AccessSuccess Questionaire
As part of every AccessSuccess newsletter, we invite scholars from all three programs
to submit answers to a questionnaire modeled on the famous Proust Questionnaire.
With only seven questions, scholars have the opportunity to learn so much about their fellow scholars and program staff.
Are you a Montana’s Own, 1893, or Return-to-Learn scholar and haven’t filled out the Questionnaire yet? Submit it Today!
Meet the Program Staff
Deb Albin
Associate Director
Adult Education, Success,
and Access Programs
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Every time life has tried to knock me down I've gotten back up and made myself stronger
than before. I've reinvented myself and my life a few times now and I have now doubt
I can do it again if need be.
What talent would you most like to have? Any musical ability at all - I am hopeless at everything and am in awe of those with
these talents.
What book or show are you bingeing right now? I just subscribed to the Acorn Channel, which has all these great shows from the UK
and Australia and New Zealand, and I can't get enough of Midsomer Murders. Every episodes
has at least three gruesome murders committed in the most beautiful small villages
in the English countryside. None of these villages or the police seemed to be the
slightest concerned about the fact that they are living in the murder capital of the
world - absolutely brilliant!
What is the biggest misconception people have about your major? My undergrad was sociology and most people thought I was going to be a social worker
or go to law school, like those are the only two things to do with that degree. Sociology
is, literally, the study of society, and I don't know of another major that gives
you such an amazing depth and breadth of theory, research, and practical knowledge.
What quality do you value most in your friends? The amount of trust and kindness it takes to tell me I have something stuck between
my front teeth.
What is one thing that you'd like to do to change Montana? As someone born and raised in rural Montana, I'd like all folks moving here to have
to take a Montana history class so they know who we are and where we came from and
what makes us and this land so special.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? No matter your age, sex, gender expression, religion, culture, bank account, life
experiences, or family make-up, you belong here and you are going to be great - at
MSU and in life.
Will Bannecker
Student Associate
AccessSuccess Scholar Programs
What do you consider your greatest achievement? I would say my greatest achievement was becoming an Eagle Scout, It took many years
and a lot of hard work. I enjoyed every minute of it.
What talent would you most like to have? I would like to become proficient with fixing and rebuilding vehicles. Also I would
like to be better at riding motorcycles.
What book or show are you bingeing right now? I am bingeing Curb your enthusiasm.
What is the biggest misconception people have about your major? That I have stock tips... I don't.
What quality do you value most in your friends? Trust.
What is one thing that you'd like to do to change Montana? I would like cheaper rent in Montana.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Get involved, try new hobbies, be outgoing, open minded, apply yourself to your classes.
Monica Hall
Program Manager
Montana's Own and 1893
Scholar Programs
What do you consider your greatest achievement?Demonstrating that old skeletal muscle stem cells struggle to make daughter cells
during muscle regeneration in elderly mice. I developed an ultra-crazy viral DNA barcoding
and high-throughput sequencing system in living mice that took years to develop before
it finally worked!
What talent would you most like to have? Ski slalom gates like Mikaela Shiffrin.
What book or show are you bingeing right now? Nothing at the moment, but my fallback is rewatching Miss Orchid Girl on YouTube.
What is the biggest misconception people have about your major? STEM students are nerds.
What quality do you value most in your friends? Sense of humor in everyone.
What is one thing that you'd like to do to change Montana? More open space for bison to roam free.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Building resilience is a personal journey.
Zak Wangler
Success Advisor
AccessSuccess Scholar Programs
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Working to expand programs, leverage community resources and provide more access to
housing supportive services with Family Promise during the pandemic was the most impactful
thing I've done, by far.
What talent would you most like to have? I would really love to have eidetic, or photographic, memory.
What book or show are you bingeing right now? The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkein.
What is the biggest misconception people have about your major? That everyone in the social sciences is bad at math. That happens to be true for me,
but lots of social scientists love math!
What quality do you value most in your friends? Compassion.
What is one thing that you'd like to do to change Montana? If I could wave a wand to make housing more accessible and affordable, I would.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Come to the college experience with a mind that is open to new experiences, new people,
new opportunities and most importantly a desire to learn.
Jen White-Dobbs
Program Manager
Return-to-Learn Scholars Program
What do you consider your greatest achievement? I think being a parent, raising two boys, and maintaining a professional career
is what I am proud of.
What talent would you most like to have? To be able to sing. I love to sing, but my family sure doesn't enjoy it!!!
What book or show are you bingeing right now? My husband and I are really enjoying Dark Winds. I've read most of the Tony HIllerman
books and the series is doing a great job with the stories.
What is the biggest misconception people have about your major? That it is pointless and you can't get a job. I've worked in my field my entire professional
career and my degree(s) have been essential to every job I've gotten.
What quality do you value most in your friends? Trust and acceptance. My best and closest friends have been my friends for years
and we can just pick up where we left off even if we haven't seen each other in ages.
We may not agree on everything but we accept each other for who we are.
What is one thing that you'd like to do to change Montana? I'd love to lower the housing prices. It would be great to think we could buy a home
at some point.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Don't let college pass you buy. Join a club, go to an event, travel, challenge yourself
beyond the classroom. College is definitely academics and you should strive to do
your best, but it is so much more than that.
Varanus Salvator
AKA Monty the Asian Water Monitor
Fish & Wildlife Ecology
Access Success Programs
Editor's Note: Monty is an honorary AccessSuccess Scholar last seen on the MSU campus
with his humans, Monica and Mitch (pictured at left with Monty), working with the
WIMU first year Vet Handling students.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Training two humans to do my bidding.
