Below, NDSU graduating students share some of their personal experiences at NDSU and explain why the university is such a special place.
NDSU’s virtual winter commencement ceremonies are scheduled for Friday, Dec. 18, at 10 a.m.
Student: Madysen Ramlet
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Champlin, Minnesota
Lasting impression
The biggest impact during my time here was the number of resources that were provided by my professors, peers and advisers. They all did an amazing job reaching out to me and making sure I had all the resources, like tutoring, I needed to be successful. There were a couple of organizations that impacted my time here. One of them was the TRIO program. I was a first-generation, low-income student who did not have a lot of personal experience with college. This program helped me understand the small things like filling out the FAFSA, registering for classes and tutoring. It also helped with bigger things, like giving me resources for food pantries and access to people to lean on who were in a similar situation. Another organization that really impacted me was Chi Alpha, which is a Christian organization that helped me find some of the most intentional, loving, joyful friends who I now call family. This organization helped push me further in my faith and purpose in life. When life was hard, I was able to lean on such a great group of friends who stood by my side through thick and thin. I am thankful for NDSU’s positive impact because of how welcoming the people are. They will continue to have a place in my life.
NDSU Experience
My NDSU experience started out rocky at first. I was trying to fit in with the crowd, never truly chasing goals I created, but doing what I thought others would find pleasing. I never was satisfied and fulfilled until I surrounded myself with intentional friends and peers that continued to push me to create and find my own goals. I started to feel the family atmosphere, the home feeling you get when you know you are at the right college. I started a couple on-campus jobs, which helped shape my perspective of how important it was to be surrounded by people who love their job and want the best for students. And my supervisors cared about my personal life. This experience created a love for people and the major I was studying. My NDSU education will help me succeed by seeing the best in people, being there for people just like my supervisors and peers did for me and choosing goals that inspire and satisfy me.
Future plans
My plan after graduation is to work at a gym facility as a personal trainer, getting people to strive for their own goals. I plan to move to South Carolina after I get married to someone who I met in Chi Alpha, and work at the gym there. I eventually want to go back to school to get a degree in counseling so I can be a counselor for students who are in the foster care system. My plan is to volunteer with children who are in the church and help them accomplish their goals, just like NDSU helped me find.
Student: Emma Thissen
Major: Human development and family science
Hometown: Eagan, Minnesota
Lasting impression
The courses I was able to participate in made a big impression on my time at NDSU. Getting a holistic learning experience and having support from all my professors was instrumental in my success. Gaining experiences across NDSU’s many colleges and departments has prepared me very well for future endeavors in graduate studies and professional opportunities. I also would not be the person I am today without the support of the connections I gained through NDSU Greek Life. Getting to make so many genuine connections with individuals who share values and goals was such a great experience. Greek Life has helped me with the confidence to succeed in the classroom and as a leader in the greater NDSU community. My impressions of NDSU have been helped by all the knowledgeable instructors I have had, but there are a few who have really stood out and shaped who I am today. Beth Salafia, Ann Werlinger and Nancy Kaler have provided me with so much insight into how to be not only a successful student, but a professional in the field of human development and family science. These three strong women have guided my learning and experiences so well over my time at NDSU.
NDSU Experience
My NDSU experience was made great by the engaging and supportive instructors I have had the privilege of learning from. The experience I had at NDSU is unmatched and I am proud to have earned my degree here. NDSU provided me with a diverse learning experience and instructors who want students to succeed. My NDSU education is going to help me succeed by giving me great connections, a toolkit full of academic knowledge and the experiences of applying that knowledge in real-life situations. The College of Human Sciences and Education has done a great job at including diversity and inclusion practices into their teaching.
Future plans
My plans after graduation are to pursue graduate school in hopes of gaining knowledge of how to better serve my communities. Prior to starting my continued education, I am entering the job market in hopes of serving youth and families. I am interested in working with underserved populations. Serving the underserved is a personal mission that I am looking to achieve post-graduation.
Student: Monica Zent
Major: Biochemistry and molecular biology
Hometown: Dickinson, North Dakota
Lasting impression
The work experiences I had during my time at NDSU were the most impactful. By conducting undergraduate research in Sangita Sinha’s lab group for two years, I connected the concepts I learned in class to my biochemistry research projects. In her lab group, I learned hands-on and was encouraged to ask questions. The lab group felt like a family. I could count on Dr. Sinha and each graduate student, especially my mentor Sam Wyatt, for support. Outside of my major, I worked in Student Support Services as a tutor for TRIO programs and a peer mentor for the Rising Scholars program. My supervisors, Kenard Booker and Betsy Carter, led by example and helped me grow tremendously in professional skills. These jobs also were incredibly rewarding. I knew every day at work I was helping fellow NDSU students reach their academic and personal goals. Overall, my work experiences helped me connect to a larger network within the NDSU community that I would not have encountered otherwise.
NDSU Experience
NDSU was a large enough place to offer opportunities for growth, but small enough that I truly felt part of the community. Both aspects have been essential to my success. When I entered NDSU as a freshman, I thought I wanted to earn my doctorate in biochemistry and become a research professor. After conducting undergraduate research and working in Student Support Services, I learned more about what drives me. I found that I wanted to help others daily in a direct way. This realization drastically changed my perspective and I started to see a wider scope of possibilities for my career. As I explored academic programs and career options, NDSU fully supported me. The faculty were readily available to answer my questions and mentors connected me with job shadowing opportunities in the Fargo area. With many undergraduate majors, I knew if I wanted to change my major I would not have to transfer to a different institution. In the end, I saw my biochemistry degree in a new light, and I found career opportunities that better aligned with my strengths.
Future plans
I am currently working at Aldevron as a validation Intern. I plan to continue working at Aldevron after graduation. By working in validation, I have been able to use the scientific knowledge I gained at NDSU to help improve Aldevron’s manufacturing processes. It is incredibly exciting and humbling to know that my work is helping advance gene therapy every day.
