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The Sky is the Limit

by Sally Anderson

The common English phrase “the sky is the limit” is used when there is almost no limit as to how far someone can go in what they are doing.  This phrase perfectly describes the goals of a very optimistic young woman.  Brianna “Bri” Covington, a junior at the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire (UWEC), is excited to fulfill her goals in her future and truly feels “the sky is the limit.”

With the help of her family and her involvement with activities, Covington has become a person with strong aspirations for her future.

Convington, of Rochester, Minn., has grown up with a close and supportive family.  Her dad Bill, her mom Mary and stepdad Terry, have supported her throughout the years with their love and guidance.  Covington and her younger brother Rob did not always get along when they were younger but have been able to form a strong bond throughout the years. 

When Rob once worked at a liquor store, a customer read his nametag as “Rabi.”  Somehow the name turned into “Wobba,” and that is what Covington calls Rob today. She said her and “Wobba” better understand each other now that they are older.  “We love each other,” she said. 

Through the years, Covington’s family has helped her gain a sense of dedication and determination through her involvement with activities. 

Dance was a big part of Covington’s childhood.  She began dancing at Janet Lane Dance Studio in Rochester, Minn. at age 3.  She experimented with many different forms of dance including ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern and tap.  A fond memory of Covington’s was performing in the Nutcracker at the Rochester Civic Theatre, in Rochester, Minn.   “I really enjoyed dancing,” Covington said.  She continued to take classes throughout high school. 

Another large part of Covington’s adolescence was water skiing.  Her dad and grandpa had a strong interest in the sport.  They taught Covington to water ski and influenced Covington’s decision to join the Rochester Water Ski team in 1996 at age 9.  After only two years of water ski experience, she was excited to join the team.  As a member of the team for 7 years she was able to help contribute to this non-profit, all volunteer organization by providing summertime entertainment for the Rochester, Minn. community. Now day’s Covington enjoys water skiing for fun in the summer months with her stepdad’s boat.  

 
Covington’s family, her love for dance and involvement with the water ski team have shaped her into the person she is today, strong and motivated. These things have provided a solid base for Covington to prosper from. 

With plans to graduate from UWEC in May 2009, Covington will earn a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in public relations and a minor in political science.  Graduating from a university is only one of her many goals. 

Covington’s choice on her major and minor was somewhat easy.  She had gained a lot of insight into politics from her grandpa, Leo Reding, a former mayor of Austin, Minn.  Reding and Covington often discussed politics which opened her mind to political science and public affairs.          
Covington had always been curious about politics but the topic sparked an immediate interest upon coming to college. 

“College students are opened to so much coming to college and we all have different mindsets on certain issues,” Covington said.   

In the fall of 2009, Covington plans to begin the joint law and graduate program at the University of Minnesota’s Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs.  This institute ranks among the top 15 professional schools of public affairs at public universities in the country.  The joint program includes a juris doctor degree and a master’s in public policy. 

Upon graduating from the University of Minnesota in 2013, Covington’s plans stretch much further. 

She wants to be a human rights attorney on an international of federal basis.  “It’s pretty ambitious,” Covington said.  Being involved with the U.S. Government or another country’s government would give her the opportunity to lend a helping hand.

Covington’s minor in political science has exposed her mind to issues around the world that she wants to change.  Her passion is to help people. 

“I want to help people that can’t help themselves,” Covington said.

After taking classes at the university and watching the news carefully, Covington has realized how bad some things are for other people around the world.  Her main areas of interests are situations in Afghanistan, Darfur and Rwanda.

Within Covington’s many education goals, she also plans to get married and raise a family.

Covington’s high hopes for the future are giving her the motivation and drive to reach her goals.  With plans to further her education, get married, raise a family and travel around the world in aiding other countries, the sky really is the limit for Brianna Covington.