Short Articles Written by Wildcats

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.

I realized my ideas about my future had shifted, and as my dreams changed, I decided that I needed to find a school that would best help me achieve that vision. So, I enrolled at Northern Michigan University and began my business degree.

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.

Alexa Alagon ’17 shares how cultivating intentional spaces in outdoor experiences allows everyone to find joy and connection. Read what being a modern-day Asian American Pacific Islander Woman means to her.

Little did I know that one typically atypical day at the office as a student writer was going to change my life and the trajectory of my career.

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.

Financial Aid can sometimes be tricky to understand. Thankfully you are not alone. Read more to learn about some frequently asked questions.

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.

In honor of Women's History Month, we're recognizing a few of the very influential women of NMU.

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.

Sending your child away to college can be scary, even if they are considered adults now. Let us help ease your worries by answering some of your most frequently asked questions regarding jobs, vehicles, weather, living on campus, keeping in contact, and more.

Let’s cut to the chase. As a freshman in college, I figured out that I am gay. Now, over a decade later, I live proudly as a queer leader in my community. In so many ways, I have NMU to thank for that.

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.

I heard the three scariest words of my life: you have cancer. I was diagnosed with stage 3 throat cancer and given six months to live. I underwent 38 rounds of radiation and three rounds of chemotherapy to get me back to doing what I loved…football.

No matter how long or hard you work, you need to take time for yourself. Life as a college student isn’t easy and the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t made it any easier. Now more than ever, it is important to take a breath, take a step back, and take time for yourself.

Going into freshman year at NMU, I was nervous about many things that turned out to be not at all what I had expected. These are some common myths about the NMU college experience.  

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!”

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.

No matter how independent you are (or think you are) or how excited you are to go away to college to make new friends and to try new things, it is not unusual to feel homesick. Here are a few things to try if you're feeling this way.

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

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

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

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

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

Visiting a college campus is one of the best indicators to help you find your home away from home. Here are 3 simple questions you can ask during your visit to ensure you’ve truly found the college for you.

Written by Brianna Sartin, Marketing major from Marlette, Michigan

Having been involved in higher education over the past 40+ years, here's what students should be focused on when starting (and working towards completion of) their degree program.

Written by Dr. Gary Brunswick, '81 & '84 Alumnus and current Professor of Business at NMU from Iron River, Michigan

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

Showing you the truths about getting involved on campus and combating the initial intimidation that freshmen face in a new environment. 

Written by Mackenzie Meyer, Secondary Education major from Grand Rapids, Michigan

Entering college undeclared - or, let's be honest, entering junior year undeclared - can be stressful, but it is also an opportunity to find your calling.

Written by Alicia McCauley, '08 Alumna and current Press Secretary at the New York City Commission on Human Rights from Marinette, Wisconsin

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

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

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

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

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

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

 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