Finding meaning in the unexpected: Commencement speaker Emily Heider reflects on growth and change

UW-Oshkosh senior Emily Heider, the morning commencement speaker for the university's May 16 ceremony, graduates with a 4.0 GPA after pursuing an interdisciplinary path that combined biomedical science, Spanish,musicand veterinary medicine. Her journey from piano performance to future veterinary surgeon reflects the power of embracing change and discovering purpose through unexpected experiences.

For UW-Oshkosh senior Emily Heider, growth came not from following a rigid plan, but from embracing change, pursuing new passions and discovering purpose in unexpected places.

A double major in Biomedical Science and Spanish with a minor in Music, Heider began her college career as a Piano Performance and Pedagogy major before discovering new passions that reshaped her academic and professional path. Along the way, she built an extraordinary record of achievement, earning a 4.0 GPA while balancing research, tutoring, musical performance, and community engagement.

Now, as the morning commencement speaker for UW-Oshkosh's May 16 ceremony, Heider's message reflects the lessons she learned through change, challenge, and personal growth. Her speech centers on a powerful idea: life does not need to follow a perfect plan to be meaningful, and growth often comes from the moments we least expect.

Q&A with Emily Heider

What made UW-Oshkosh the right choice for you, and how did your path evolve once you got here?

I chose UW-Oshkosh because of the opportunity to pursue my interests in science, music, and Spanish while remaining connected to my hometown. During my time here, I built meaningful relationships with faculty, mentors, and peers who played a major role in both my academic growth and personal development.

When I first arrived, I began as a Piano Performance and Pedagogy major, convinced I knew what my future would hold. Over time, my interests evolved as I discovered a passion for biomedical science and a deep appreciation for language and culture through Spanish.

However, this transition in academic focus was not easy. It required me to embrace uncertainty and trust that shifting directions did not mean I was losing my way. Instead, this change helped me grow, form new connections, and better understand my purpose. It taught me that meaningful paths are not always the ones we originally planned.

What UW-Oshkosh experience had the biggest impact on you, and what did it teach you?

One of the most impactful experiences during my time at UW-Oshkosh was my work as a biophysical student researcher on the National Science Foundation-funded Harmful Algal Blooms Project. Through this interdisciplinary research, I collaborated with students and faculty from multiple fields while contributing to freshwater sustainability studies. This experience strengthened my scientific skills and highlighted the importance of adaptability, teamwork, and engaging with diverse perspectives in solving complex environmental challenges.

In addition, I continue to gain significant hands-on experience in veterinary medicine as a technician assistant, where I participate in surgical procedures, laboratory diagnostics, and patient care while working closely with veterinarians to promote animal welfare. Similar experiences, such as prior work as a zookeeper, volunteer service, and shadowing veterinarians in emergency, equine, shelter, wildlife, and zoological settings, have further deepened my understanding of the field and reinforced my commitment to veterinary medicine.

Another meaningful aspect of my undergraduate experience was serving as a Spanish Conversation Language Intern and working as an academic tutor. These roles allowed me to mentor peers, build meaningful connections, strengthen my communication skills, and deepen my cultural awareness.

Altogether, these experiences have shaped my professional goals and strengthened my commitment to pursuing a career that integrates medicine, compassion, and service.

Your speech focuses on growth through adversity. How did your personal experiences shape that message?

My speech reflects the belief that growth often derives from life's most difficult and unexpected experiences. During my time at UW-Oshkosh, I encountered both academic and personal challenges that pushed me to develop in ways I had not anticipated.

One of the most meaningful experiences involved supporting my beloved Norwegian Buhund through severe and unexpected medical complications, multiple invasive surgeries, and ultimately terminal cancer. While this journey was emotionally difficult, it strengthened my resilience and deepened my understanding of the human-animal bond. It also had a lasting impact on my professional aspirations. Witnessing the passionate care provided by veterinary professionals inspired me to pursue a veterinary specialty in small animal surgery. This experience ultimately showed me that even in moments of loss and hardship, there can still be purpose, direction, and personal growth.

You balanced academics, research, music and leadership. How did that shape your definition of success?

Balancing those commitments taught me the importance of time management, discipline, and adaptability. It also helped me realize that success is not just about achievement.

Success also requires growth, connection, and learning from both triumphs and setbacks. My experience at UW-Oshkosh demonstrated that a well-rounded education and meaningful relationships are just as important as academic excellence.

Who made the biggest impact on your journey at UW-Oshkosh, and what is one lesson you will carry forward?

I have been fortunate to learn from professors and mentors who consistently challenged and supported me. I am especially grateful to Dr. Robert Stelzer, Dr. Elena González-Muntaner, Dr. Kirstin Ihde, and Dr. Anna Hersey for their guidance and encouragement throughout my time as a student.

One of the most important lessons I learned from these mentors is to approach challenges with curiosity, integrity, and a genuine passion for learning. They demonstrated that excellence is not just about outcomes, but also how individuals engage with others, respond to challenges, and continue to grow.

What is next for you after graduation, and what are you most excited about?

After graduating from UW-Oshkosh this May, I will attend veterinary school in fall 2026 to pursue my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. During my time in the program, I plan to become involved in student organizations, participate in the Summer Scholars Program, and continue building relationships with faculty and peers.

Although I remain open to different paths within veterinary medicine, I am especially interested in specializing in small animal surgery. I aspire to build a career that allows me to support the human-animal bond, advocate for underserved communities, and continue learning alongside all patients, colleagues, and mentors.

I am particularly proud of my academic achievements thus far, including maintaining a 4.0 GPA while pursuing rigorous fields of study and meaningful relationships with faculty and peers. These experiences have shaped my academic journey, who I am today, and who I strive to be in the next chapter as a professional.

Learn more:

Study biomedical science at UWO
Study Spanish at UWO
Study music at UWO