For Megan Glaser, the path to the University of Wisconsin-Superior was filled with twists and turns, but it’s a journey she is glad she traveled.

An exercise science major with a minor in psychology and a self-designed minor in advocating wellness – Glaser had a difficult start as a full-time student at UW-Superior.

“My dad and my family dog were both very sick and passing away, but I still knew that my dad wanted me to keep going with school and to keep pursuing my dreams no matter what,” said Glaser. “My dad passed away at the beginning of my second year of college, but I still showed up at my classes. I miss him very much every day. But I know he is very proud of me, and I will keep going all the way with my education and find the job of my dreams.”

Glaser was born and raised in Stillwater, Minnesota, before relocating to Somerset, Wisconsin, where she currently lives with her husband, Brad. Although she lives more than two hours from campus, UW-Superior’s online programs made enrolling possible for Glaser.

“It has been amazing attending UWS as an online student,” she said. “I love the flexibility, and I love that I’m still included in meetings through Zoom or Teams. Even though I’m far from campus, I still get to see everyone and go over what we are learning in class.”

As an online student, Glaser has found the many support options at UW-Superior to be a benefit to her.

“I use the Jim Dean Hill library online for research assignments,” she said. “My mentor has been a huge support to me. I also use the accommodation center, and they are fantastic to work with.

“Over the summer, I attended my first online book club. I thought that was super fun to do. It was great to see new people around school online and talk about a book and hear their opinions on it. I hope we do more of those”

Now a sophomore at UW-Superior, Glaser began her studies with an interest in the health field and had been taking certification training in wellness education previously. She also received certification in nutrition coaching through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and in personal training through the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), along with other certificates for group fitness training and exercise recovery.

“Most certificates only last two years and I wanted a more thorough health and wellness education,” said Glaser. “UW-Superior had physical education with an exercise science concentration available online.

“I was very excited to be accepted into the university. I enjoy the program, and I will be happy to have a degree that will take me farther than a certificate.”

The structure of the program is another aspect Glaser enjoys as she hopes to pursue a career in either the medical or psychological field.

“The program is very interesting,” she said. “It keeps me coming back to my desk every day to learn something new. That is what I like about it.”

Within the program, Glaser is finding the educational resources she wanted and was expecting. What wasn’t expected was the benefits she’s received to assist her own recovery from surgeries to both of her knees.

“I’m really involved with my activity classes that my program has me do,” she said. “I’m active with gym class this semester and was working out prior to this semester to keep up my strength. My husband and I work out three times a week early in the morning before I come to school and he goes to work. Last semester, I got to learn about weightlifting. I love these activities with my physical education program because it gets the whole family involved and keeps me strong and healthy to focus on my studies better. I love the degree my advisor set up for me.”

In her daily life, Glaser has also experienced benefits from her classes. “I feel more confident when I am out in public meeting new people,” she said. “I can walk my dog again with my improved strength. I also feel more positive overall and have been able to share with many others that have crossed my path.”