Campus Connection

Master’s program graduate shares insights from her lifelong educational journey

In 1987, Michele Stingl earned her undergraduate degree from UW-La Crosse in a very different educational environment. At that time, there were no cell phones, laptops, or online courses — just books, handwritten notes and hours spent memorizing information. 

Thirty-one years later, Stingl's youngest daughter had just graduated high school, and she knew it was time for her to take the leap and return to school as well. When she decided to earn a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration at UWL, she found herself stepping into a radically different world of education. 

“The landscape of education had changed so much,” Stingl recalled. “My kids were now showing me how to navigate Canvas, join online discussions and reassuring me that it was okay to use the internet for assignments and projects.” 

Along the way, Stingl’s son Spencer shared an important lesson: “It’s not about memorizing things. It’s about knowing how to get the information you need to solve a problem and knowing how to find it.” 

For Stingl, this shift in learning felt like progress. “You no longer learn just for the moment but rather for a lifetime,” she said. 

During her graduate hooding ceremony in December 2024, Stingl encouraged her fellow graduates to continue learning and growing throughout life, emphasizing that the lessons we gather are the foundation for our future. 

In her address, Stingl shared four key lessons from her personal journey that are republished here with her permission.

1. Things are the scariest just before you start them.  

Starting something big has always made me feel like riding a roller coaster. You get in line and commit, thinking you can still back out, soon you’re too deep to turn around. You get in the car and off you go up the giant hill full of anxiety and doubt. The big drop happens. Then things even out and you tackle curves and bumps along the way until the ride ends. Walking away, full of exhilaration, you think “Wow what a ride, and I’m so glad I did it!” 

That’s how I feel today about graduation.  Wow, what a ride, and I’m so glad I did it!  

2. Learning is lifelong.  

It has no downside, and each experience gives you perspective. Whether learning from a book, or by taking an airplane to experience new cultures and meet new people, as the world gets bigger, your understanding gets deeper.  

3. Sometimes, the actions you take encourage others without you even knowing it.  

Two times a year I have a rounding opportunity with Jack, my senior director of Supply Chain. Over time, we have touched on my progress throughout the master’s program as well as work-related goals and current projects, but last week’s meeting was different. Jack told me his boss had been urging him to go back to school to get a certification and Jack had been putting it off. This time as I mentioned my upcoming graduation, he said I had inspired him and recently Jack started his continuing education.  

4. Although things don’t go as planned, don’t give up. Trust your abilities because what I have realized is you’ll surprise yourself.  

When my youngest child, Sophia, was thinking about college and taking campus tours, I decided to take the thought of a master’s degree off the shelf and give it another look. So as Sophia went off to college, Mom did too. 

Why Healthcare Administration?

Stingl’s choice to pursue a master’s in healthcare administration was rooted in her two decades of experience in healthcare, primarily in administrative roles within Supply Chain. Throughout the program, she gained new insights into crisis management, statistical analysis, budgeting, ethical and legal issues, process improvement, and leadership skills. These lessons directly applied to her professional responsibilities, helping her become a stronger leader, teammate, and contributor in her workplace. 

“These topics have not only enriched my professional growth but have also equipped me to better support others,” she said. “I hope to continue mentoring others with the educational background and guidance I’ve gained.” 

Want more advice from graduates? The UW-La Crosse Graduate & Extended Learning Hooding Ceremony has featured inspiring speakers over the years including Jacob Wudtke, who shared life lessons he learned from cancer patients during last year’s ceremony. 

Curious about online learning? Check out this advice about setting up a study space at home from another online graduate student.