Alana Stuart - Admissions Counselor, South East Lower Michigan

Hometown: My actual hometown is Farmington Hills, MI (a suburb of Detroit) where I was born and raised.  On the other hand, Marquette, MI is like my second home after living there as a student at NMU.  I also feel really comfortable and “at home” in Santiago, Chile where I did a six month study abroad. 

Professional/personal biography: I recently graduated from NMU in December of 2007 with a BA in Secondary Education Spanish and a minor in English Education.  While I was at NMU, I participated in various activities like SLFP, Freshman Fellowship, Spanish Club and even started the Latin Dance Club.  I also worked as a Resident Advisor in West Hall for a year.  I was able to participate in three study abroad programs while studying, which enhanced my passion for travel.  After graduation, I was a long term substitute Spanish teacher and had a few placements.  I decided that teaching just isn’t the niche for me right now and moved on to my current position at NMU.  I’m very excited to help connect students with a positive college experience like I had! 

Most memorable college experience: Studying abroad three times!!  I have never had the opportunity to learn more, or grow in such a significant way.  Study abroad opened my eyes to everything that life is really about.  It helped me to understand others and even more importantly, understand myself, my boundaries and the limitless goals I can accomplish.

Favorite Marquette activity: Walks on any one of the numerous trails during peak color in the fall.  As many places as I have been in the world, not many can compare to the views and colors around Marquette during that time.

Best advice you received regarding college or would give someone else entering college: Go where it feels right and don’t let anyone persuade you otherwise!  Chose a University that will allow you to grow as much as possible as an individual.  Look at all the opportunities available and take advantage of them.  Every new opportunity is a new adventure to learn from.