What it's like going to a university that I didn't want to go to...
- mashatchesnokova
- Jan 2
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 17

Introduction
When I was applying or even thinking about universities, in my head, there was NO way I was going to UW-Madison. It's ironic, because I go there now. I've completed one semester so far and am on winter break.
Why I didn't want to go
I didn't want to stay in Wisconsin.
I couldn't see myself living in Wisconsin, long term, so I wanted to live in a place where I could actually see myself living in.
Too cold.
I wanted to get away, I wanted to be independent, to be so far I would only come home for winter and summer break. To not have the option of going home, to not have my parents asking me to come home, that would've been freeing.
Okay, then why did you apply?
It was funny when I had to write my "Why UW-Madison essay" because I was like yeah for real why, I don't even want to go here. But I applied because in my mind, it was a safety and it would've been dumb not to apply, since it would've been in state. So I at least had some kind of option, if everything else went wrong and bad (which I guess it did). But in reality, I only applied because people told me to apply. My mom, my friends.
What happened?
What happened was that I found out that the university that I wanted to go to so bad, was my dream university basically, didn't even compare to UW-Madison, in ranking. And since I wanted to go to med school, it would've been a dumb move. Jeopardizing my future, that is more important than anything (the obvious things are more important, I hope that can be left unsaid). It was the smart move to go to UW-Madison.
Concluding Thoughts
I'm a university girl and I always have been and I always will be. I love education. I love my major. I have big dreams and hopes and aspirations for the future. So knowing I'm going to the best school of the ones that I applied and was accepted to, does give me peace. The location isn't at all what I wanted, and that does make me a little sad. That so much of my life will have to be spent there. But, it's not that much when you really think about it. It will go by fast, and it already has. Education is the most important. I know I can deal with it. Besides, I've made a lot of friends and have met a lot of really great people.
When med school comes around, I know I'm going out of state. (Or at least I really want to. It's about what's smart, really, at the end of the day, is the moral of the story).
And since I'm so about location, I knew that it wasn't for that state that I wanted to go to, I may as well stay in Wisconsin than go to another boring state. I think that would've been worse, actually. I think that would've made me more sad.
Who knows, maybe I'll grow crazy fond of Wisconsin. I like seasons, I think it's a little cold, but I guess...what's life without a little cold? (ooh that sounds poetic). I like snow. I don't like wind (wind sucks, actually worst element ever).
In some ways it really is sentimental. I wasn't fond of high school times, but I do find myself missing certain aspects. It's kinda nice being back in my hometown sometimes, and being nostalgic.
At the end of the day, I'm always in for a challenge, so I get peace that I'm challenging myself to the fullest of my ability. It is a really good university, as I have learned. So really, I have so much to be grateful for.
p.s. the irony of the cover photo of me in a "Badger Engineers" hat LOLOL
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