What talent would you most like to have? To recognize and move through clear glass or plastic barriers.
What book or show are you bingeing right now? Jurassic Park
What is the biggest misconception people have about your major? That humans can manage and conserve wildlife better than wildlife can.
What quality do you value most in your friends? Good massage technique. I am friendly and love a good massage.
What is one thing that you'd like to do to change Montana? Make Montana a tropical climate.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Don't let your environment cramp your style and block you from your goals.
Meet the Scholars
Irakoze Peace Business
Management
Return-to-Learn Scholars Program
What do you consider your greatest achievement? I think my greatest achievement was moving out of my home town and living on my own.
What talent would you most like to have? I wish I could sing.
What book or show are you bingeing right now? I am binge watching How I Met Your Mother right now.
What is the biggest misconception people have about your major? I haven’t heard any misconception.
What quality do you value most in your friends? I value their kindness and free spirit.
What is one thing that you'd like to do to change Montana? I would like there to be more authentic foods stores so I could make food from different
cultures and not have a hard time accessing the right ingredients.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Get out of your comfort zone.
Quealey Carpenter
Fish & Wildlife Ecology and Management
Return-to-Learn Scholars Program
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Building a life for myself and overcoming every obstacle that tried to stop me!
What talent would you most like to have? A better understanding of mathematics.
What book or show are you bingeing right now? Lost.
What is the biggest misconception people have about your major? That I want to become a game warden. What quality do you value most in your friends?
Compassion
What is one thing that you'd like to do to change Montana? Slow down population growth and deter urban sprawl.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Take advantage of the world you’re in, but don't forget to give back to it!
Patrick Olsen
Human Development and Family Science
Return-to-Learn Scholars Program
What do you consider your greatest achievement? I'm now dating a streamer I was a fan of.
What talent would you most like to have? Drawing. I'm not artistic.
What book or show are you bingeing right now? Columbo. I love Peter Falk, and I'm surprised I haven't binged this show earlier.
What is the biggest misconception people have about your major? That we're hyper liberal people who want to replace cops. There are a lot of conservative
HDFS Scholars who want to collaborate with cops.
What quality do you value most in your friends? Open-mindedness.
What is one thing that you'd like to do to change Montana? More mental health resources.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Make use of ALL the resources available to you.
Paula Diaz
Microbiology
Montana's Own Scholars Program
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Raising two children that became exceptionally talented young adults.
What talent would you most like to have? Photographic memory.
What book or show are you bingeing right now? Sacred Ecology by Fikret Berkes.
What is the biggest misconception people have about your major? People often think environmental health is all about creating healthy environments,
but it's actually learning about how environments affect human and animal health.
What quality do you value most in your friends?Authenticity.
What is one thing that you'd like to do to change Montana? I would like to facilitate conversation between left-leaning and right-leaning members
of the population to focus solely on desires outcomes. I think this could help bridge
the divide when people realize that most of them want similar outcomes but just may
not agree on how to get there.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Plan ahead always!!! Make sure to schedule assignments and obligations, but also schedule
time for you to do things you enjoy.
Chaz Christ
Chemical Engineering
Return-to-Learn Scholars Program
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Being a father.
What talent would you most like to have? Play the piano.
What book or show are you bingeing right now? The Forever War by Joe Halderman.
What is the biggest misconception people have about your major? Everyone thinks chemical engineering is extremely difficult, unfortunately they aren’t
wrong.
What quality do you value most in your friends? Loyalty and that they challenge my views.
What is one thing that you'd like to do to change Montana? Eliminate pollution from the environment
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Utilize all resources and departments that you can.
Sophia Hahner
Music Education
Montana's Own Scholars Programs
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Playing alongside famous trumpet players at a conference in California.
What talent would you most like to have?To be able to skateboard.
What book or show are you bingeing right now? That 90s Show.
What is the biggest misconception people have about your major? That it’s easy.
What quality do you value most in your friends? Honesty.
What is one thing that you'd like to do to change Montana? Funding for rural schools.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Get your football tickets early.
Annika Jeske
Nursing
Return-to-Learn Scholars Program
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Supporting myself and coming back to college!
What talent would you most like to have? Backflip.
What book or show are you bingeing right now? The Four Agreements & One Tree Hill.
What is the biggest misconception people have about your major? We are doing it for money.
What quality do you value most in your friends? Honesty.
What is one thing that you'd like to do to change Montana? Lower housing costs.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Stay on top of your schoolwork and study!
Ben Cade
Business Finance
Montana's Own Scholars Program
What do you consider your greatest achievement? It’s has to be a tie between making deans list or being able to purchase and paying
off my car.
What talent would you most like to have? I would like to have the talent of non procrastination
What book or show are you bingeing right now? Dexter/House MD
What is the biggest misconception people have about your major? The biggest misconception about my major is that it cannot be challenging
What quality do you value most in your friends? I value friends who can laugh
What is one thing that you'd like to do to change Montana? I actually like Montana the way it is. I just would like to preserve our way of life
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? It would be to utilize the state and all it has to offer before it is changed or gone
forever.
Kylee Wollenzien
Biochemistry
1893 Scholars Program
What do you consider your greatest achievement? I think my greatest achievement is finding my independence as an individual. I know
who I am and I feel confident that it is the reason I'm able to be here today.
