Wildcat Romance: Jeremiah (J.R.) and Jessica Clark
Jeremiah (J.R.) '03 and Jessica '01 '14 met at Northern Michigan University in 1998. Both participated in the NMU Marching Band and were in the tuba section together. The two were married in 2004. Today, the Clark family of 6 enjoys traveling the nation together. “Some call it adventure, we call it our way of life!”
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Shoot for the Stars: My Journey to Working in Professional Sports
From that first day I walked into Ford Field, I spent every day beyond grateful that I was starting my dream career. As I continue working my way through corporate communications in the professional sports world, I will never forget my time at NMU and how it shaped me as a person and a young professional.
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Transferring to NMU: My Journey to Find Where I Belong
I had no real idea of what I wanted to do when I grew up. I knew I wanted to go to college, but where? What would I study and would I be able to get a job with my degree? My path from high school to Northern Michigan University was not a straight line. I tried community college, I tried another university, and I finally ended up at the place where I truly belong.
Written by Jess Woodard, Public Relations major from Croswell, Michigan
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My DIY Career: From Athlete to TikTok Star
I knew I wanted to build my own brand. I knew I wanted my passion for sports to shine through in whatever I did. I knew I wanted to inspire others. But did I ever see myself as a “TikTok star”? Absolutely not! But I’m excited by this DIY career I’ve created – and look forward to the possibilities of the future.
Written by Mylan Murphy, NMU Alumni '12 and '14, from Akron, Ohio
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Switching Your Major: It's Not As Scary As You Think
As a freshman, I thought I knew what I wanted to study. But what happens when you start to question if what you're studying is right for you? Switching my major was the best decision I have made, and I'm a much happier and involved student because of it.
Written by Mia Hickey, Public Relations major from Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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The Question I Got Asked At Every Job Interview
I have four degrees from three different schools, one of which grants me the right and privilege to be addressed as “Dr. Perera”, yet every time I have ever interviewed for a job the first question I get asked is “Northern Michigan University, huh?” or sometimes the more elegant “what drew you to Northern Michigan University?” with a heavy emphasis on “Northern.”
Written by Dr. Fabiana Sofia Perera, NMU Alumna '05 from Caracas, Venezuela
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Undeclared? Here Are 5 Tips For Selecting A College Major
Do you feel like fellow students seem to have a solid career plan and are plugging away at their major courses? Here's a list of tips for students currently without a major or for those who are not sure they are in the "right" major.
Written by Jennifer Forshey, Coordinator of NMU Academic Support Services from South Haven, Michigan
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3 Questions To Ask Your Campus Tour Guide
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10 Things To Know (And To Think About) From A Faculty Member's Perspective
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An Introvert's Guide To Making Friends In College
I'm a self-proclaimed introvert and this is my story on how I made friends in college. I hope for you to use it as an example rather than a template for how you can find your place at NMU and meet amazing people.
Written by Dallas St. Onge, Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences major from Clawson, Michigan
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It's OK Not To Know - Thinking Beyond Your Major
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Learning From My Successes and Stumbles At NMU
I found myself making many blunders upon my arrival to campus. But, occasionally, I found successes from unexpected sources. Join me for the next few moments as we take a brief dive into those successes and failures.
Written by Brady C. Rudh, Fisheries and Wildlife Management major from Cottage Grove, Minnesota
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The Truth About Having A Roommate In College
If you're anything like me and came to a school where you didn't know anyone, finding a roommate was a challenge. One thing was for certain though, I knew once I found my roommate I would instantly have a best friend to do everything with. But what I didn't expect to happen from this new friendship left me with a few regrets during my first few years at NMU.
Written by Megan Van Camp, Public Relations major from De Pere, Wisconsin
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How Do I Know I'm Making The "Right" College Choice?
Not completely sure how you’re supposed to narrow it down to one college? Have you spent hours scouring the internet for information, worrying that you’ll never find the “perfect” college? In this article, I help you prioritize yourself in your college search.
Written by Alyssa Lambert, Multimedia Journalism '17 Alumna and current NMU Admissions Counselor from Winthrop Harbor, Illinois
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3 Ways Career Services Gives You An Extreme Advantage
It took me six years to graduate and I didn’t get any job I applied for when I was graduating. Looking back, there is one free service that could have helped me graduate earlier, grow my confidence, and dramatically improve the likelihood of getting the job I applied for at graduation.
Written by Grant Langdon, Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Management '10 Alumnus and current Asst. Director of Career Services from Edgar, Wisconsin
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How I Landed My On-Campus Dream Job
You might know me from some of the YouTube videos I created for Northern Michigan University. This is my story on how I was able to combine my passion for creativity with resources available on campus to land my dream job as a college student.
Written by Josie Hodges, Public Relations major from Plymouth, MI
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College Wasn't For Me... Then I Got A Master's Degree
I am both a two-time college graduate and a first-generation student. "First-gen" means that I am the first one in my family to pursue a 4-year degree and, let me tell you, this definitely came with its challenges.
Written by Brooke Burlingame, BS in Public Relations '17; MA in Higher Education and Student Affairs '20 Alumna from Davenport, Iowa
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Staying In Marquette For College Changed My Life
I’m originally from Marquette and decided to stay in my hometown to attend college. This is my story on how I got out of my comfort zone, got involved with the NMU community (not just with my high school friends), and ended up having a college experience I will never forget.
Written by Lauren Rotundo, BS in Public Relations '21 Alumna from Marquette, Michigan