Hailing from Homer, New York, Stockwin said choosing Marshall, “has changed my life for the better.
“I toured multiple schools across the country, but it was during a spring tour of Marshall that I felt a sense of belonging,” she recounted. “A family friend recommended Marshall, and after exploring the campus and interacting with the community, I knew it was the right choice for me.”
Stockwin’s journey at Marshall began with academic exploration, as she navigated the transition from an elementary education major to biological sciences, a decision fueled by her passion for healthcare and desire to be a woman in STEM.
“I worked as a medical scribe in an ophthalmology office, which solidified my interest in optometry,” she explained. “After discussing it with my mom, I made the decision to switch majors, and biochemistry seemed like the perfect fit to prepare me for graduate school.”
Yet, beyond the confines of the classroom, Stockwin found solace and belonging in campus organizations and extracurricular activities. From the Society of Physics Students to Delta Zeta and the Speech and Debate Team, she has forged lifelong connections and found a sense of purpose within the vibrant community of Marshall University.
“My favorite part of being a student at Marshall is the sense of camaraderie within the campus organizations,” she shared. “They feel like a family, and I’ve created lifelong connections through my involvement.”
Reflecting on her journey, Stockwin offered words of wisdom to out-of-state students navigating the transition to college life. “I wish I would have gone out and tried to make connections my freshman year,” she said. “I realized that I did not come this far just to blend in. Take a step outside your comfort zone, make connections, and embrace all that Marshall has to offer.
“I am thankful to have had this time away from home to figure myself out and become independent. Marshall has changed me completely, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
