By Martha Nowacki

Of the Gleaner

It’s that time of year again! The time of the year when senioritis strikes at its finest. Seniors are making final decisions on what colleges they are attending,
anxiously awaiting acceptance letters, and writing scholarship essays.

Let’s face it: Many seniors are dying to leave Dubuque and move on to bigger and better things. But what about the students that plan to stay in town for college? Why would they ever want to stay?

For Megan Kutsch, ‘15, who will study nursing at Clarke University next fall, familiarity is an asset. “I will be close to family, and I can show the cute new guys around town. I also know the area and can keep my job as a CNA,” she explained.

“Knowing all of the people and places in the city helps. You are in a familiar setting but also branching out,” Kutsch said.

Hillary Burgmeier and Jackson Mulgrew, ‘15, agree with Kutsch in respect to family.

“I want to go to college in Dubuque so that I can stay close to family and save money,” said Burgmeier.

Burgmeier, like Kutsch, will be attending Clarke University for nursing.

“I wanted to stay so that I could be close to family and my girlfriend,” said Mulgrew, who is 90 percent sure he will attend Loras College to study Business/ Management and Information Systems.

Annie McGuire and Jacob Oglesby,’15, have different reasons for continuing their education in Dubuque.

“I decided to stay because I won’t have to do my own laundry, and I will be able to still take care of my grandma,” said McGuire, who plans to attend Loras College for Criminal Justice.

Sports is the draw for Oglesby. “I decided to stay here because I had the opportunity to play baseball and get a great education,” he said. Oglesby plans a Pre-Vet major and will play at Loras College.

“Loras also just seemed like a great fit for me,” Oglesby added.

Even though staying in Dubuque has many benefits, it is clear that staying in the

city for college will have its downfalls.

“One of the things I’m not looking forward to about staying here for college is not being able to explore new cities,” said Burgmeier.

Mulgrew agrees with Burgmeier.

“I’m not looking forward to not being able to experience the excitement of a new town, exploring, etc.”

Both Kutsch and McGuire agree that bothersome family will not be pleasant.

“I’m not excited about my mom being able to come see me a lot,” said Kutsch.

“I don’t like that my parents can check up on me,” said McGuire.

For Oglesby, it’s a little different.

“I won’t like how close home is because it might not feel like I am away at college.”

Not to worry, however. Most graduates from Wahlert who attend one of the local colleges say that they can easily become totally immersed in college life and don’t even notice that they’re in Dubuque.

“It’s easy to get into college life. I have friends from all over the country and classes that are completely different than that of high school. It definitely feels like college, and I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything,” said Megan Kane, ‘14, who attends Clarke University and absolutely loves it.

“It doesn’t feel like the same place as I was in during high school. I have so much more independence, but it’s nice to know I have family close by whenever I need them,” added Kane.

Whatever your situation, college is coming quickly.

Gear up, seniors!