What book or show are you bingeing right now? I'm always in the mood to binge New Girl.
What is the biggest misconception people have about your major? I'm not sure that this is a misconception but we don't have as many lab classes as
one might think.
What quality do you value most in your friends? I value the kindness and respect that my friends show all those around them.
What is one thing that you'd like to do to change Montana? I'd like to change the mindset of appreciation for the beauty of our state. Born
and raised in Montana, I often take the mountains for granted and I wish I could change
that.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Enjoy the time you spend here. Make friends and go study with them but also take
time to enjoy the life away from textbooks.
Lana Ellen Redfield
Business Management
& Accounting Montana's Own Scholars Program
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Returned to college after 20 years.
What talent would you most like to have? Ride horses.
What book or show are you bingeing right now? Where the Heart is.
What is the biggest misconception people have about your major? That it is an easy degree to obtain.
What quality do you value most in your friends? Loyalty.
What is one thing that you'd like to do to change Montana? Make more laws and regulations on homes that help special needs people.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Don't give up, keep going.
Jojo Tobias
Sociology/Criminology
1893 Scholars Program
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Made Deans List.
What talent would you most like to have? Good at math.
What book or show are you bingeing right now? Invincible.
What is the biggest misconception people have about your major? It’s meant for pre law.
What quality do you value most in your friends? Reliability.
What is one thing that you'd like to do to change Montana? Better education.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Prepare ahead of time.
Robert Dalton
Financial Accounting
Montana's Own Scholars Program
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Quitting my job and returning to school.
What talent would you most like to have? I would like to be at least conversational in another language.
What book or show are you bingeing right now? I'm rewatching White Collar, watching Jujutsu Kaisen with my wife, and enjoying The
Watchmaker of Filigree Street as an audiobook.
What is the biggest misconception people have about your major? That we're boring, or that we're good at math. The best joke is "What's the most
embarrassing thing about being an accountant? Your calculator history".
What quality do you value most in your friends? Honesty
What is one thing that you'd like to do to change Montana? I'd like to improve public transit, and implement campaign finance reform.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Take advantage of the resources here! Everyone at MSU wants you to succeed and be
your best self.
Daymond Anthony Arms Baney
Plant Biology & Philosophy
Montana's Own Scholars Program
What do you consider your greatest achievement? I achieved Dean's List my first semester in college, I had never gotten honor roll
throughout public school.
What talent would you most like to have? I think it'd be fun to juggle, or to sing, or to be able and bust out a limerick off
the top of your head... The same talents as a jester I guess.
What book or show are you bingeing right now? Game Of Thrones
What is the biggest misconception people have about your major? Not many people are aware my major exists. Or they think I just look at plants, but
I tend to look at a microscope which looks at the plant.
What quality do you value most in your friends? Honesty.
What is one thing that you'd like to do to change Montana? Show people the effects of climate change. Growing up in Montana people tend to deny,
deny, deny, when there is clear proof, proof, proof if they just look.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Try. As long as you try your best and are honest with yourself you'll have no doubt
about how things could have been. If you try your best and get a C you earned that,
if you try a little and get a B some part of you will wonder what you could have done
to get an A.
Anders Knudsen
Civil Engineering
Montana's Own Scholars Program
This is a photo from one of my favorite places. It is a butte called Square Butte that
is a prominent landmark that sits about 3-4 miles away from my family’s farm where
I grew up. This view overlooks some of our cattle pastures and a small creek that
I spent countless hours exploring when I was younger.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Making it to my senior year of college.
What talent would you most like to have? Be able to play piano.
What book or show are you bingeing right now? Harry Potter.
What is the biggest misconception people have about your major? That engineers are exceptionally good at math. (I use a calculator/excel for everything.)
What quality do you value most in your friends? Honest and empathetic.
What is one thing that you'd like to do to change Montana? Make winter shorter. It should officially end the day that Bridger Bowl closes.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Spend lots of time outside while it’s still warm!
Eran Heleana Boelke
Paleontology & Anthropology
Return-to-Learn Scholar
What is the most important reason you decided to attend MSU? My academic advisor is amazing, and the staff and services at Disability Services
and the Testing Center are top-notch.
What is your most treasured possession? My camera.
If time and money were not a consideration, what hobby would you take up? Rock climbing.
What Montanan do you most identify with or admire?
Dr. David Varricchio.
What is your current state of mind? Good and studying hard for upcoming course exams.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Make the time to participate in extracurricular activities and join on-campus clubs,
hall councils, sports clubs, and societies to meet new people and make new friends
with similar interests.
What is your motto? Never give up even when you feel down.
Brittany Steiger
Elementary Education &
Teaching Reading
Montana's Own Scholar
What is the most important reason you decided to attend MSU? The most important reason why I decided to attend MSU is the community that is built
within the students. It is also a place that is away from home but not too far from
home.
What is your most treasured possession? A picture of my family that has my great grandparents in it.
If time and money were not a consideration, what hobby would you take up? I would take up rock climbing.
What Montanan do you most identify with or admire?
My grandmother.
What is your current state of mind? Happy.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Take every opportunity you get.
What is your motto? You can do hard things.
Carson Sprague
English Writing
1893 Scholar
What is the most important reason you decided to attend MSU? It was the cheapest option since I am from Bozeman, and I was originally an architecture
student and this is a really good school for that. My reasons for staying here are
really complicated and convoluted.
What is your most treasured possession? I don't know, that's a really difficult question.
