Amanda Springob is an incredibly hard-working Communication student here at UW-Milwaukee. Born and raised in Spencer, a small town three hours north of Milwaukee, Amanda always loved our city because it’s where her parents fell in love. She made her way down here for college in 2015 to pursue a Theatre degree. Amanda took one tour at UWM and instantly fell in love. She’s currently in her second year with junior standing.

The switch from Theatre to Communication was easy. Amanda worked toward a Theatre major for her first few semesters but grew weary of it, as she’s done theatre since she was a child. She transferred out of the Theatre department after her TedX talk at UWM about her story and the significance of speaking up. You can find her Ted Talk in the link below! Although she switched majors knowing communication would be a better fit for her, she noted that “One major isn’t easier than another.” Communication has trained her to be a better speaker and taught her the importance of analyzing her words and how she wants her words to hit people.

In addition to attending school full-time, Amanda works in the Department of Leadership Programming in the UWM Student Union as a leadership program assistant. Her position requires her to do public speaking and event planning.

When asked about her favorite professors, Amanda mentioned Jim Tasse, a Senior Lecturer in UWM’s Theatre Department. Amanda said that “He is an incredibly dynamic teacher who helped me through some rough patches my freshman year.” She also said that Dr. Alan Singer from the Honors College is another favorite of hers. She admires his work as a historian and loves learning from him. Overall, UWM is a comforting place for Amanda. She especially likes the Union because she gets to see a lot of familiar faces and be reminded of her Ted Talk that happened there.

Upon completing her bachelor’s degree, Amanda hopes to be employed at a youth organization. She has her eye on the Wisconsin Association of School Councils, also known as WASC. She has worked with them since middle school and loves how they empower their youth to race towards their full potential.

Because of her love of both public speaking and writing, Amanda started a YouTube channel and a blog that intertwine, called A+ Life. She hopes to build a resource tool kit for teachers and teens. Amanda also has her own radio segment out in Wausau on 1230 WXCO AM, also called A+ Life.

It’s evident that Amanda loves Milwaukee from the smile on her face when she talks about it. Her parents met here at a Brewers game. She loves walking down the same streets as they did when they were dating. Her favorite spots in town are Bayshore Mall and the east side. She especially likes that there is somewhere different to eat at every time her parents visit.

When I asked Amanda what she likes to do in her free time, she said, “What free time?” as she laughed. Can’t say I blame this busy lady! In her spare time, Amanda loves doing makeup, reading Glennon Doyle Melton, and talking about self-help.

Amanda is truly an inspiration. She uses all of her campus resources to their full advantage and wishes the same for other students. “Scholarships, the student start-up challenge, and student involvement led me to my success,” Amanda says. Make sure to follow her blog and YouTube channel titled A+ Life. We can’t wait to see where your degree takes you, Amanda!

Personal website http://amandaspringob.wixsite.com/amandaspringobspeaks

Brand new blog, A+ Life https://amandaspringob.wixsite.com/apluslife

TedXUWMilwaukee https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5eoTYKjehs

By Jumana Al-Juma