“Hi there, my name is BriAnna (She/Her/Hers). I was born in Lawton, Oklahoma and proudly grew up in Plymouth, Wisconsin-the cheese capital of the world! I am Mexican, German, and a descendent of the Kiowa Tribe. I came to Stevens Point as a student on a whim, following my best friend here, and fell in love with not only the community but my potential. As the oldest of 6 siblings and of 26 first cousins, I became the trailblazer within my own family. Coming here as a first-generation college student, UW-Stevens Point gave me the opportunity to make a big impact not only in my life but within each member of my extended family. I constantly drive them to heal, break intergenerational traumas, and challenge them to strive for more.
When I am away from campus, you can find me hosting elaborate murder-mystery dinner parties with my friends or being involved in the community with my partner and daughter-we are currently on a 5K running kick. ”
What she wanted to be when she grew up: A singer, teacher, mother, nurse, and wedding planner.
Her favorite place on campus: I have several! One being the cadaver lab in the Chem-Bio building, another the Native American Center which became a home away from home. Lastly Schmeeckle Reserve, I used to run there daily and the deer are so friendly!
Advice she has for students: “The hard things are worth doing. College is not always peaches and roses. You will have moments that are hard, and you may even fall down sometimes. You’ll need to learn to pick yourself up, persevere, and keep going (whether it’s learning something new like how to study, advocating for yourself, or reaching out when you need some help). You will learn so much about yourself in the next several years, but I promise, it is worth the journey.