If time and money were not a consideration, what hobby would you take up? Snowmobiling or Woodworking.
What Montanan do you most identify with or admire? Hard to say, it really depends on who counts as a "Montanan." Maybe I need to know
more about Montana's history and people.
What is your current state of mind? Apathy and exhaustion.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Be as active and engaged as you possibly can. Don't miss events, parties, get-togethers,
and other opportunities to make memories for homework assignments that you won't remember
in the long run. It's cliche, but you can retake a class, but you can't re-take a
concert, or a pow-day, or a good time. Also, find a major that you actually care about
and then make friends with your peers.
What is your motto? I don't have a motto.
Karlie Graham
Microbiology
Montana's Own Scholar
What is the most important reason you decided to attend MSU? To get a quality education.
What is your most treasured possession? My phone right now because it has everything on it.
If time and money were not a consideration, what hobby would you take up? Traveling would be really fun to do or collect books.
What Montanan do you most identify with or admire?
I admire my mom who is a Montana woman born and raised.
What is your current state of mind? I’m stressed but hanging in there!
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Take it one day at a time! Make sure to prioritize your health first.
What is your motto? Do what makes you happy.
Allison Eastman
Nursing
1893 Scholar
What is the most important reason you decided to attend MSU? The most important reason why I decided to attend MSU is because of their phenomenal
BSN program. The academic and clinical course load may be a bit on the heavy side,
but the professors are compassionate, understanding, and driven to help me succeed.
I don't think I'd be where I am now without them, and I'll always be grateful for
it.
What is your most treasured possession? For me, my most treasured possession is my video game collection. Though it may look
like a bunch of old CDs to most people, it's something that I keep close to my heart
and will always bring me joy when I need it most.
If time and money were not a consideration, what hobby would you take up? If I didn't have to worry about time or money, I'd be crocheting to my heart's content.
I'd be making a little bit of everything: From hats and cardigans, to socks, scarves,
blankets, and stuffed animals. Who knows, I may even consider opening a crochet shop
on the side.
What Montanan do you most identify with or admire? One Montanan in particular I admire is Dr. Sadie Lindeberg, one of the few female
doctors in the state of Montana that specialized in obstetrics and women's healthcare
from the early to the mid 1900s. During her time in Miles City, MT, she helped deliver
a number of babies and provided abortion services to women in need when abortion was
deemed illegal.
What is your current state of mind? Though I can be a bit on the gloomy side, I'm optimistic, motivated, empathetic, and
anxious.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? My primary piece of advice for MSU students is to be flexible with whatever path
they're pursuing, regardless of their major or minor. Nothing in life is guaranteed,
but that doesn't mean you don't have the power to change that.
What is your motto? Don't let your past define your future. In the end, it's you who chooses the path
you pursue in life.
Patrick Olsen
Human Development and
Family Science
Return-to-Learn Scholar
What is the most important reason you decided to attend MSU? This is one of the best Family Consumer Sciences schools.
What is your most treasured possession? My nice looking rock.
If time and money were not a consideration, what hobby would you take up? Magnet fishing.
What Montanan do you most identify with or admire?
J.K. Simmons.
What is your current state of mind? Stressed and tired.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Reach out to EVERY resource you qualify for. They'll help you succeed.
What is your motto? I carry on, both for those I've lost and for those I can yet save.
Kyrah Kirchner
Food and Nutrition - Dietetics Option
Montana's Own Scholar
What is the most important reason you decided to attend MSU? It was close to home and had the program I was interested in.
What is your most treasured possession? My time.
If time and money were not a consideration, what hobby would you take up? Flying little trick airplanes like the old guys in Secondhand Lions.
What Montanan do you most identify with or admire?Jeanette Rankin. The only woman to have ever represented Montana in congress. And
the first woman ever elected to the position in the US.
What is your current state of mind? Grateful, tired.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Take advantage of the unique resources available to you. The Office of Health Advancement
is an awesome one!
What is your motto? You only get one life, live a story you would read.
Jerry Bowman
Biotechnology
Montana's Own Scholar
What is the most important reason you decided to attend MSU? I wanted to attend MSU because I had the chance to explore more of Montana and take
advantage of the undergraduate research opportunities MSU offers.
What is your most treasured possession? Certainly my motorcycle. It is a 2019 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 and I am stoked for
it to warm up so I can ride it again!
If time and money were not a consideration, what hobby would you take up? I've become really interested in Formula 1 racing lately and I think it would be
like nothing else to race one of those cars. MotoGP looks almost too scary
What Montanan do you most identify with or admire?Norman Maclean. He is the author of A River Runs Through Itand for anyone who grew up or lives in Montana and/or fishes, they should give it
a read.
What is your current state of mind? It feels easy to be distracted from my goals right now when weighing so many future
opportunities. To stay focused on success I am relying on myself to be disciplined
in all parts of my life.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Work hard in school but be sure to build strong relationships while you are here.
What is your motto? Give it your best.
Elizabeth Sampson
Exercise Science
Montana's Own Scholar
What is the most important reason you decided to attend MSU ? I’ve grown up coming to MSU football games and a number of family members also attend/ed
MSU!
What is your most treasured possession? My dogs.
If time and money were not a consideration, what hobby would you take up? Traveling the world.
What Montanan do you most identify with or admire? Unsure.
What is your current state of mind? Happy.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Enjoy it! College goes by way to fast and the “big” things really aren’t that big!
What is your motto? Live life while you can!
