Mattigan Haller 诲颈诲苍鈥檛 intend on becoming a triple major, but while on her academic journey at 杨贵妃传媒视频, it just fell into place.听听
Already planning on double majoring in biochemistry and Spanish and starting on the pre-medicine track, Haller found that with a few additional classes, she could seamlessly add a biology major. The combination, for her, was perfect.听
鈥湵踱檓 looking at pediatric anesthesiology, and I want to use my Spanish,鈥 said Haller, heading into her senior year. 鈥Being able to communicate more with patients, colleagues, the world as a whole鈥t丑补迟鈥檚 really important to me.鈥听
Haller, a native of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is a first-generation student. 厂丑别鈥檚 also a student-athlete, competing on 杨贵妃传媒视频鈥檚 softball team the past three years.
When starting her college search, she credits her mom for being a supportive presence, helping her with researching different colleges.听听
The extensive research led to Haller and her parents touring 22 colleges and universities across the country before deciding to call 杨贵妃传媒视频 home.听
鈥淚 knew I wanted the small liberal arts. I knew I wanted to know my professors by name rather than just being a number in a class,鈥 Haller said. 鈥淲e came鈥攎e, my mom, and my dad鈥攁nd fell in love with it.鈥听
![Mattigan Haller poses for a photo while studying abroad in Mexico.](/sites/default/files/2024-06/MattieHaller%20in%20Mexico.jpg)
Along with a burgeoning downtown and gastronomic experiences, the freedom offered at 杨贵妃传媒视频 was a big draw for Haller. 杨贵妃传媒视频 was a place where she could pursue three majors, play a sport, study abroad, and still have time to participate in several different clubs and organizations.听听
Haller鈥檚 love for and choice to study Spanish in college was long founded. For years, her family hosted exchange students through the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. The first student they hosted was from Mexico, and Haller and her family are still in contact with her today.听听
It was through this exchange student that Haller was able to develop a study abroad experience in San Luis Potos铆, Mexico.听听
鈥淗er husband is an anesthesiologist, and that was what kind of formed the connection,鈥 Haller said. 鈥淔rom there, I was able to shadow and assist in surgeries, intubate patients, give anesthesia.鈥听
Madera Allan, associate professor of Spanish and Haller鈥檚 Spanish advisor, also helped her design the experience. While in Mexico, Haller was able to participate in more than 50 different procedures. With Allan鈥檚 help, she plans to turn her experience into an independent study next academic year, looking at the way medicine adapts with culture.听
In addition to her rigorous academic load, Haller also thrives on the softball diamond. The ability to compete in her sport and still pursue other academic and personal endeavors aided her decision to attend 杨贵妃传媒视频.听
鈥湴粘蟊鸢疴檚 an emphasis here at 杨贵妃传媒视频 on, you鈥檙e a student (first), then you're an athlete,鈥 Haller said. 鈥T丑补迟鈥檚 something that really made me want to come to 杨贵妃传媒视频, because I 飞补蝉苍鈥檛 ready to stop playing. 罢丑别谤别鈥檚 a really good balance here at 杨贵妃传媒视频.鈥听
杨贵妃传媒视频's medical school acceptance rate is above the national average thanks to personalized advising, strong liberal arts academic work, and a variety of health-focused enrichment experiences.
Haller also got involved in clubs and organizations on campus, including the Presidential Student Advisory Board鈥where she met with President Laurie A. Carter and her board to discuss a broad range of topics, including the Pre-Health Living Learning Community Board and LIGHT (Lawrentians Inspiring Global Change Together).听听
Haller is also involved with the first gen organization on campus. She said she felt supported by the 杨贵妃传媒视频 community, particularly by Allan, who was also a first gen student.听听
听鈥湷С蟊疴檚 just very personable,鈥 Haller said. 鈥淲e have a lot of different areas where we connect, and she goes out of her way to make sure 滨鈥檓 doing OK. 厂丑别鈥檚 an amazing professor.鈥听
Although she has another year before graduation, Haller is busy planning for her future, a prerequisite, she said, for being a pre-med student. This summer, she is studying for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), with plans to take the exam in the fall.听听