Close to 80 minority students, between the grades of 5th and 12th, from Cottage Grove School, Nichols School, Winnequah Middle School, and Monona Grove High School participated on a visit to Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI on this cold and windy Friday.  Representatives from the Marquette Admissions Office greeting the students, parents and staff, and provided some insightful and informative information about what they are looking for from an applicant to their school.  One of the constant messages was for students to not only work to strive academically but also socially, by becoming involved in their community and other extra curricular activities in and out of school.  Our younger students were encouraged to begin thinking about what they were going to start to do to stand out amidst thousands of applications received by universities nationwide. We had an opportunity to hear other minority students speak about their experiences and goals at Marquette, and some of us even had an opportunity to speak to a group of students, members of one of many Marquette University's Student Organizations.  This indeed was a treat as it showed the diversity of people and interests available to the students who there. 

Many of our students were impressed by the various sites we visited on campus, such as the library, the basket ball court, classrooms, and other buildings, and many were still discussing their impression and thoughts on the way home. Some even were talking about the next university trip! As always, continue this conversation at home.  Check out the photos of our experience in the GOGA Moments page!

It was a beautiful Friday morning, and aproximitaley 75 Monona Grove minority students, 5th through 12th grades, and some parents and staff got on a bus for their first GOGA experience, a visit to University of Wisconsin's beautiful Madison campus. The GOGA group met UW tour guides at the Red Gym where they began the tour walking through the campus looking at buildings and landmarks, and as Ms. Cain suggested, "imagining they were walking to class themselves".  The group got a feel for what it was like to take a class in a small and large lecture hall.  Here the guides answered questions from the group.  The group also experienced what a dorm looked like nd ended the tour eating lunch at the Memorial Union, compliments of UW's Admissions Department.

 The day closed with a presentation from the panel of UW minority students and Mr. Carlos Reyes, Director of Admissions.  The group was enlightened as Mr. Reyes and the UW minority students shared personal challenges and stories from their lives.  Although many of them lacked financial resources, support systems, and did not have top grade point averages in high school, it did not stop them from achieving their dreams and passion of higher education.  Excitement, wonder and awe are the words used by students, staff and parents to describe the day.

Pictures of this day speak for themselves!