Jovany Guillen Castillo
Graphic Design
Montana's Own Scholar
What is the most important reason you decided to attend MSU? Proximity to home and affordability.
What is your most treasured possession? My time.
If time and money were not a consideration, what hobby would you take up? Back to singing and playing the piano.
What Montanan do you most identify with or admire? The Adventure Montanan probably the cowboy Montanan as well.
What is your current state of mind? Stressed, and questioning my future.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? It's the idea or concept that matters, the design or question will answer and create
itself with ideation and time.
What is your motto? It's a Sunday Kind of Love by Etta James.
Arianna Cline
Architecture
Montana's Own Scholar
What is the most important reason you decided to attend MSU? I grew up in Montana and don’t want to leave. Additionally I wanted to go for architecture
and they have a great program!
What is your most treasured possession? Old photos of me and my first dog I got when I was 3.
If time and money were not a consideration, what hobby would you take up? Drawing and painting. If I didn’t need to have a job I would just be creating.
What Montanan do you most identify with or admire? I enjoy the families and friends the best. I have met such welcoming and kind families
that are willing to treat you like their own!
What is your current state of mind? School is a long process to finish. But to finish you have to keep working at it.
Baby steps
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? I would say that don’t go for classes that are just an easy A. Go for classes that
you actually have an interest in and your work will be better than any class you don’t
care about.
What is your motto? Dream big, and trust the people that believe in you that you can do it.
Nyadhiel Lul
Environmental Engineering
Return-to-Learn Scholar
What is the most important reason you decided to attend MSU? The reason I wanted to come to MSU was to advance my degree with the best resources
necessary to complete my major which is at MSU. I have always wanted to attend and
graduate college since I was in high school just as my mom wanted to. I am the second
oldest out of 7 children and the first to attend college in my immigrant family. I
have always been a role model for my family and attending MSU with the resources given
to me I can make them proud and show them how well higher education challenges you
to become the person you want to be in a good way. I also wanted to explore outside
of my social circles and see different parts of the U.S. I have never seen mountains
such as they were seen here in Montana, Bozeman specifically.
What is your most treasured possession? My most treasured possession would have to be a portable jump start battery I was
given as a christmas present from my old coworker at my previous job who was my friend
when I told him was moving away to Montana from Nebraska for school. That battery
has been my complete lifesaver as I was not that prepared for the cold and the level
of snow living here. My car was able to survive another day!
If time and money were not a consideration, what hobby would you take up? A hobby I would like to take up if time and money was not an issue playing more instruments.
I have been in orchestra since the 4th grade playing the violin and cello. I always
found comfort in music either listening to it or performing it, even if it was difficult
to play I enjoyed a challenge. I would be a world-class musician and a master of all
instruments in a cabin in the woods away from society.
What Montanan do you most identify with or admire? The Montanan I most identify with would be Jesse Tyler Ferguson, an American actor
from MIssoula, Montana. He is mostly remembered from his character of Mitchell Pritchett
from the sitcom Modern Family. His character he played was always my favorite and
how well he portrayed a Type-A character accurately and hilarious.
What is your current state of mind? The truth of my current state of mind is curiosity. I always loved learning new things
and trying new experiences such as moving miles away from home to explore a city I
have never been in to complete my degree. There is much to learn about the world and
others who live in it. I love meeting new people and hearing the lives they lived
and events that made them to be the way they are currently.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? My one piece of advice I would give to MSU students is to use every resource available
that's on campus. Your tuition is covering for it anyway so take advantage of it and
use every bit of it. They are there to help you succeed by anyways necessary and with
amazing empathic staff such as the teachers who would meet with you every step of
the way.
What is your motto? My motto is " Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax". It applies
to me because my mom named me after my great great grandfather and the meaning behind
my name is being "calm" and " taking it easy". The world can feel overwhelming to
handle every single day, so it is always okay to take a step back and recharge to
face the next day.
McKayla Carlson
Marketing & Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship
Montana's Own Scholar
What is the most important reason you decided to attend MSU? I wanted to learn more about marketing and business. I felt Marketing was the only
thing I didn't have a complete understanding with business but it was the most intriguing
aspect of business in my opinion.
What is your most treasured possession? My cameras. I never go anywhere without one of them and love getting creative with
my photographs.
If time and money were not a consideration, what hobby would you take up? Wildlife photography. It would be so cool to capture photos of African and South American
flora and fauna. (Honestly any "exotic" flora and fauna.)
What Montanan do you most identify with or admire? All of my fellow born and raised Montanans! But probably Evelyn Cameron the most.
She was a photographer back in the late 1800s/early 1900s who captured the settler
life in many of her photographs.
What is your current state of mind? Excited to graduate and finally work full time again and get on with my life. I am
very excited for what the future holds!
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Don't be afraid to take a break from college. I wouldn't be graduating with only one
student loan if I didn't figure out what I actually wanted to do and had the chance
to save money.
What is your motto? Never stop learning and always try something new at least once!
Luke Petrus
History & Environmental Science
Return-to-Learn Scholar
What is the most important reason you decided to attend MSU? I decided to return to MSU because I wanted to improve my station in life.
What is your most treasured possession? My bicycle.
If time and money were not a consideration, what hobby would you take up? Woodworking.
What Montanan do you most identify with or admire? Evel Knievel
What is your current state of mind? Calm and confident
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Take a gap year. Maturity is partially biological.
What is your motto? "Let's GOOOOOOO!"
