Hey there! I’m Heidi Lillegard, and I’m a Junior majoring in Political Science and Public Policy. Choosing a college is a big decision, and my goal is to give you an honest, insider look at what makes UW-Madison so special. Whether you want to know about balancing tough academics, finding the best study spots in College Library, or where to get the best Babcock ice cream, I’ve got you covered. Let’s explore campus together!

Hometown

Milwaukee, WI USA

Major(s)

Political Science, Public Policy

Minor(s)

Political Economy, Philosophy, and Politics

Clubs, organizations & involvement

UBLA, Prelaw Society, A Just Brew, Cheese Club, Music Programs, Recreation and Wellness, Sailing Club, Etc!

Describe your college experience

As a fourth-generation Badger, UW-Madison history is practically in my DNA. However, knowing the campus traditions didn't mean my transition was seamless. My college experience has been a masterclass in growth and adaptability. Early on, I navigated a major change and had to learn how to build a community while managing a busy schedule. Since then, my time here has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve balanced multiple on-campus jobs, worked through the internship hunt, and explored study abroad programs and all while making time to appreciate Madison’s vibrant city culture with friends. Because my path hasn’t been a straight line, I can offer prospective students both a deep appreciation for UW's history and a realistic, encouraging look at how to thrive here.

Tip for future students

Master the art of prioritizing what actually matters to you. When you arrive at a school with so much energy, you’ll want to join every club, apply for every internship, and say yes to every social event. As a busy student who balances on-campus jobs, friend groups, and career planning, I wish I’d known sooner that it’s okay to pace yourself. You don’t have to do everything all at once to have a successful Badger experience. Find a few things you love, protect your study time, and make sure to leave room for a sunset at the Terrace.

Favorite class

Hands down, my favorite class was a senior thesis seminar I took as a sophomore. After taking a class with an incredible professor the year prior, she managed to spark a passion in me for a subject I used to dislike, prompting me to rearrange my entire schedule to take her upper-level course. I frequented her office hours to ensure I never fell behind, and I felt entirely supported the whole way through. What made the experience even better was my peers; because of the collaborative environment in the classroom, my classmates treated me as an equal, only realizing I was a sophomore at the very end of the semester. It was my lowest grade that term, but it taught me that the value of a UW-Madison education goes way beyond a GPA.

Career goals

After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan to pursue the Accelerated Master’s program through UW-Madison’s La Follette School of Public Affairs. Building on that foundation, my ultimate goal is to attend law school in Boston and become an Intellectual Property (IP) lawyer. Changing my major earlier in college actually helped me uncover this passion for policy and law. I love sharing my post-grad goals with prospective families because it perfectly illustrates how UW’s unique academic pipelines and resources can launch students into highly specialized, ambitious careers.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal free night involves stepping outside the immediate campus bubble and exploring the city. I love gathering a group of friends and walking down State Street toward the Capitol Square to try a new local restaurant or hunt down the best cheese curds in town. Madison has such an amazing energy in the evenings, and getting to experience the bridge between the university and the broader city is the perfect way to recharge before diving back into a busy week of classes and work.

High school or secondary school

Menomonee Falls High School, Menomonee Falls, WI

Previous college

N​/​A