Faces of MSUB

“I knew after I visited MSUB for the first time that MSUB was a place where I could grow as a person, player, and student”

Why did you choose MSUB?

I chose MSUB because it had exactly what I wanted in a school and a soccer program. The school had many of the educational programs I was looking into and it is small enough where I felt like I wouldn’t get lost in the crowd. The soccer program is competitive, and the players made me feel like I was a part of the family the moment I arrived. I knew after I visited MSUB for the first time that MSUB was a place where I could grow as a person, player, and student.

What do you like about MSUB?

I love the sense of community that is here. It made me nervous initially to go to a school far away from home, but as soon as I arrived at MSUB I was welcomed by the staff, my teammates, and my fellow students. This welcoming atmosphere really helped me feel at home here in Billings. I also enjoy the academic opportunities I have been afforded here at MSUB. Being a member of the Honor’s Program has helped me explore many different subjects and academic opportunities over the last three years. Having this diversity in my education has helped me to become a more well-rounded student. Lastly, I love the women’s soccer program. My teammates and coaches have created a welcoming and fun environment to play in and have been a great support system throughout my years in college.

What have you gotten to do through the University Honors Program?

Recently, I was able to intern at the Yellowstone Art Museum (YAM) through the program.

I was looking for more classes and visited with David Craig, director of the University Honors Program, about opportunities in art and thought of the Yellowstone Art Museum. Dr. Craig contacted Bob Durden about internship possibilities and my interest in the YAM.  I interviewed at the YAM and got the job.

I would like to become an occupational therapist to help people get their life back after injury and relearn their day to day skills. Art is a good way to get back motor functions and will be a great way to help people relearn their daily skills, so I plan to incorporate it into my practice as an occupational therapist.

The most fun part of the internship was hanging a Picasso. To get to actually touch the art made the experience feel more relative. You don’t have to travel to New York or LA to see great art. It’s an amazing experience to have all of these opportunities and to get this experience is phenomenal.

What have you learned about yourself from your time at MSUB?

I have learned that I am a stronger person then I initially thought. Being so far away from home made me worry that it would be harder to handle demanding situations because I didn’t have my traditional support system with me. However, being at MSUB has allowed me to confront more challenges on my own and overcome them.