SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: From Mexico City to Minot, Sakar blends fitness and business
MINOT, N.D. – Most students don’t pick their college based on the weather, especially when that weather includes snowdrifts and subzero temperatures.
For Alexa Munoz Sakar, snow was part of the charm.
“I chose Minot State because I love snow. Crazy, no?” she said with a laugh.
The Mexico City native didn’t just brave the North Dakota winters — she embraced them, along with every opportunity Minot State had to offer. From leading the International Club to cheering at basketball games, Sakar made the most of her time at MSU.
Sakar had some trouble with indecisiveness when it came to choosing a major.
“When I was trying to pick a major, I was super lost,” Sakar said. “I was like, maybe psychology, math, or engineering, like biomechanics or biotechnology. But I'm not the type of person who can spend a lot of time in a lab.”
After taking a career quiz, the marketing, management, and international business triple major discovered her strengths aligned with her interests and future goals.
“It showed that marketing was more my area. I like being creative, being with people, and making relationships, so I chose that, and I also added management because I want to own my own business at some point in my life,” she said. “That's why I stayed with marketing. I don't see myself doing marketing for a company.”
Her passion for fitness also helped shape her academic plan. She added a fitness and wellness specialist minor to her already full schedule.
“At the time, I was going to the gym, and I was all about physical activity,” Sakar said. “I saw that there was a program, but I thought maybe it was too late to change majors. I thought that fitness was just a hobby, but then I talked to Terry (Ferebee) Eckmann ’81/’82 (Minot State professor), and she was like, ‘I study speech-language pathology, but I'm a fitness specialist and I do conferences and everything. You can mix whatever you want,’ and I think that's why I added it.”
Beyond the classroom, Sakar’s involvement is hard to miss. She’s served four semesters as president of the International Club, has been an international senator with the Student Government Association, and worked as the residence hall director in McCulloch Hall. She also spent three years as a member of the MSU Cheer Team and joined the boxing club for a new challenge.
“I’ve become more confident and independent, especially being away from home and adjusting to life in a new country and culture,” Sakar said. “I’ve learned how to manage my time better so I can handle all my responsibilities for school, practice, and work while still prioritizing my health, eating well, and staying physically active.”
Her passion for fitness shaped much of her experience at Minot State. One of her favorite classes was Fitness Leadership with Eckmann, who became a key mentor.
“Dr. Eckmann is one of my role models. She made me feel like I wasn’t lost when it came to what I wanted to do with my college degree,” Sakar said. “She showed me I could combine my love for fitness and exercise with business, and that I didn’t have to be stuck on just one thing.”
Sakar will continue to serve as president of the International Club and remain active in student government during her final semester this fall. While she’s stepping down from her residence hall director role, she says the leadership and communication skills she gained from it will stay with her.
One of her favorite memories at MSU isn’t from a single event, but from friendships that formed along the way.
“When I first moved here, I connected immediately with my roommate, even though we came from completely different worlds,” she said. “She made me feel at home. Then I met another student in Crane Hall, and we had breakfast before class. And when I met another international student who spoke Spanish, we instantly clicked. These friendships made my experience at MSU unforgettable.”
More memories are waiting to be unlocked as two experiences are on the horizon for Sakar.
“This summer, I’ll be doing a marketing internship with the North Dakota State Fair, which I’m really excited about,” Sakar exclaimed. “And this November, I’ll be traveling with Dr. Eckmann to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic for a week to teach group exercise classes at a resort. I am so happy and excited for this experience.”
Sakar then plans to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows international students to work in the U.S. after completing their studies, after finishing her fitness and wellness specialist minor in December. Her goal is to move to Houston, Texas, to be near her sister, Arantza.
“It would bring me a little closer to home, and having family nearby would mean so much as I start this next chapter,” she said.
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: 05/23/25
