Student: Patrick Pochant, electrical engineering & physics, Spanish

Inspiration: Betsy Carter, assistant director for learning services

As a tutor at NDSU’s ACE Tutoring Center, Patrick Pochant learned more than just how to tutor other students. Pochant found a role model and friend in his supervisor Betsy Carter, assistant director for learning services.

Pochant was inspired by Carter’s mindfulness and awareness of others. Whether it’s advice for a job interview or just wanting someone to chat with, Carter was always welcoming of someone who needed help. The way she maintains this presence regardless of personal circumstances is something Pochant has picked up on and will take with him after he graduates. 

“Having known Betsy and experiencing the way she interacts with people, it’s obvious she keeps others in mind. I feel like I’ve picked up on that, and it’s made me more mindful of how I interact with people,” said Pochant, who is from Washburn, North Dakota. 

“It’s vital for any human that desires to interact with other humans to be mindful of the people around us. We can never know the entirety of any person’s personal circumstances. Keeping that in mind as I go into my career will help temper my actions when it comes to interactions I have with coworkers. I’ll be more calm and measured in my interactions because of the example that Betsy set for me.”

Pochant is the student speaker for 2019 winter commencement. The ceremony is Friday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. at the Sanford Health Athletic Complex.

Future plans: Pochant will begin a full-time position as an associate engineer with Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.