Jordyn Meyer
Microbiology
Montana's Own Scholar
What is the most important reason you decided to attend MSU? The science program and because of all the mountains.
What is your most treasured possession? A dollar from Jordan that my uncle gave me.
If time and money were not a consideration, what hobby would you take up? Backcountry skiing throughout the world.
What Montanan do you most identify with or admire? My mom.
What is your current state of mind? Determination and resilience
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Enjoy what MSU has to offer. It is easy to get so lost in school and only focus on
that, but when you look around, you see what you're missing out on.
What is your motto? Life is too short to be serious.
Asherah Bauquier
Sociology
Return-to-Learn Scholar
What is the most important reason you decided to attend MSU? I wanted to get a degree to give myself the best chance at success in life.
What is your most treasured possession? My beautiful van home.
If time and money were not a consideration, what hobby would you take up? Ice Skating
What Montanan do you most identify with or admire? Zoe Zephyr
What is your current state of mind? Survival
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Meet with your professors in office hours.
What is your motto? "Just doing my best"
Paula Diaz
Environmental Health
Montana's Own Scholar
What is the most important reason you decided to attend MSU? I was tired of doing what I had to in order to survive. I wanted to create a future
I would enjoy.
What is your most treasured possession? My health.
If time and money were not a consideration, what hobby would you take up? Rockhounding and jewelry making.
What Montanan do you most identify with or admire? I admire my great uncle Thomas Kemph. He's in the Montana Hall of fame. He came to
Montana with John Bozeman on the Bozeman trail and was interested in gold. Later he
became a trapper and settled on a homestead near Greycliff. It's still there.
What is your current state of mind? Optimistic
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Plan your time wisely, but don't forget to leave time for fun endeavors.
What is your motto? Your life is what you make it.
Moriah Schutt
Sustainable Foods & Bioenergy Systems
Montana's Own Scholar
What is the most important reason you decided to attend MSU? Offered the degree program I was looking for with passionate professors teaching
the subject.
What is your most treasured possession? My Army National Guard graduation ring. I bought it during a time in my training
that I wasn't sure I would graduate because of stress fractures in my femur. It's
a constant daily reminder of how God has carried me through hard things like that.
If time and money were not a consideration, what hobby would you take up? Musical theatre, or professionally trained singer (Opera). Or being a mascot for
a company (not sports) full time! Or hosting Disney princess parties! Options are
endless...
What Montanan do you most identify with or admire? After seeing Barbra Van Cleve's photography at Museum of the Rockies a few months
ago, I admire her perspective on life and how she captures it through her photographs.
What is your current state of mind? Determination. Discipline. But also to slow down, find the joy in the little things,
and enjoy this phase in life because it will soon change.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Apply for CatScholarships. Just do it! There are so many opportunities for additional
financial support with only submitting one application. Second piece of advice, use
the Writing Center! I waited till my senior year to finally ask for their help on
a writing task and boy was that a mistake! They are so helpful for any writing needs!!
What is your motto? Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to
prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Devinn Paine
Environmental Design & Hispanic Studies
Montana's Own Scholar
What is the most important reason you decided to attend MSU? The Architecture Program here at Montana State was the most importantreason. I knew the career field I wanted to be in, and I knew MSU was an accredited
school with the NCARB.
What is your most treasured possession? My dog, Honey, is my most treasured possession.
If time and money were not a consideration, what hobby would you take up? Traveling! I spent time in other countries in high school, butdue to time and money, I haven't been able to return to this hobby.
What Montanan do you most identify with or admire? Mhmm.. a good question. In community college (before attending MSU), I was in aMontana History class where I learned about Jeannette Rankin. Her contribution to
women in Montana is incredible and she is definitelyadmired by me.
What is your current state of mind? My current state of mind is stressed enough to get work done; both a positive and
negative state ofmind.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be?College is a great opportunity to try new things, so take advantage of it. You won't
know if you like it unless you try.
What is your motto? "It's not that deep" or in other words, don't analyze everything so closely.
Annemarie Kozlowski
Hospitality Management: Farm to Table & Small Business Entrepreneurship
Montana's Own Scholar
What is the most important reason you decided to attend MSU? I want to start my own business one day, and I don't know how to do that. Ifound the degree I am in and decided to re enroll so I can learn.
What is your most treasured possession? My dog, Oliver.
If time and money were not a consideration, what hobby would you take up? Ballet! I danced competitively until I was 16, it has beenalmost 10 years since I stopped and I miss it so much! I would also want to pick up
playing the oboe again. I would like to practice enough andaudition for the Bozeman symphony eventually.
What Montanan do you most identify with or admire? I admire the Folkford family. They own several business in Gallatin Valley includingThe Sacajawea Hotel, the RSVP Motel, and Farmers Daughter. They have built up these
businesses and brought together a community. Theyare passionate about their business, the employees, and their guests. They are always
making the rounds and making sure everyone is doingwell. I would like to replicate that in my own business one day.
What is your current state of mind? Right now I have a lot of buzzing in my head. With my classes, homework, work, my
relationship, extracurriculars, internship applications, rent, car trouble, my dogs health, my own health...
there is a lot going on. But I am excited about mycurrent path!
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Know what you want to do in the future before attending college! Itmakes your classes and everything else have so much more meaning.
What is your motto? When life gives you lemons, make orange juice and leave the rest of the world wondering
how you did it.
Walker Ator
Political Science
Montana's Own Scholar
What is the most important reason you decided to attend MSU? MSU has always played a big role in my life growing up in rural Montana.Staying in Montana to pursue secondary education has been a lifelong dream. I love
Bozeman and the Bobcats so coming to MSU was an easydecision.
