Meet UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield student: Leigh Anne Sieracki

Age: 19

Hometown: Spencer

High school attended: Spencer High School

Current program or major: Pre-Pharmacy

Why did you choose UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield? Since I came from a small high school, I wanted to ease into college by attending a school with a similar environment, so I thought UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield was the perfect starting point. In addition, the tuition was affordable, and I was able to commute from home and keep working as a pharmacy technician and gaining valuable experience.

What surprised you the most about UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield when you arrived on campus? It felt like a close-knit community. I made a lot of new friends quickly.Also, I got to know my professors well because they were approachable, which helped me succeed in my studies.

Why did you choose your program/major? My favorite classes in high school and college were biology and chemistry. After attending a health careers camp, medical and pharmacy school preview days and volunteering at an inpatient pharmacy, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in pharmacy.

What are you learning about your career field that you find interesting or rewarding? From my volunteer and work experiences, I’ve seen how rewarding it is to be a pharmacist. People rely on medications to improve their health, and pharmacists are responsible for making sure you’re taking your medicine safely.

In addition to being a college student, what takes up your free time? When I am not studying, I work at Marshfield Clinic as an outpatient pharmacy technician. On campus, I am a student ambassador. This upcoming school year, I will be the student body vice president, a role I’m excited to take on. I am also thrilled to be a camp counselor for the 2019 UW-Stevens Point Health Careers Camp. My hobbies include running, hiking, writing, fishing and traveling with my family.

Who has been your favorite professor or staff member? This is a hard question, but if I had to choose, it would be among chemistry professor Dana Haagenson, biology professor Laura Lee or English professorJulie Tharp; they have all gone out of their way to help me grow in my education.

What do you plan to do after UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield?I am hoping to attend pharmacy school atthe University of Wisconsin-Madison or Concordia University Wisconsin so I can get my doctorate in pharmacy. Ihope tobecome a clinical pharmacist, specializing in cardiology.

What is one piece of advice you have for incoming UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield students? College may seem overwhelming at first, but do not overstress. Find time to relax and do things you like to do.Get involved and have fun. Make new friends. Get to know your professors and take advantage of the small-school setting.