Emily Bernhardt has had a lifelong love of learning and knew college was the right path for her. Upon her first tour of the UW-Green Bay campus, she knew that this was the place for her to continue her educational journey. A proud first-generation student, Bernhardt is now a senior.

As a social work and psychology major, Bernhardt hopes to work as an Employee Assistance Program Counselor. She sees this career as an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of employees experiencing difficult times and eliminate the stigma around seeking support.

“I want to advocate for more people to take advantage of the services that are at their fingertips.”

To help pay for her education, Bernhardt applied for and received the Jean B. Weidner Scholarship in Social Work. This needed financial help allowed her to focus on her studies, and take out fewer loans.

“ It really makes me feel like someone believes in me and sees how much work and effort I am putting into my education.”

As she nears the completion of her degree, Bernhardt reflects on the benefit of her UW-Green Bay education and what she would tell prospective students.  “I have been able to find myself and explore who I am as a person and I don’t think that is something I could have been able to do in any other environment,” she says. “Although it can be stressful, it’s worth it if you are willing to put in the work.”

Written by Kaia Stueck, ’24 Democracy and Justice Studies (Women’s and Gender Studies Emphasis), History, Political Science, and Public Administration (Public and Nonprofit Management Emphasis). Stueck is an Alumni Relations Student Employee.