For neuroscience major Ellie Wojcikowski, her work in a psychology lab, service with the Iowa Farm Sanctuary, involvement with the UI Honors Program, and leadership in the Iowa Neuroscience Club are some of the highlights of her first year of college. She comments, “I wish I could tell you all the amazing things you will undoubtedly accomplish in the next few years, but the truth is that’s all up to you!”

Dear Prospective Student,

You did it! You got through the balancing act of Senior year and set yourself up for many successes soon to come. So go ahead and be proud of yourself--you deserve it!

To introduce myself, my name is Ellie and I’m a first-year honors student studying neuroscience on the pre-med track and minoring in Spanish and psychology. I grew up 30-ish minutes south of Chicago in Homewood, Illinois, and had honestly never heard of the University of Iowa before touring. Since committing to Iowa, my proudest accomplishments so far have been working in the Mechanisms of Adult and Youth Psychopathology Lab (MAYPL), getting super involved in the UI Honors Program, volunteering at the Iowa Farm Sanctuary, and promoting the Iowa Neuroscience Club as their social chair.

Now, I wish I could tell you all the amazing things you will undoubtedly accomplish in the next few years, but the truth is that’s all up to you! All I ask--or rather recommend--is that you try to make the most of your time during undergrad. (I’ve been told it goes quickly!)

I remember deciding Iowa was right for me the same day I toured campus. Seeing my lab, MAYPL, inspired me to get involved in research very early on. When walking around downtown Iowa City, I saw tons of coffee places I would gladly pass time (and spend money) in. Touring the Blank Honors Center made me excited about the idea of having late night study sessions. Overall, there was something powerful about naturally being able to see myself on campus and visualize my own future at Iowa. No matter your final destination, I hope you choose the place that feels the most right--the place you too can visualize your future in.

Every day at Iowa is another day’s worth of proof that I made the right decision for me. Being a part of honors has connected me with so many lovely faculty members dedicated to my academic success. Taking “Sustainability at Iowa” for Honors Primetime allowed me to explore some interests outside of my major and get familiar with campus well before classes started. Living my first year in the honors residence hall, Daum, allowed me to meet some of my best friends on campus. And, as an honors ambassador, I get to meet lots of awesome prospective students like yourself to talk about what kinds of ways Iowa could be right for you too!

As this letter comes to an end, I want to wish you good luck with the next few years ahead. Not a lot of things in life come easy, so I suggest picking a path that feels worth the work.

In the time between your reading of this letter, choosing a school, and finally going there, do not hesitate to reach out with literally any questions. If this letter is not proof enough, then let me make it clear--I love to talk with students. So, whether you have a pressing question about the meaning of college or just want to say hello, I or any other ambassador for that matter would be happy to talk with you.

All my best,

Ellie Wojcikowski