“Those were the people that taught me how to love, how to serve others.”

Jason Gonzalez is the Founder and CEO of 4th Dimension Sobriety, a sober living house in Milwaukee.  He started the business with $500 and a dream, taking on the roles of house manager, admissions officer, and accountant for the business. With the help of his community, he has managed to grow the business and develop […]

“Wisconsin was underwater, so we had a lot of cool sea creatures here.”

Chase Shelburne is a PhD student and a paleontologist at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the Department of Geosciences. Shelburne oversees the outreach efforts at the UW-Milwaukee Thomas A. Greene Geological Museum, which was open for the Doors Open Milwaukee event. Colby Lamb: What interested you personally about the Thomas A. Greene Geological Museum? Chase […]

“We believe in the stories that can only be told here.”

Elle Ellis is the vice president of content and programming of WUWM and was a guide at the Doors Open Milwaukee event. She’s been a part of WUWM for four years and manages the newsroom and shows such as the Lake Effect Talk Show. Ellis started her career in public broadcasting as a volunteer DJ […]

“I didn’t have a clear path for the future. I had vague ideas on what I wanted to do with a linguistics degree.”

Brandon Szpot graduated from Arrowhead Union High School and went to UW-Milwaukee from 2018 through late 2023. Szpot majored in Linguistics and is now working in the manufacturing field.  In a time where college is growing more expensive, he realized that it may not be worth his time. Now, Szpot is currently working his way […]

“Nobody is talking about entrepreneurship and starting their own business. It is just about going to college.”

Jaiysha Cain, 19, is a beautician from Milwaukee. She received her high school diploma from Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy. After graduating, she realized college was not the right choice for her and decided to start a career as an entrepreneur. Becoming successful in the beauty field, she opened her own shop. Akira Quinn: How […]

“I do have regrets. I wish I changed my major to something business related.”

Mackenzie Schmidt, 22, is a recent college graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Japanese and Translations from the University of Iowa. She describes her struggles finding a career in her field. Summer Fisher: Did your parents go to college, and if so what for? Mackenzie Schmidt: My dad went to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and […]

“There’s so much more to a college degree than just what your major is. You’re learning how the world works.”

Jackson Wheeland is a third-year student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee studying English. Wheeland’s relationship with higher education has gone through a rollercoaster over his three years at UWM. After exploring various fields of study and stepping away from college altogether, he now finds himself more comfortable than ever in his educational aspirations. Olivia Davis: […]

“I learned that my degree has not given me anything really substantial.”

Nikkos Horaitis graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a degree in media arts. Years later he is working as a lifeguard while attending a Utah-based online school to earn a certification in 3D animation. Horaitis understands the importance of a conventional four-year education, but has come to realize that employers in his field are […]

“People need to take a more honest and realistic approach with themselves before they pursue higher education in any form.”

Jacob Green, 26, is in his second year at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wis., studying animal behavior and sciences. He is a non-traditional student, because he is part-time and Carroll University is the third institution of higher education he has attended since graduating in 2016 from Muskego High School. Jacob is my older brother. We […]

“As I’ve been looking for other job opportunities, many of them require degrees. It’s insane!”

AJ Arteche, 28, is a full-time manager with Colectivo Coffee Roasters. At 18, he attended college for two semesters before dropping out. Multiple factors contributed to his decision to leave, and he has felt some reluctance to go back. Arteche has recently gained perspective on higher education and created newfound optimism for the future. Jason […]