What it takes: Soaking up the college experience

For the past two years, I've been writing this column about people and their professions. After all this time, I still find myself pondering the age old question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

While I do have an idea of what kind of career I might pursue, I have also noticed that many jobs require at least some college work. That is why this month I decided to interview two college students to learn more about the college experience.

The two people I interviewed are both graduates of New Rockford-Sheyenne School. Both went to college out of state, and interestingly enough both have studied journalism.

Journalism students learn how to ask questions, compose a story and write articles for a diverse audience. With both interviewees, I couldn't help but feel connected, like we were related. After all, we do the same kind of work- telling stories.

Alicia Louters graduated in December with a dual degree in communications and multimedia journalism from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn. Journalists traditionally have used newspapers, but modern technology allows for a variety of ways to present a story. For example, Alicia has a drone which she uses to get footage. The video clips and photographs she captures help her tell a story in a very different way.

Jaden Gray, who is attending Columbia College in Chicago, is also taking a nontraditional approach to journalism while pursuing a dual degree. Her second major is creative writing, and she is considering a career in forensic journalism. She also wants to write many books in her lifetime.

When I asked each of them about their college application process, both of them recalled how tense it was. They talked about test scores, ACTs and SATs, scholarship essays and college recruiters. It was all a bit much to understand, so I did some research.

I learned that things like grade point average, extra curricular activities and community service are valued by colleges. That made me feel good, because as a fifth grader, I write for the newspaper regularly and just recently I joined the yearbook staff at school. That's a good start.

Colleges also value test scores, especially the SATs or Scholastic Aptitude Test, as well as the ACT or American College Test. Both are designed to evaluate a student's college-specific skills. The higher the test score, the better the chance of being accepted to the college of your choice.

Also part of most college applications is writing an essay or a personal statement. It is key to take time to write a clean and polished essay of who you are and why you should be accepted.

When I asked each of my interviewees what suggestions they had for people who are considering college, Jaden's reply really spoke to me. She said, "Knowledge is power. I know that college isn't for everyone, but if you're driven by knowledge, then I encourage you to give college to a try."

For Jaden, the college experience includes living in the city. In fact an urban setting was among Jaden's highest priorities when applying to college. She says she likes the fact that, "Everybody has a story, even if you are not part of it. The city is a place where you don't get to know everything."

It's a sense of mystery that Jaden seems quite comfortable with. This is a good thing because city life is different from what we know here. To get around, Jaden relies on walking or public transportation, even when going to the grocery store. She's not the only one without a car. "Most of us who live in the city don't have cars. It just doesn't make sense to pay so much for parking."

Jaden says she enjoys interacting with other city dwellers. In fact she said that she connects with folks in her neighborhood far more than she does with other students in her classes.

Due to COVID-19, most of her classes have been online. "It's really been hard," says Jaden. "My college experience isn't going as planned." In a more normal college setting, Jaden would be encouraged to interact with other students not just in class, but through clubs and activities.

For Alicia, being involved with clubs was one of her favorite parts of college. She said that there's such a variety of clubs in college, that there is bound to be something for everyone. "You might not want to break out of your comfort zone, but college is a great time to do so." When I get to go to a college I cannot wait to be part of the laser tag club.

When Alicia arrived at college, she got all settled in and said good-bye to her family. She said things were pretty comfortable until that night when she realized she was never going to live with her family again. She was on her own.

I would imagine that would be a really difficult experience and that it would take a lot of time to get used to. Colleges fortunately understand that many students are feeling alone for the first time. Alicia said that in dorms, they were actually assigned buddies. It might not have been the ideal way to meet new people, but it worked, forcing Alicia to interact with people.

Today, Alicia says one of her favorite parts of college is being able to have deep meaningful conversations with just about anyone.

Normally in my interviews I ask people about what skills they need to do their job. So in this situation, I just couldn't help but ask Alicia what skills she gained during college. Her reply was confident, citing things like positive self image and improved time management. She also noted that her conversational skills had come along way since graduating from NR-S. Alicia is currently applying for jobs in non-profit ministry and says the skills she has gained in college will take her a long way.

I would go to college in a heartbeat. It seems like a great opportunity to continue learning, not just about ideas- but about oneself as well. It was really interesting to realize that both interviewees intend to use their journalism degree in creative ways. This just goes to show, the university is like a vast network of ideas. What better place to go chase your dream, pursue your happiness, uncover your talents and create a better future.

It's Collegiate Congratulations week: Celebrate all the accomplishments of our area college students

Widmer makes Dickinson State dean's list: https://www.newrockfordtranscript.com/story/2021/02/01/news/widmer-makes-deans-list-at-dickinson-state/6079.html

Valley City State University honors: https://www.newrockfordtranscript.com/story/2021/02/01/news/valley-city-state-university-announces-honor-rolls/6080.html

NDSU's Fall Dean's List: https://www.newrockfordtranscript.com/story/2021/02/01/news/ndsus-fall-dean-list-has-many-familiar-names/6081.html

Carrington Health Center Auxiliary scholarships: https://www.newrockfordtranscript.com/story/2021/02/01/news/carrington-health-center-auxiliary-awards-750-scholarships-to-3-students/6082.html

Becker, Hilbert named to BSC's President's List: https://www.newrockfordtranscript.com/story/2021/02/01/news/becker-hilbert-named-to-bscs-presidents-list/6083.html

Lake Region State College honorees: https://www.newrockfordtranscript.com/story/2021/02/01/news/idalski-leininger-among-presidents-list-honorees-at-lake-region-state-college/6084.html

Collegiate Congratulations is brought to you by the following fine local businesses: Nodak Insurance Company- Chris Bichler, Divide Electrical & Automation, Weisenburger Construction, North American Bison, Vorland Land Company, Do it Best Hardware, NAPA Auto Parts, Surety Title Company, Evans Funeral Home, Warren Implement, Farmers Union Insurance- Lucas Schumacher, Community Credit Union, CenDak Cooperative, Cash and Carry Lumber, Fessenden Cooperative Association, Central Pharmacy, Tony's Repair, Bank Forward, Yri Electric, Meehan Machine, Miller's Fresh Foods, Nicolai Chiropractic, Bakers Dozen and Log Cabin.