This Spotlight series recognizes a UW-Fond du Lac student’s academic achievements and personal story. Students are nominated for this spotlight by faculty and staff.
Name: Richardson Paye
Age: 20
Hometown: Upper Darby, Pennsylvania
Currently Residing: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Career program/major: Clinical Psychology
UW-Fond du Lac student clubs/organizations: Soccer team, Student Government Association
What led you to choose your program or major?
My dad is a psychologist and my mom is a social worker, so seeing them work with so many people influenced me to want to help people. I started volunteering with children about a year ago in schools, helping them in class and playing games with them. I met a lot of interesting children and that’s when I decided I wanted to be a clinical psychologist who works with children. I know children may not have many people to talk to besides their parents. I wanted to give them someone else to talk to who would understand them a little better than their friends.
Why did you decide to become a University of Wisconsin student at UW-Fond du Lac?
UW-Fond du Lac was close to my home and really affordable. One of my biggest goals is to get a really good education and the two year program at UW-Fond du Lac was one that I just couldn’t pass up because of affordability.
Is there someone at UW-Fond du Lac who made a difference in your life or inspired you?
I met many people who really helped make a difference in my life at UW-Fond du Lac, but the person who made the biggest difference is Kilie Shaw. I met her last year and she helped me in all of the classes we had together by reminding me when we had homework due, helping me study and even coming to get me when I couldn’t get to class. She’s someone who made my experience at UW-Fond du lac memorable.
What is one piece of advice you would give to an incoming UW-Fond du Lac student?
One piece of advice I would give is to step out of your comfort zone, try new things and meet new people. Join clubs that interest you and challenge yourself. This year, in particular, I learned why it’s so important to step out of your comfort zone, you learn so much more about yourself!
Describe something unexpected that happened here at UW-Fond du Lac.
Something unexpected was playing soccer and making it to the state finals. Last year we had a good team, but none of us were expecting to be as good this year. Seeing us shock everyone and go all the way to the finals was a really fun experience.
When not in class or studying, what keeps you busy?
I’m usually out with friends getting food or just relaxing and enjoying the time off from work.
What are your plans after UW-Fond du Lac?
After UW-Fond du Lac, I plan to transfer to UW Oshkosh to earn a bachelor’s degree. After that, I want to earn my doctorate degree. I’m also hoping that in a few years after I finish school, I’ll be able to work in an office or an elementary school as a psychologist.
To learn more about the associate degree and options for beginning one of more than 200 majors at UW-Fond du Lac, call (920) 929-1122 to schedule an appointment with an advisor.
Contact
Laurie Krasin
920-929-1108
laurie.krasin@uwc.edu