For Larissa Lopez Nikolskaia, coming to Winona State University meant more than earning a degree: it was where she found a sense of belonging and discovered confidence in herself.
Originally from Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, Larissa was drawn to Winona State for its strong academic programs, supportive faculty, and welcoming campus environment.
“Winona State University had the perfect mix of everything — a good university size, an excellent faculty to student ratio, a beautiful town, a strong program, and a welcoming environment,” she said.
As an international student, Larissa faced the challenge of adjusting to a new culture, language, and life far from home.
“Everything felt overwhelming as someone coming from another country, needing to adapt to a new culture, language and being away from everything I knew was extremely scary at times, but as time went on, Winona started becoming a second home and I felt accepted by so many people around me.”
Graduating from Winona State with a degree in Finance and minors in Investments and Economics, Larissa is eager to find meaningful ways to help others using her skills and experience.
“I always considered myself good with money but never saw it as a career until I turned 18. Everything about finance is interesting and complex, and it’s another way to help someone — from learning how to save money to investing in a future for yourself or your family. The industry feels endless in opportunity, and I hope to continue being curious.”
After graduation, Larissa will work as a Financial Analyst at Thomson Reuters, a role she secured after completing an internship with the company her junior year. She plans to explore graduate programs while continuing to build her professional experience.
Reflecting on her experiences at Winona State, Larissa emphasizes the transformative power of community.
“Getting to meet people from all over — both internationally and from the Midwest — allowed me to evolve as a person and a student,” she said. “I am proud to graduate from WSU, as I am a completely different person than when I first joined the university.”
Her advice for future Warriors is rooted in persistence: “Feeling nervous means you care. If you don’t get it right the first time, that’s okay. You just have to keep trying.”
