On Sunday, Dec. 15, UW–Madison and the School of Education will be recognizing its latest group of amazing graduates with 2024 Winter Commencement celebrations.
We reached out to a few of our graduating students to learn more about their time at UW–Madison, and a bit about their future plans.
Hope Goldsmith, who grew up in New Jersey, is graduating with a BS from the School of Education’s Health Promotion and Health Equity (HPHE) program. While the HPHE major is housed in the School’s Department of Kinesiology, it is a collaborative effort that includes the departments of Counseling Psychology, and Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education. Goldsmith is also earning a Disability Rights and Services certificate, and will be the School of Education’s flag bearer at the campus Winter 2024 Commencement ceremony at the Kohl Center.
“I’m originally from the Jersey shore, which is very different from Wisconsin,” says Goldsmith. “I had some close, family friends who went to Wisconsin — and when I visited here I just fell in love with the campus and everything about it. There is something about the energy and the people that — and this sounds cheesy, but I mean it — is really awesome. I love the environment and have loved my time as a Badger.”
Goldsmith started her academic career with the idea that she’d major in biology, with a future in medical school. But after taking several science-specific prerequisites, she found the Health Promotion and Health Equity (HPHE) major — along with the Disability Rights and Services certificate — better aligned with her love of science, the human body, and helping others.
“I realized what I was truly passionate about, and everything came together perfectly,” she says. “I’m so grateful for my time here at UW–Madison.”
To learn more about Goldsmith and her experiences with UW–Madison and the School of Education, check out the following Q&A:
How did you decide on pursuing the Health Promotion and Health Equity major?
Goldsmith: I have a little bit of an interesting story. I started out in the College of Letters and Science, and I planned to major in biology and was pre-med. I took some general classes like chemistry and bio and things were going OK. And then I took Genetics 133 — Genetics in the News. The class examined how the science of genetics is at the heart of many issues facing our society, and as such, genetics is often in the news. The class explored the science behind the headlines and I remember vividly how I was talking to my mom on the phone about this class and describing all I was learning. And my mom was like, “You sound so passionate about this.” And I was like, I am!
So I started looking for coursework in the health realm that really interested me, and I came across Health Promotion and Health Equity. I set up a meeting with (HPHE advisor) Zoe Hurley and I knew this is what I wanted to do. I loved its mission to research, teach, and apply knowledge related to movement, exercise, and human occupation with the ultimate goal of enhancing human health, productivity, and quality of life.
I understand you are part of the School of Education’ Student Ambassadors group. Can you tell me about that?
Goldsmith: I first started working as a peer advisor for SOAR (the campus’ summer orientation program for new students) after my sophomore year. And then I started working at the front desk for the School of Education’s Student Services. I got to know and love the advising staff so much. And then I went and studied abroad and lost touch for a bit, and Becky Smith (an advisor who helps lead the School’s Student Ambassadors group) asked me if I wanted to be a part of the Ambassador program. It has been a great opportunity to bring student voice and perspectives to administrators and faculty on issues that are important to students and the School of Education in general.
What has been your most meaningful experience at UW–Madison?
Goldsmith: For a class I took, Rehabilitation Psychology 300 — Individuals with Disabilities, we got to do a community-based learning experience. I worked with Easterseals Wisconsin at a camp up in Wisconsin Dells. I got to connect with campers with a range of disabilities and abilities. That might not be exactly what I want to do in my future, but it was a really great opportunity to just kind of start working with the population and seeing the different kinds of care and different needs — and just spending time with awesome people.
I’m also very happy that I was able to take a dance class (through the School of Education’s Dance Department) and two different philosophy classes. Even though I majored in Health Promotion and Health Equity, I still had opportunities to try different things and make my education my own — and really engage in things that interested me. I feel lucky I was able to do that.
I also did a study abroad program in Rome that was amazing in every way. This was an important experience because it relates to what I want to do next — and that’s to go into disability education and make education more universal and accessible for all. Seeing education in other parts of the world and how cultures value different things, was invaluable.
Do you have any tips or advice for students who are just getting started on their college journey?
Goldsmith: My advice is to try everything! It’s OK to get out of your comfort zone, as long as you are safe. When I was trying new things, those were the moments where I found myself growing the most. When I went to the campus Student Organization Fair, I signed up to join like 10 different clubs. I’m still getting emails from them. And while I didn’t get involved with every one, I tried a lot of different things. I’ll add that my personal motto is that you can never have too many friends. Be nice to everyone and talk to everyone and learn from everyone.
Do you know what’s next? Do you have any plans after graduation?
Goldsmith: I’m planning to travel to experience how education is done in different parts of the world. I’d like to teach English in Asia, Africa or South America. After that, I’d like to apply to graduate schools, hopefully in the field of neuropsychology, because I want to one day go into disability education.
Thinking about the principle of the Wisconsin Idea, how will you use what you have learned at UW–Madison to influence other people’s lives or positively impact our world?
Goldsmith: I feel lucky that I was able to find this (HPHE) major that also aligns with my passion of helping others. I’d love to be able to take what I’ve learned in the classroom — and what I learn while traveling — to implement that and make a difference in the world. I have always loved serving others and being in a helping profession. I want to continue that work wherever I end up.