This Spotlight series recognizes a UWFox student’s academic achievements and personal story. Students are nominated for this spotlight by faculty and staff.
Name: Nico Arias
Age: 19
Hometown: Ashwaubenon
Career program/major: Biological Sciences
High School Attended: Ashwaubenon High School
UWFox student clubs/organizations: Bio 101 tutor, botany tutor, developmental math tutor, ballroom dance club, President of Biology Club
What led you to choose your program or major?
The biology department welcomed me, as did members of the Biology Club. Jason Mills and Nariman Hussein where influential faculty members who made biology classes challenging and interesting.
Why did you decide to become a University of Wisconsin student at UWFox?
I decided to attend UWFox because I was unsure of what I wanted to do. Also, it helped that my brother started his college career in much the same way. Instead of going to the tech school, I decided to go to a school that had a community of students who were interested in the same things I was.
Is there someone at UWFox who made a difference in your life or inspired you?
The professors on campus are great role models to the students. They push students to learn and understand the subject matter and not just memorize it and forget it. Jason Mills was a great professor and role model because he pushed me and challenged me in his botany course and forced me to go beyond knowing the basics. He as well as past professors and teachers from high school have encouraged me to pursue a degree in life science education at Minnesota State University Moorhead.
What is one piece of advice you would give to an incoming UWFox student?
Attend every class, engage with the professor and the course material, and apply it to your everyday life. And, stick around, don’t just do work and school. Join a few clubs, try them all if you want and find a group of students on campus.
Describe something unexpected that happened here at UWFox.
Here at UWFox I never expected to make such deep friendships. I never expected to become as involved in the campus and be working here on campus. A lot of that is thanks to the Developmental Math Lab Coordinator Terri Deprez.
When not in class or studying, what keeps you busy?
Usually one can find me hanging out with friends on campus or tending to the biology club plants in the greenhouse at UWFox. I was a coach for the Ashwaubenon High School boys swim team as well as a community pool supervisor, swim instructor, and lifeguard. During the spring and summer time, I camp with my dog often and tend to my home garden
What are your plans after UWFox?
My plans are to attend Minnesota State University Moorhead to earn a bachelor’s degree in life science education and become a science teacher at the high school or middle school level.
UWFox is part of the University of Wisconsin System and one of the 14 freshman/sophomore campuses of the UW Colleges. UWFox offers an Associate of Arts and Science Degree, the foundation to a bachelor’s degree and specialized professional and occupational degrees.
To learn more about the associate degree and options for beginning one of more than 200 majors, including business, at UW-Fox Valley, call (920) 832-2620 to schedule an appointment with an advisor.
Contact
Laurie Krasin
920-929-1108
laurie.krasin@uwc.edu