Michigan Tech University students begin settling in, preparing for semester ahead

HOUGHTON, Mich. (WLUC) - It’s move-in week for both new and returning students at Michigan Tech University.

Some students have big plans for the coming school year and beyond. This includes Veronica Blissick, who just started her fifth year. This will also be her last, with her set to graduate in the spring.

“It’s both beautiful and scary, because Tech has been... it’s done so much for my life, coming here,” Blissick said. “Yes, I’m paying for the education, but I’ve gotten so much more.”

Hailing from Chelsea downstate, Blissick originally started studying math at the university but developed an interest in forestry while living in the U.P. She now hopes to make a career out of it.

“I’d love to work for the state one day,” Blissick continued. “I really like Michigan, so the DNR would be really awesome, but I also don’t want to shut any doors.”

She’s determined to make the most of this final year.

“I don’t know what it’s going to look like yet,” Blissick added. “But I’m also excited to not know.”

Just as determined to make the most of the school year is junior Dominic Thelen. He is aiming for a career in medical or clinical leadership. Having grown up in the outdoors near Lansing, he continues to enjoy exploring the Copper Country’s wilderness.

“I have a list of waterfalls and outdoor sites that I want to see,” Thelen said. “And I wasn’t able to get around as well last winter... but now that I have a vehicle with four-wheel drive, I’m kinda looking to explore more and get up into the Keweenaw.”

TV6 asked both students what advice they have for new students.

“Go out and explore,” Thelen continued. “You don’t have to stay on campus all the time, even if the weather is kinda bad sometimes.”

“Try to find those experiences,” Blissick finished. “That’s what makes life good.”

A new semester of learning begins Monday. The university will be holding several student activities, such as dancing and sports events, throughout the rest of the week.

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