What is your most treasured possession? My 2020 Montana 6-man football championship ring. It represents the strong bond
between myformer teammates, coaches, and home community.
If time and money were not a consideration, what hobby would you take up? I would travel to every Major League Baseball and NationalFootball League stadium to watch a game.
What Montanan do you most identify with or admire? My dad. He was born and raised in the same community that I was. He is thehardest working person I know and he taught me the importance of embracing the rural
Montana identity.
What is your current state of mind? Controlled Chaos
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Take care of the little things in life, the rest will follow.
What is your motto? Excelsior- Onward and Upward
Patrick Olson
Human Development &Family Science
Return-to-Learn Scholar
What is the most important reason you decided to attend MSU? MSU has the best HDFS program in Montana
What is your most treasured possession? The Kreeps pin on my backpack that my fiance gave me.
If time and money were not a consideration, what hobby would you take up? Magnet Fishing
What Montanan do you most identify with or admire? J.K. Simmons. His J. Jonah Jameson resonates with me.
What is your current state of mind? Jumbled
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Reach out for help. Asking for help is not shameful
What is your motto? If life knocks you off your horse, you get back up and eat that horse.
Moriah Schutt
Sustainable Foods &Bioenergy Systems
Montana's Own Scholar
What is the most important reason you decided to attend MSU? Get through school as debt-free as possible. Set myself up for a promisingcareer.
What is your most treasured possession? Right now, Army Basic Training Graduation Ring
If time and money were not a consideration, what hobby would you take up? Professional Dancing: Ballet or Ballroom
What Montanan do you most identify with or admire? Bob Quinn
What is your current state of mind? "It'll work itself out in the end, it'll be alright, just give it your best, don't
sweat it, just get it done."
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Apply for Cat Scholarships. One applications and they come to you. Leastamount of effort, biggest reward.
What is your motto? "Do something today that your future self will thank you for"
Tara Bates
Paleontology
1893 Scholar
What is the most important reason you decided to attend MSU? To start a new chapter of my life and escape the monotony I found myself inbefore 2020. I wanted to get healthier mentally, I wanted to learn more about the
far past and in a way learn more about myself and my passions.
What is your most treasured possession? I would probably say my shell fossil necklaces and ammonite earrings. They practically
shout "HEY!FOSSILS ARE COOL AND STUFF!" at people, and so I like wearing them when I go to meet
people for the first time.
If time and money were not a consideration, what hobby would you take up? Weirdly enough, modern bone collecting of wild animals (solong as they're relatively clean and fairly obviously dead from natural causes of
course). I think lately I've come to realize that I really just likebones, and I like seeing how they can connect to form a skeleton and give a hint of
what kind of animal it belonged to. It's also very interestinghow analogous hooved animals' bones are to ours, and learning the differences in their
shape and form is cool!
What Montanan do you most identify with or admire? Growing up in Butte, I've honestly come to dread how much of Montanan (or at leastButtian (hehe) history) is clouded by corruption, pettiness and greed. I will also
admit that we don't learn much about other historical Montanansin Butte, so I don't have much context for other Montanans. So instead I strive to
eventually come to admire my own accomplishments and gain abetter respect for myself as a Montanan. It might sound self centered to say so, but
I'm actually trying to improve my own self esteem and selfworth in saying so. I'm hoping to prove to myself that I can do things I strive for
if only to spite the mirror I've seen myself through the past 2decades or so.
What is your current state of mind? Part of me is relaxed and relieved that I've actually given myself the weekends off,
a first for the lastseveral years! Part of me is not used to having days to sleep in though, so sometimes
I find myself having the most bonkers sleep schedule forthe weekend, which is just an absolute delight. Part of me is super stoked that I've
only got a few more classes left to go over the next fewsemesters, but another part is trying to reign me in a bit and ground myself in the
now, to complete the classes I have before me. Part of me isexcited to think of myself now as a crazy bone lady, but part of me is concerned about
if that's all I want out of this...but perhaps that just meansthere are still more secrets I get to learn about myself that I have not yet discovered
on my own!
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Don't stress yourself out too much, or stretch yourself thin. Yes, yourstudies may be a top priority, but your mental health and how you feel should be your
main concern. Give yourself a day or two to relax! And ifyou feel you have enough time to do homework on those days then go for it! Also don't
worry if a part time job you have during work ends up notworking out, it's just a j.o.b. It might suck if you get fired or laid off (it's happened
to me a few times by now, and hoo Nelly its painful) but maybe itmeans you can look to other avenues of work that might be more fun for you!
What is your motto? It's okay to be a WIP (work in progress): even the early stages of art are impressive
and remarkable in their own way.
Jamie Karinen
Computer Science
Montana's Own Scholar
What is the most important reason you decided to attend MSU? To learn as much as I can.
What is your most treasured possession? My body, I couldn't live without it!
If time and money were not a consideration, what hobby would you take up? Reading and writing all day.
What Montanan do you most identify with or admire? Not sure!
What is your current state of mind? Optimistically pessimistic.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Get organized.
What is your motto? Input over output.
Layton Renee McCafferty
Computer Science & French and Francophone Studies
1893 Scholar
What is the most important reason you decided to attend MSU? The most important reason I decided to attend MSU was for the technology programs.
I was originally planning on attending college at UM, butI learned that MSU has a much more robust technology program.
