Tyler Metzloff

When searching for schools, and touring campuses around the Midwest, I found little to be different in many of the small town universities. I grew up and had always lived in cities, the concept of experiencing a smaller town was interesting, especially as I planned to move to a larger city after graduation. After touring many schools, not much stuck out, the small towns I had visited seemed run down and lacked beauty in their building and surrounding wildlife. After being accepted to a different university, in Wisconsin, I traveled to take a tour and after the seeing the campus I found myself not impressed. however, I had already submitted all my information to start in the fall. On the way home from the campus tour I went to NMU’s website, a few of my classmates were planning on attending and I had heard good things, but never checked out what it had to offer. Going through the photo gallery, I fell in love with the scenery and the small nature of the school excited me as it would mean less classes taught by graduate students and TA’s. When I toured the campus I was even able to meet with department heads, who helped me feel a lot more welcome than I would have at a larger school. Long story short, I applied to NMU and canceled my existing college plans and the rest is history.

Deciding my major was very difficult for me, I have always had a passion for photography and videography, and hoped to use those skills in a professional scenario. However, family and friends were strong advocates against a major in the arts. After thinking long and hard I came to a decision, as i had also been very interested in the business world, I decided to major in business marketing. Opting to grow my photography and videography skills on the side, in hopes to use them in conjunction with the degree. I had already worked professionally as a videographer and editor without a degree, so in order to get the full value of a college education I chose to learn the business side. I hope after graduating this will make me a more versatile hire, and allow me to use both my passions. Marketing encompasses many parts of business, and has over the past 3 and half years I have learned much more valuable information than I would have with an art or communications degree.

One thing I have appreciated over the years, is my professors dedication to being available for council and help. Many times I have gotten help from my department head or other professors regarding my resume or job interviews. I found this very helpful as both my parents are teachers, so the business world is very foreign to them.

Due to the gap year i decided to take my sophomore year, my personal travel plans and COVID’s effects on activities i did not participate in many clubs or events after my freshman year. However, I was able to attend job fairs and the big pitch, which helped me network and expand my professional knowledge.

To “be Northern” to me, means to use the aspects of our campus and surrounding areas to the fullest. Exploring the various hikes, snowboarding in some of the best conditions in the country, and receiving more personalized education from professors.

I would tell, and have told other considering the school, to come up and tour. As that is was made me fall in love with the school, websites and reviews are meaningless, what matters is how the campus makes you feel.