Name:  Haley Buckingham

Hometown:  Oconomowoc

Course of Study: Major in corporate communication, minor in marketing

Why did you choose Marquette?
I chose Marquette mainly because of the values of the university. Marquette puts their students first and provides them with opportunities and resources that fit the students’ best interest. I also feel strongly towards giving back to the community, and service is one of Marquette’s core values.

How has financial aid impacted your college experience?
Financial aid has made a significant impact on my college experience. I am expected to pay for my own tuition, room and board, and additional fees on my own which is a lot of responsibility on top of being a student. Receiving financial aid means that I do not have as many worries about how I am going to pay for each semester.

What will a college degree mean to you?
A college degree will not only be a reminder of my hard work paying off, but it will also open up opportunities for me in the workforce that I would not have without one.

Have you learned something during college you didn’t expect?
Marquette has taught me the importance of succeeding as a community. Most of the people I have met at Marquette have been there for me when I didn’t even know I needed them. I assumed college would be a more cut-throat, competitive environment, but Marquette has a way of making sure everyone succeeds together.

What are your plans after graduation? I would love to teach after graduation, because from personal experience I want to change the fact that kids do not receive equal education opportunities due to circumstances beyond their control. I was lucky to be given financial opportunities to change the circumstances I was born into in order to pursue the education I desired, and so I want to pay it back to the next generation of students by becoming a teacher.