Vance builds a community at Minot State

MINOT, N.D. – Finding community has never been something Emma Vance has taken for granted.

Because of her father’s military career, Vance spent part of her childhood and high school years moving between communities, including a time living in Japan. Those experiences taught her how to adapt, connect with others, and step into leadership roles quickly; lessons she now carries with her as a student at Minot State University.

Vance said the experience of moving often helped her understand the importance of building strong communities wherever she goes.

“In a place where people are always coming and going, you learn that the community needs to be strong,” she said. “It’s more fun to be somewhere when you’re meeting new people and getting involved.”

She said those years also shaped her leadership style by showing her that even a short time in a place can make a lasting impact.

“So, showing up, even if it’s for a semester, may still inspire others to keep coming back to events, clubs, living on campus, whatever it may be,” Vance said.

Living in Japan left a lasting impression as well. Vance described the experience as both exciting and challenging, and said it opened her eyes to a wider world and new cultural perspectives. One of the biggest adjustments after returning to the United States, she said, was missing the walkability and day-to-day lifestyle she had grown used to there.

Now at Minot State, Vance has built a sense of home through campus involvement, friendships, and academics. A Communication Sciences and Disorders major, she said she was drawn to the field because it offered a meaningful way to help people.

“Growing up, I always wanted to help people,” Vance said. “Then my mom showed me a Facebook post about speech and language pathology, and I was like, that seems like fun. That was it. I was sold.”

She said her confidence in that path has only grown stronger over time, especially as she has shared her goals with family and reflected more deeply on the impact she hopes to make as a future speech-language pathologist.

Vance describes leadership as helping others see a bigger vision and empowering them to contribute to it.

“To me, leadership means helping inspire others to see a larger vision for how we can impact a community,” she said. “Whether it’s on campus or off campus, leadership is a responsibility.”

Her involvement in the Honors Society Club has helped her grow in that area. Vance said the experience has strengthened her ability to work with others, plan events, and develop confidence both academically and professionally.

What she enjoys most about Minot State, she said, is the sense of belonging.

“I honestly enjoy the campus community,” Vance said. “It feels cozy to know people I can say hi to, others I can chat with, and friends I can study with and hang out with. It makes Minot State a home.”

That sense of home did not come automatically. Vance said one of her biggest challenges in transitioning to college was finding her people and creating a routine. She overcame that by pushing herself to attend events, join clubs, and introduce herself to others, even when it felt uncomfortable at first.

Looking ahead, Vance plans to continue her education in graduate school and eventually work with veterans or adults in a hospital or clinical setting.

Wherever she goes, she said, her goal is simple: to help people communicate and brighten their days.