Choosing home produces best fit for Anderson
By Calli Delsman
University Communications Student Assistant
studentpio@minotstateu.edu
MINOT, N.D. – Staying close to home when picking a school wasn’t Maggie Anderson’s first choice.
But, she quickly realized her best opportunity was right in her backyard.
When Anderson, a Minot native, first started looking at schools, she was set on moving away from home to study architecture and toured almost every school in the state and a few in Minnesota.
“When talking to my mom about how I used to be in speech therapy as a kid, communication disorders started to become more and more relevant in my mind and I slowly got more passionate about the idea of pursuing a degree in it,” Anderson said.
Anderson is happy with her decision, as a sophomore in the MSU Communication Sciences and Disorders program, because of the support she has from the department. She hopes after earning her undergraduate degree to continue with graduate school at Minot State.
“After I finish my undergrad, I want to go to grad school so I can become a Speech-Language Pathologist,” Anderson explains. “With the way things are going right now I would definitely consider staying at MSU for my graduate degree. After that I want to work in an elementary school with kids and be able to do for them what someone did for me.”
As a college student, Anderson experiences difficult times just like everyone else when it comes to managing college courses. This, however, has not impacted her personal goals for her future.
“The CD program can definitely be hard at times, but not once have I considered switching it. I’ve always had my advisor, Dr. Magnus (professor Lesley Magnus), to go to when I’m a little too stressed out, and all the professors are willing to help the students out when we’re feeling overwhelmed,” Anderson explained.
On top of being a part of the program, Anderson has been involved in Student Government Association (SGA) and Residence Life in only her second year. SGA has been a great way for her to create relationships and have a voice on campus.
“I also attend the North Dakota Student Association meeting once a month which has been a great opportunity to network across the whole state and see what is going on in other colleges, and how we can improve the student experience at MSU,” Anderson said.
Although being from Minot, Anderson wanted to gain the full “college experience” and decided to live in the dorms her freshman year.
This experience is what struck her to apply to be an RA and join Residence Life.
“I think this was one of the best decisions I could have made going into college. Living on campus put me right in the middle of all the action and I was able to go to lots of events last year and meet lots of people who I otherwise wouldn’t have,” Anderson said. “Being able to interact with residents and build those friendships have really meant a lot to me and I hope that they mean a lot to my residents too.”
Being a part of SGA while being an RA — and having to keep up with her school work — Anderson tends to keep herself busy. This doesn’t stop her from enjoying all the other great experiences that Minot State has to offer.
“Playing in the jazz band last year, completing the mile-high event at the Wellness Center, and getting my friends together to compete in Family Feud put on by MSULife, have all contributed to my best memories at MSU,” Anderson said. “Minot State has provided so many opportunities for its students and I’m glad that I’ve taken the ones that I have and am grateful for how my college career has turned out so far.”
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: 11/26/20
