Senior Spotlight 19: Kyla Grandy
MINOT, N.D. – Recent graduate Kyla Grandy grew up in Minot and wasn’t sure exactly what she wanted to do, so she decided to start taking her general education requirements at Minot State.
“I ended up loving it there,” Grandy said. “The campus is like a small community and the professors are very helpful. I loved the small classes and education I was able to get while being close to home, and the affordable tuition was just a great bonus, not to mention all the scholarship opportunities MSU offers.”
Eventually, Grandy found her passion, even though it wasn’t what she expected.
“Growing up, I always said, I don't know what I want to do, but I know I don't want to teach. When I started at MSU I was a management major, but I started coaching junior high volleyball from the same school (Des Lacs-Burlington) I graduated from,” Grandy said. “When I started working with the kids, I realized how much I love working with and teaching them. It took me a long time to come to the terms with the fact that I wanted to teach.”
Grandy said that her advisor, Jan Repnow, helped her through her journey.
“If Jan wasn't the amazing advisor that she is, I honestly don't know where I would be or what I would be doing,” Grandy said. “She was influential in every aspect of my college career. She is very supportive and treats her advisees with the most respect.”
During her time at the University, Grandy was a member of Phi Beta Lambda, a chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). She coached 7-12th grade fast-pitch softball and was a FBLA advisor at Des Lacs-Burlington; ultimately, she graduated from Minot State with a bachelor’s degree in business education, a minor in business management, and a concentration in marketing education, as well as a concentration in deaf studies.
The sign language classes Grandy took served as an avenue for her to become involved in the deaf community.
“I was very influenced by Mrs. MariDon Sorum and her sign language classes. Sign language really brought me out of my shell, and the people I met in those classes are some of my closest friends. These classes really opened my eyes, and gave me a lot more respect for different cultures and languages,” Grandy said.
She also discovered some important life lessons while attending the University.
“Work hard and persevere. When you think you aren't going to succeed, just seek help and someone will always be there to support you. My biggest tip for anyone attending college is to not be afraid to ask for help and to get to know your professors,” Grandy said.
“Another thing I took away from my college experience is that it is ok to not always have an answer, be perfect, or get perfect grades.”
This summer, Grandy will continue her involvement in softball coaching, and she plans to move to Williston and teach 7-12th grade business in Ray, as well as make a trip to San Antonio for FBLA’s national conference.
“I am so excited to begin my teaching career as Ray's 7-12th grade Business teacher,” Grandy said. “I hope to teach for a few years, and then return to school to pursue my master’s degree and one day teach at a collegiate level.”
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: 05/24/19 |
