I can recall the beginning of my college exploration during my freshman year of high school. Straight out of middle school, college sounded like a crazy idea that only existed in dreams. My guidance counselor at the time was so enthusiastic for us to go to college. She was spewing out so much information to me I was overwhelmed. As a first generation college student, this all was something very foreign to me and my family— but I was intrigued by it. My first ever college campus visit was the University of Wisconsin-Madison. From the tight-knit neighborhood of my Milwaukee life, the campus was a totally new and enticing environment that excited me. I saw busy streets, students on bikes, and of course red and white everywhere! People seemed
