Maddie Koski

Get to know Maddie:

1. Where are you from?
I was born and raised near the Twin Cities in Minnesota, but I’ve considered Madison “where I’m from” ever since I moved here eight years ago!

2. Where did you go to college and what did you study?
I completed my Bachelor of Science in microbiology with a certificate in education and educational services at UW–Madison. I also hold a teaching license in grades 5-12 biology.

3. What career were you interested in when you started college? How about when you graduated from college?
When I college, I was stuck between wanting to go into epidemiology or filmmaking. After some introspection (and some really challenging classes), I shifted to science education. After teaching middle school for a few years, I shifted again into higher education.

4. What is the best advice you received as an undergraduate?
“You can always make more money, but you can’t make more time.” These words inspired me to travel the world and experience new things, which have helped me discover who I am and what my dreams are.

5. Did you go to graduate school or professional school after college?
I have not gone to graduate or professional school, beyond a teacher certification course after undergrad. I am considering graduate school, but I think I love my job too much!

6. What did you do before you started working at the Hub?
I taught math and science at a K-8 school in the Madison area for two years before joining the Hub. I taught primarily grades 6-8, with a few excursions down to grades 2-4. I loved teaching and am so excited when we in the Hub have the opportunity to teach.

7. What is your job at the Hub?
I am one of four academic advisors in the Hub. I advise 200+ students as they navigate their undergraduate careers, classes, graduation, and more. One of my main duties is to write and disperse the biweekly newsletter to our students.

8. What do you enjoy most about advising undergraduates?
It’s awesome to watch students grow and become independent adults, all while finding their passions and goals.

9. What advice would you give to a student declaring a major?
The great thing about college/being a young adult is discovering who you are! Take some classes that sound interesting, try out a job or research to see if you like, talk to new people, and join some extracurriculars. You don’t have to know everything right away — take your time to explore it all, and know you can always change your mind again down the line.

10. What advice would you give to students who aren’t sure what they want to do after they graduate?
It’s okay to change your mind and change plans! Your major does not dictate the rest of your life.

11. What do you love about Madison?
I love how Madison feels like home! There’s always something to do, everyone is so nice, the nature is phenomenal, and have you seen those lakes? They’re beautiful!!!

The Quick 5

Favorite movie: Star Wars: The Phantom Menace
Favorite book: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Favorite food: Dark chocolate sea salt caramel
Favorite age so far: Whatever my current age is! Life’s just getting better as I continue to age!
Favorite hobbies: Ice skating, video games, hiking, writing