Senior Spotlight: Felicia Arias
By Emily Schmidt
University Communications Student Assistant
studentpio@minotstateu.edu
MINOT, N.D. – Before she came to Minot State, Felicia Arias did not consider herself as a person with a strong voice.
Los Angeles native, Arias searched outside California for a university that fit two requirements: affordability and small population.
Minot State was the winner.
After being a resident assistant her sophomore year, the biology major decided to step out of her comfort zone.
“I was looking for ways to get further involved in the University, as I witnessed things I thought could be improved,” she said. “I sat as a senator for the College of Arts and Sciences my junior year and got involved in the North Dakota Student Association (NDSA). I then ran for vice president of state affairs and was elected for this academic year.”
NDSA is comprised of delegates from 11 higher education institutions in the state who with the State Board of Higher Education to help make decisions that affect all the higher education institutions in the state.
In January, Arias became the interim vice president of communications for NDSA where she ran the student affairs committee and put together a plan to educate more students about NDSA.
Her involvement in NDSA and Minot State SGA is a highlight of her time in college.
“This has been one of my favorite parts of college for a few reasons,” she said. “It helped me develop my communication skills, as I can be shy and nervous when public speaking. It has also helped me find a voice and realize that students can definitely make a difference. I am also very proud of many things we were able to accomplish this year as a senate, such as the free menstrual products initiative.”
Her new skillset will be useful in a variety of careers, so Arias is keeping her options open.
“I hope to find some way to use my experience in SGA in the future, but I'm not quite sure on how yet,” she said. “Now that I have experience running committees, strengthening my writing skills, and working on marketing plans, I know I can bring these skills to future employers.”
While her future is not quite set in stone, Arias plans to take a gap year to save money for grad school and confirm that medical school is right for her. In the meantime, she will be taking EMT classes and working in a hospital to get a feel for the field.
“I am very happy that I chose to go to Minot State,” she said. “I was able to learn a lot from my science classes and engage in interesting discussions in all my Honors classes. I feel like I have had the opportunity to explore many different things.”
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: 05/15/20 |
