Samantha Wangsgard

WHY WEBER STATE

There are a few things that made me choose Weber. For one, it is a very beautiful campus. The scenic mountains serve as a very picturesque backdrop to an equally picturesque campus. I always loved how I was always surrounded by all of the nature that Ogden has to offer while at school. I frequently would take hikes and walks in those mountains in between classes and studying. I also chose Weber State because of the wonderful professors and classes that were offered. I enjoyed the smaller class size that was offered at Weber compared to other Universities, and I felt I was able to make more connections with my professors and classmates due to that smaller class size. I have loved my experience here at Weber and I am so glad that I was able to attend such a wonderful school. 

WHY MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

There were a few things that made me decide to choose the major of Management Information Systems. For one, I was lucky enough to have family members who worked in various fields related to MIS, and seeing their work inspired me to also follow a path similar to theirs. Another reason I decided to choose MIS was because of Dr. Randy Boyle’s Introduction to Information Systems class. This class really helped me to see all of the amazing offerings and opportunities that the MIS major provided, and that was a major stepping stone in my desire to choose the major of MIS. 

STUDENT SUCCESS

One thing that always stood out to me while attending Weber State was the quality of the classes and professors here at Weber State. Not only just in my major, but in every class that I took I felt that every class and professor was a unique, insightful, and fun experience. However, despite all of the differences that all of my professors had, there was one thing that they all shared: their willingness to help their students succeed. I have felt that in every class I have taken, the class was designed in a way to present multiple opportunities to help each student succeed. The professors teaching these classes supplemented this eagerness of student success by always stating that if we ever needed help or were struggling, they would be happy to help and get us back on track to success. 

PROFESSOR IMPACT

Every single professor that I have had at my time here at Weber State has made an impact on my life, and if I could list and thank every professor here to show my gratitude for all they have done to help me succeed at Weber State I would be writing thank you's all day! However, there are a few professors that truly changed the course of my life and career that I felt important to mention here. I would like to personally thank Dr. Taowen Le, Professor Matthew Thue, Dr. Lixuan Zhang, Dr. Randy Boyle, and Professor Randall Kent for everything that they have taught me in their classes. Each of their classes helped me to get one step closer not only to graduate, but to also be ready to succeed in whatever path I choose next in my life. Their attention to detail and readiness to help any student to succeed in their class was something that I truly appreciate. 

ADVICE FOR FUTURE STUDENTS

One piece of advice that I would offer to someone who is just starting out is to not be afraid to ask for help from your professors when you need it. College can be a very scary and stressful experience when you’re just starting out, and it can be hard to get the hang of things at first. However, from my experience I’ve learned that each and every professor here at Weber is wanting to help you succeed in school and in life, so be sure to ask them for help when you need it so they can help you to reach your full potential as a student here at Weber State. 

WHAT'S NEXT

As I graduate from Weber State soon, the future holds many amazing and wonderful opportunities to expand and grow in my career of Management Information Systems. As of now, I do not have a path that is set in stone, so I will be taking the summer to thoroughly examine each opportunity that I have to see what will fit best for me and my future. However, I do know that no matter what I choose, it will be because of my wonderful education here at Weber State that I will be able to do it. 

GRATITUDE

I would personally like to thank each one of my family and friends who supported and helped me through my journey here at Weber State. I love you all so much and I couldn’t have done any of this without your love and support through all of these years. I would especially like to thank my Mom and Dad as well as my little sister Alyssa for everything they have done to help me succeed throughout my life. Thank you all for everything.