Fox Cities News

Mattigan Haller did not initially plan to become a triple major, but during her academic journey at Lawrence University, it happened naturally. Initially set on double majoring in biochemistry and Spanish while starting on the pre-medicine track, Haller discovered that with a few additional classes, she could also add a biology major.

“I’m looking at pediatric anesthesiology, and I want to use my Spanish,” said Haller, heading into her senior year. “Being able to communicate more with patients, colleagues, the world as a whole—that’s really important to me.”

Haller, from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is a first-generation student and has been competing on Lawrence’s softball team for the past three years. Her college search was extensive; she credits her mother for being supportive and helping her research different colleges. This effort led them to tour 22 colleges and universities across the country before choosing Lawrence.

“I knew I wanted the small liberal arts. I knew I wanted to know my professors by name rather than just being a number in a class,” Haller said. “We came—me, my mom, and my dad—and fell in love with it.”

Haller spent part of the last academic year studying in Mexico. The opportunities at Lawrence allowed her to pursue three majors, play sports, study abroad, and participate in various clubs and organizations.

Her interest in Spanish began early; her family hosted exchange students through the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. The first student they hosted was from Mexico, with whom they remain in contact. This connection facilitated Haller's study abroad experience in San Luis Potosí, Mexico.

“Her husband is an anesthesiologist, and that was what kind of formed the connection,” Haller said. “From there, I was able to shadow and assist in surgeries, intubate patients, give anesthesia.”

Madera Allan, associate professor of Spanish and Haller’s advisor for Spanish studies, helped design this experience. In Mexico, Haller participated in over 50 procedures and plans to turn this experience into an independent study next academic year.

In addition to academics, Haller excels on the softball field. The balance between athletics and academics influenced her decision to attend Lawrence.

“There’s an emphasis here at Lawrence on you’re a student (first), then you're an athlete,” Haller said. “That’s something that really made me want to come to Lawrence because I wasn’t ready to stop playing.”

Lawrence boasts a medical school acceptance rate above the national average due to personalized advising and strong liberal arts coursework complemented by health-focused enrichment experiences.

Haller is also active in campus clubs such as the Presidential Student Advisory Board—where she meets with President Laurie A. Carter—and other organizations like LIGHT (Lawrentians Inspiring Global Change Together). She participates actively in first-gen student support groups on campus.

“She’s just very personable,” Haller said about Allan. “We have many areas where we connect; she goes out of her way to make sure I’m doing OK.”

With another year before graduation, Haller is already planning for her future—a necessity for pre-med students. This summer she is preparing for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), which she plans to take in the fall.

---