Marie Meyer: “Keep Saying Yes” (Grad Sunday)

Looking back on my time at UW-Madison, there’s a lot my high school senior self wouldn’t expect. I didn’t row all four years like I planned; I only did one semester. I also added a religious studies major alongside global health. But the biggest surprise is that I now consider myself religious and regularly attend a church, where I’ve been very involved.

I came to Pres House on a whim midway through my first semester after seeing it mentioned on Reddit. I didn’t plan to stick with church, but within five minutes of arriving, Lauren, Anna, and Emily welcomed me, invited me to dinner, and encouraged me to join Freshman Connection. I came back, and at that first meeting I ran into two Wayzata grads, Laura and Kyle, it felt meant to be. From there, I kept saying yes: to events, to Break With a Purpose, and eventually to Council, which was one of the best decisions I made.

College didn’t feel as glamorous as it’s often made out to be. My first two years were especially hard, as I often left for Thanksgiving break in tears, not wanting to come back. For three years I considered transferring, but I stayed for my academics, and more importantly, because I wouldn’t find a place like Pres House anywhere else.

Pres House transformed my college experience. It gave me a place to go between classes or after a hard exam where I knew I’d see familiar, welcoming faces. Finals week became something I looked forward to because of the community in the lounge. Even writing my thesis this semester felt lighter because I always had people studying alongside me in Pridham.

It’s strange to think I once wanted to leave Madison so badly, and now, with only a month left before I go abroad, I don’t want to leave at all. I have Pres House to thank for that. I’m grateful I kept saying yes and kept showing up—this place truly made my college experience.

So my advice: keep saying yes, and keep showing up. The homework can wait.

After a year abroad, Marie Meyer (she/her) will graduate in May 2027 with a B.A. in Religious Studies and Global Health with a certificate in Leadership.