“UW-Stout shaped me into a leader, a mentor and a more confident version of myself because the university has embraced and supported me through my entire educational journey,” says Annika, a junior majoring in technology education.
Annika’s journey is a powerful example of what happens when a student enters a university built around applied learning, personalized support and an environment designed for growth. UW-Stout’s polytechnic mission, supported by strategic priorities that remove barriers to education, enhance individualized student support, drive academic innovation and success, advance modern living and learning spaces and nurture a vibrant campus life, helped Annika discover her confidence, her community and her calling as a future technology education teacher.
Annika remembers the moment she realized UW-Stout was where she belonged. “I was drawn to UW-Stout because of its polytechnic focus. From the moment I stepped on campus, it felt like home.”
Stout’s commitment to removing barriers to education allowed her to fully engage in her program, take additional classes that broadened her skill set, and immerse herself in opportunities that shaped who she is today.
Her passion for woodworking led her to the Wood Prototyping Lab, a dynamic learning space made possible by Stout’s dedication to creating innovative living and learning environments. There, state-of-the-art equipment and modern digital tools brought her creativity to life. What began as exploration quickly turned into expertise. As a lab assistant, she helped classmates learn to operate equipment and bring their own ideas to life.
“Having access to state-of-the-art technology and getting to teach it to others has been huge in preparing me to become a technology education teacher,” says Annika.
Annika’s growth extended far beyond the lab. Through Stout’s robust individualized student support, she was surrounded by mentors, advisors and staff who encouraged her to step into leadership roles. Her involvement runs deep across the UW-Stout campus. Annika is a tour guide, welcoming prospective students to the campus she calls home. She works with first-year students as a mentor, helping students adjust to campus life and as an academic resource coordinator, supporting residential learning experiences. Her leadership doesn’t stop there: she currently serves as vice president of the Student Council for Exceptional Children and treasurer for the Technology & Engineering Collegiate Association.
Each role developed confidence, communication skills and a deep understanding of how to support people of all ages; skills she’ll carry into her future classroom.
Through a study abroad experience, Annika gained a global teaching perspective, observed different learning styles and developed empathy that will make her classroom more inclusive and culturally aware.
Annika reflects, “Being immersed in another culture changed how I see the world. It shaped how I want to teach and connect with my future students.”
UW-Stout’s polytechnic model paired with the support structures of the Stout experience are the backbone of Annika’s entire journey. “Experiential learning isn’t an addition at Stout; it is Stout,” said Annika. “The Polytechnic Approach makes a huge difference. I’m not just learning about things, I’m doing them. That’s what sets Stout apart."
Annika’s story demonstrates the transformative power of a university and supporters who invest in its students, faculty, staff and greater community. Philanthropic support through the UW-Stout Foundation and Alumni Association helps create an environment where members of the #StoutProud community, like Annika don’t just succeed - they thrive.
As Annika reflects, “Stout helped me find my confidence, my community and my purpose. I wouldn’t be who I am today without everything this university made possible. The Stout community is something special.”
Your gift to support UW-Stout provides opportunities for members of our #StoutProud community, like Annika by removing financial barriers to a Stout education, providing robust and individualized student support, advancing academic innovation and success, creating dynamic living and learning spaces while ensuring a vibrant campus community – the full Stout Experience. Through your philanthropic support you provide the necessary flexible funds to ensure Stout thrives and continues to make positive impact on industry, in our communities and on society. Make your gift today.
