I’m Abby Herbst, now a double business badger, after graduating with my undergraduate degree in Management and Human Resources from the Wisconsin School of Business in May 2023. Originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, I’ve spent the past 5 years in Wisconsin. People often ask me why I chose UW-Madison, and the honest answer is softball. I played Division I softball during my undergraduate years, which then brought me to the Bolz Center for Arts Administration.
My journey into the MA-ACE Leadership Program lacks a conventional inspiration. Initially, I applied with the intention of continuing as a 5th-year student athlete while pursuing my graduate degree. However, unforeseen circumstances led to my medical retirement from softball, robbing me of the chance to compete in my final year for UW Athletics due to mental health reasons. It was a challenging period, and I contemplated not proceeding with the program. I didn’t know where I belonged or whether I even deserved a spot in this graduate program. Yet, I recognized the need to rediscover myself beyond being a student athlete and that I deserved to find happiness again.
After a tough couple of months of soul searching, I accepted the offer and fully embraced the possibilities that the program could bring. Setting aside softball, I realized this was the perfect fit for me. Armed with a business background, I wanted to uncover my true passions. Because I was no longer going to play softball, I pursued an Applied Learning Placement with the Wisconsin Union. This opportunity allows me to contribute to various projects in the events and facilities department, from orchestrating the Badger Bash stage show to designing logos for different conferences.
Reflecting on my past semester in the Bolz Center, I am immensely grateful for the impact that it is making. It has given me the space to find my voice and discover my identity beyond being a softball player. I’ve channeled my efforts into projects centered around mental health, a cause extremely close to my heart. Additionally, I’ve made lasting connections with friends and colleagues who see me as a person, not just someone skilled at throwing a ball around a field. With confidence, I know that this program will propel me toward a future where I can make a difference, working in sectors dedicated to helping people. My goal is to establish my own organization, providing support for those dealing with mental health concerns. Although I don’t play an instrument or can’t draw anything but a stick figure, I have realized I am creative in so many other ways. I look forward to everything this program helps me accomplish, once a Bolzie, always a Bolzie.
Categories: