Hailey Olson

Student

Hailey Olson was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and lived there for a majority of her life.  When she was 12 years old she and her family moved to Pembine, Wisconsin where she attended high school at Beecher-Dunbar-Pembine School and graduated in 2016. 

Hailey chose Bay because it was close to home and affordable compared to the other colleges she was looking into.  “I looked at quite a few colleges, but I was so in love with the atmosphere around us that I didn’t want to leave the area,” she said.  Since she went to a small high school, the transition to Bay was easier for her than it would have been if she went straight to a large college or university. 

When Hailey started attending Bay, she was shocked by how well everyone knew each other.  She was also very impressed by the attention and support her instructors could provide because of the small class sizes.  “It’s definitely a cool experience when you go to the grocery store and you know many of the people you pass because you go to school with them.  That definitely wouldn’t be a common occurrence in a larger city like Milwaukee,” she said.  Hailey believes that attending Bay before transferring to a larger college was the right decision for her and her future.

She is attending college to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Hailey said, “Choosing to get a degree in elementary education was an easy decision for me.  I’ve always loved being at school and helping others learn. When I was a senior in high school, I was given the opportunity to tutor the second grade class. I knew I found my calling.”

“When I think about my future, I definitely see myself as a teacher.  Getting to change even one child’s life is something that would be very gratifying,” Hailey said.  She looks forward to completing her degree at UW-Green Bay next semester, and would love to eventually obtain a Master of Science degree in Special Education. She loves working with children, and thinks that going into education will be the most fulfilling work for her based on her interests. 

During Hailey’s time at Bay College many instructors have influenced who she is today.  She said, “Every instructor made some impact on me.  They all have different strengths that have helped me learn and grow.”  Thanks to the attentive and friendly staff at Bay, Hailey believes that she will be successful wherever the future takes her and is sad to leave at the end of this semester. She believes that attending a small college made it easier for her to interact with others on campus which made a huge impact on her success at Bay.

Hailey loves going on walks around the community where she can enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery.  “I love the sense of unity the community has. I think that’s what I will miss most when I graduate and transfer to UW-Green Bay,” she said. She plans on coming back and working in the area after she completes her degree.