What is your most treasured possession? My most treasured possession is my iPad. I take it everywhere with me and use it for
almost everything. Shopping, notes, art, work, etc.
If time and money were not a consideration, what hobby would you take up? If time and money were not a consideration, I would really love to get into building
computers. It takes a lot of time to learn about this topic anda lot of money if you happen to mess up.
What Montanan do you most identify with or admire? The Montanan I identify the most with is Evil Knievel. Honestly, there's no rhyme
or reason for this. It just resonates.
What is your current state of mind? Get your money up, not your funny up! Working hard pays off.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Apply. For. Scholarships. Even if your tuition is covered right now by grants and
such, that extra money goes a long way in the future. You neverknow when you may need it.
What is your motto? Lead by example.
Karlie Graham
Microbiology
Montana's Own Scholar
What is the most important reason you decided to attend MSU? To get an education and progress in the field of study I want to pursue.
What is your most treasured possession? I think that would be my phone because it has all my family photos and messages from
my dad who passed away in 2019.
If time and money were not a consideration, what hobby would you take up? I'm going to choose two things. One I would take up MMA because I think it would be
challenging and fun. The second, I would like to buy all thebooks I love and want.
What Montanan do you most identify with or admire? I think the Montanan I admire most is my mom. She was born and raised in Montana just
like me.
What is your current state of mind? That everything will pass. Nothing stays bad or good, life is always fluctuating.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Take care of yourself first, and have school come second.
What is your motto? Keep moving forward.
Shaylyn Tadej Evans
Sociology
Montana's Own Scholar
What is the most important reason you decided to attend MSU? I wanted to stay in Montana but be out on my own.
What is your most treasured possession? My most treasured possession is the ranch I live on.
If time and money were not a consideration, what hobby would you take up? If money and time were not considered a hobby, I would pick up learning how to skydive
and get my skydiving certification.
What Montanan do you most identify with or admire? My mom is the Montanan that identify with and admire the most.
What is your current state of mind? Senioritis
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? My advice would be to work hard during the week that way when the weekend comes you
can relax and not overwhelm yourself with whatever you might be dealing with.
What is your motto? It happens.
Seth Higgins
Global & Multicultural Studies
1893 Scholar
What is the most important reason you decided to attend MSU? Word of mouth had it that MSU was progressive and chill with people like me (trans,
Jewish, multiracial) and I wanted to be somewhere with that energy while I worked
on my degree.
What is your most treasured possession? The three-foot tall plush Squirtle my dad got me when I was 3, after I had to go
to the hospital for anaphylactic shock from strawberries, and then I went further
into shock when given anti-allergy meds because I'm allergic to antihistamines. My
dad bought me the biggest Squirtle he could find because he felt guilty for giving
me the strawberry that caused the whole incident.
If time and money were not a consideration, what hobby would you take up? Stained glass making. My ancestors on my mom's dad's side used to do that and I love
how stained glass looks, but not only is it expensive, it's very hard to find someone
to teach you the skill.
What Montanan do you most identify with or admire? My fifth-grade teacher, Mr. Laughlin.
What is your current state of mind? Highly accomplished, vaguely proud of myself, sleepy from the rain, and ready for
whatever the future holds.
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Please eat and drink water regularly! I am extremely tired of talking to people on
this campus who casually mention skipping meals/not drinking water/both. Can y'all
PLEASE take care of yourselves?! Yes, academics matter, but so do you.
What is your motto? "I died once - this isn't *that* bad."
Brittany Steiger
Elementary Education
Montana's Own Scholar
What is the most important reason you decided to attend MSU? A place that i can go to college in a different town without being too far away from
my family
What is your most treasured possession? A locket my mom gave me
If time and money were not a consideration, what hobby would you take up? Rock climbing
What Montanan do you most identify with or admire? My mom because she is kind and funny and is caring for so many people, is an amazing
women
What is your current state of mind? Positive
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Do your best and don’t sweat the small stuff
What is your motto? Being nice is free
Rocky Myles
Verrue Crop Science & Entomology
Montana's Own Scholar
What is the most important reason you decided to attend MSU? Extreme variance of Majors and vast amount of opportunities
What is your most treasured possession? Memories
If time and money were not a consideration, what hobby would you take up? Gem collection
What Montanan do you most identify with or admire? My grandfather
What is your current state of mind? Tired but happy to work and succeed
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Goof off your freshman year and afterwards get down to business
What is your motto? Go with the flow
Sydnee Lovering
Architecture
Return-to-Learn Scholar
What is the most important reason you decided to attend MSU? It is close to home
What is your most treasured possession? My guitar
If time and money were not a consideration, what hobby would you take up? A Choir
What Montanan do you most identify with or admire? Jesse Tyler Ferguson What is your current state of mind? Excited and sleepy
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? You are the only person who can give what you have to offer
What is your motto? Let your choices reflect your hopes not your fears
Jhett Johnson
Environmental Design
Montana's Own Scholar
What is the most important reason you decided to attend MSU? I love Montana and wanted to pursue a career in architecture
What is your most treasured possession? My family, I spend as much time as possible with them!
If time and money were not a consideration, what hobby would you take up? Collecting shoes
What Montanan do you most identify with or admire? My mom, she is my rock and supporter in life!
What is your current state of mind? Overwhelmed! But full of architectural ideas
If you had one piece of advice for MSU students, what would it be? Enjoy life, don’t get wrapped up in school!
What is your motto? It’s not that deep!