A University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point December 2025 graduate crossed the commencement stage last December after an eight-year journey defined by recovery, perseverance and a commitment to serving others.
For social work and sociology double major Laura Sliwicki, graduation represents far more than earning a bachelor’s degree. It marks the culmination of years of steady progress toward a goal she had since she was young, working in a profession where she could support individuals and families navigating some of life’s most difficult circumstances.
Her journey began when she first enrolled at what is now UW-Stevens Point at Wausau. At the time, however, college did not align with where she was personally or emotionally.
“When I was 18 years old, I was just in no shape to be attending college,” said Sliwicki. “I had so many things going on in my personal life that there was just no way I was going to be able to focus on school and do as well as I wanted to do.”
After leaving school, Sliwicki moved to the Boston area, where she later returned to higher education through a community college. Although she completed several semesters, life again took priority and her education was put on hold. During this period, she was struggling with addiction, something she did not immediately recognize at the time.
“I didn’t realize that I was struggling with alcoholism because I didn’t identify as that at all,” she said. “It had always been a coping mechanism for me.”
Sliwicki described living a lifestyle for many years that prevented her from prioritizing school or long-term goals. By her late 20s, she began to recognize the toll that lifestyle was taking and the urgency of change.
“I finally realized that I was ruining my life by what I was doing,” said Sliwicki. “I always knew from a very young age that I wanted to work in a profession where I could help other people who were struggling.”
With that realization, she moved back home, determined to focus on healing and building a more stable future. In 2017, after seeking addiction treatment, she enrolled at Northcentral Technical College (NTC) in the substance use disorder counseling program. Although she had taken an important step forward, she acknowledged she was still drinking during the early part of her studies back home.
“I remember sitting there and I’d be doing my homework while drinking a beer,” said Sliwicki. “I said to myself, ‘What is this? What am I doing here?’”
On Dec. 13, 2020, she made a life-changing decision to pursue sobriety. As she removed alcohol from her life, she saw changes not only in her health but also in her academic focus and success.
“I just continued to do better and better in school as I removed the alcohol,” she said.
During this time, Sliwicki was also raising a growing family. She stepped into the role of primary mother figure for her two older stepchildren and later welcomed another child with her husband. Balancing school and family responsibilities solidified her motivation.
“I knew it was time to make some big, big changes,” she said.
After earning her associate degree and receiving an outstanding graduate award from NTC, Sliwicki decided to continue her education. She began her bachelor’s degree at the UW–Stevens Point at Wausau campus in fall 2022 as a nontraditional student, a parent of three and pregnant in addition to her coursework.
“I remember going to classes super pregnant and so uncomfortable, but everyone was so nice and very understanding,” said Sliwicki. “They saw that I wanted to be there and was engaged in the work.”
At the Wausau campus, Sliwicki sought out opportunities to connect beyond the classroom. She volunteered at The Cupboard food pantry, served as a senator in the Student Government Association and became an active member of the Social Work and Sociology student organization.
“I was craving that interaction and that engagement with the university,” said Sliwicki.
Her most meaningful involvement came through working as a volunteer lead at the Wausau Marathon County Shelter, a homeless shelter operated by the Wausau Police Department. Serving as a volunteer lead, Sliwicki supports both clients and fellow volunteers while working directly with individuals experiencing homelessness.
“I just love it because I get to be interacting directly with clients,” she said. “I can try to just be there for them.”
Sliwicki believes her personal history has shaped how she approaches this work.
“I think because of my history, it’s afforded me much more compassion and empathy.”
Sliwicki completed her practicum with Adult Protective Services at North Central Health Care in Wausau as the organization’s first intern. The experience allowed her to respond to real-world crisis situations while applying the skills she developed in the classroom. Sliwicki also holds licensure as a substance abuse counselor, an experience she says strengthens her work as a social worker.
“I truly believe that people are the best experts on themselves.”
Throughout her time at UWSP, balancing academics, internships, volunteer work and parenting required a strong support system.
“The only reason I was able to do it is because my husband, mom and stepdad are all incredibly supportive,” said Sliwicki.
This commencement also coincides with a deeply personal milestone for Sliwicki: five years of sobriety.
Now having graduated and earned a Chancellor’s Leadership Award, Sliwicki is exploring part-time opportunities that allow her to remain present for her family while continuing to serve vulnerable populations.
“I don’t have anything locked in, but I’m okay with that,” said Sliwicki. “I’m just going to take like a little bit of time to breathe after this long journey.”