Baerlocher stays busy

“I decided to come to MSU because of the quality of the education program and the size of the classes and the campus. MSU had a sense of community that I didn't feel at the bigger schools in the state.”
Alyssa Baerlocher, junior, education

By Shalom Baer
University Communication Student Assistant
publicinformation@minotstateu.edu

MINOT, N.D. – Some students can get overwhelmed with how busy life can be and don’t always find time for activities, but Alyssa Baerlocher is the opposite.

She is busy, but to her, that’s not a bad thing.

“I have days where I will be on campus from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and I love it,” she said. “I definitely thrive when I am crazy busy.”

One thing that takes up the elementary education major’s time is her involvement in the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities (NDCPD). She was first introduced to the NDCPD when she was a freshman.

“My freshman year I completed an interdisciplinary internship (at the NDCPD) through one of my special education teachers,” Baerlocher said.

Baerlocher is a peer mentor for the NDCPD Advancing Students Toward Education and Employment Program (ASTEP) program, which works with college students who have intellectual disabilities.

“Being a peer mentor has been an incredible experience, and I've made so many friendships – both with the students I work with and the other peer mentors,” Baerlocher said.

Baerlocher is in her third year at Minot State and will graduate early — in Spring 2019. Originally from Bismarck, she chose Minot State over other colleges in North Dakota.

“I decided to come to MSU because of the quality of the education program and the size of the classes and the campus,” Baerlocher said. “MSU had a sense of community that I didn't feel at the bigger schools in the state.”

Her impression of Minot State has proved to be true during her time here.

“I love having small classes,” she said. “I'm in two this semester that only have 10 people, so I've gotten to know everyone in my program really well. I feel like wherever I go on campus there will be someone I know.”

Baerlocher was also attracted to the University because of the opportunities for students outside of classes.

“I was really drawn in by the amount of student activities and student engagement on campus. I joined MSU Life right away my freshman year and it has been so much fun,” said Baerlocher. “Right now, I am one of the Directors of Entertainment for student activities, which has been amazing. I've made a ton of friends through MSU Life and it’s gotten me really involved on campus. I am also involved in Student North Dakota United, which is a club for future teachers.”

Baerlocher plans to take her passion for teaching back to her hometown after graduation.

“When I graduate, I'm hoping to go back and teach in Bismarck. It’s just something that I knew I wanted to do all the way through middle and high school,” Baerlocher said. “I'm usually at my happiest in a room full of kids, and I love the idea of being able to do that every day for the rest of my life.”

About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.

Published: 11/02/18   


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