Ten spring 2021 graduates share their future plans and what they will remember about their NDSU experience.
Marian Taiwo
Major: Biology
Hometown: Ottawa, Ontario
The most memorable part of my NDSU experience was participating on the NDSU women's soccer team and all the activities I was a part of through athletics. I loved playing games on Dacotah Field, travelling with my team and getting involved in our community as a team. I built lifelong relationships with the women on my team and I'm so thankful for the opportunity to play here.
Plans after graduation: I plan on attending medical school this fall to obtain my Doctor of Medicine degree. Then I plan to practice as a family physician in Canada.
Zeina Abouelazm
Major: Emergency management and management communication
Hometown: Cairo, Egypt
The most memorable part of my NDSU experience are the connections I got to build throughout my four years and all the experiences that came with them. I will deeply miss the late-night conversations I had with my roommate in our cozy residence hall room, becoming best friends with my co-workers and enjoying every staff meeting to follow, the endless hours I spent studying with friends as we snacked on the dining center’s tater tots, strangers opening the door for me as I try to enter a building with way more items than my hands can handle, greeting my favorite MATBUS driver as he takes me back to Niskanen after a long day of classes, planning events with some of the most passionate people I have met through student organizations, spending hours at the International Students Office talking about all the new places we want to visit or running across my old supervisor and stopping for a quick chat at the Memorial Union. I met some of the most inspiring and caring individuals at NDSU that I am lucky to call best friends and mentors. All these genuine connections will always remain my most valuable memory of NDSU.
Plans after graduation: I plan on moving to Washington, D.C., in August to pursue a Master of Arts in international development from American University. I also will be a graduate assistant for their School of International Services.
Megan Thorson
Major: Industrial engineering and management
Hometown: Fargo, North Dakota
The amazing and inspiring people I met throughout my time at NDSU will have a long-lasting impact on me. I have made both professional and personal relationships that have pushed me to become my best self and I live to serve those around me. Volunteering and being active in the community are important to me, and NDSU truly helped me continue to develop that passion. The organizations I was a part of introduced me to my best friends and future bridesmaids. Being in leadership positions in those organizations helped me develop soft skills that I will take into my future career.
Plans after graduation: I have accepted a job as a manufacturing engineer for Marvin Windows and Doors in Fargo.
Aaron Dwyer
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Ramsey, Minnesota
The most memorable part of my experience at NDSU was the sense of community I found from the moment I stepped foot on campus. My involvement in Chi Alpha and small group helped me to form friendships that will last a lifetime. Being part of Welcome Week with the move-in-crew and as a group lead gave me the opportunity to help others find that same sense of community at NDSU that has been so memorable for me. The investment and support from the School of Nursing faculty provided a learning environment that inspired me to be the best that I could be. I am forever grateful for the invaluable life and leadership skills I gained throughout my time at NDSU.
Plans after graduation: I have accepted a job as a registered nurse at Sanford Health in Fargo and will be working on an adult oncology unit.
Samantha Pernsteiner
Major: Agricultural economics
Hometown: Ellendale, North Dakota
The most memorable part of my experience at NDSU has been being involved in the largest student organization on campus, Saddle and Sirloin. I have learned so many valuable skills that I will use throughout my professional career along with gaining friendships that are going to last a lifetime. I am honored to have served as the 95th Little International queen and vice president for Saddle and Sirloin this past year. I am forever grateful to NDSU for all the memories I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Plans after graduation: I have accepted a full-time position as a farm loan program technician for Farm Service Agency in LaMoure County.
Justin Lehmann
Major: Precision agriculture
Hometown: Havana, North Dakota
The memorable part about my NDSU experience was building so many relationships with fellow students and faculty. All the faculty members that I worked with were very helpful and played a huge role in my success at NDSU. My college experience at NDSU has prepared me well for a successful career after graduation.
Plans after graduation: I have accepted a position as an agronomy manager for Infinity Ag in Verona, North Dakota.
Anna Semanko
Major: Psychology (health and social psychology doctoral program)
Hometown: Dassell, Minnesota
My most memorable experiences at NDSU involve my interactions with other students and faculty. While earning my doctoral degree here, I had the opportunity to discuss, teach and research alongside some of the brightest, supportive and most passionate individuals I have ever met. Each of these interactions has taught me something new, motivating me to be a more compassionate and innovative educator. I will always be thankful for the knowledge, skills, friendships and colleagues I’ve gained at NDSU.
Plans after graduation: I have accepted a position as an assistant professor of psychology at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota.
Matthew Confeld
Major: PharmD
Hometown: Nisswa, Minnesota
NDSU has provided me so many opportunities. The Innovation Challenge was my most memorable. My teammate and I developed a state-of-the-art cancer treatment system. We designed a unique growing chamber to test dozens of chemotherapy drugs simultaneously. The competition helped me to think both creatively and critically. We designed a tradeshow-style booth and pitched our idea to more than 100 people. The finals required us to think through an entire business strategy and present our company idea, just like they do on the show Shark Tank. I remember being so nervous at the awards ceremony, my hands sweating and heart racing. They finally announced the winners and we won first place and the people’s choice award.
Plans after graduation: With the tools and knowledge I’ve gained from my time at NDSU, I hope to become a clinical research scientist and someday oversee an entire drug development project. For now, I have taken the first step and accepted a position as a clinical trial methodology fellow. I will have the honor of working under an established researcher with more than 30 years of experience and a recent recipient of a clinical excellence lifetime achievement award.
Chase Tozer
Major: Mechanical engineering
Hometown: Maple Grove, Minnesota
The most memorable part of my experience at NDSU is being able to help stand up the Bison Student Veterans. After being away from school for the military, it was difficult to relate to my peers. Since the establishment, we have been able to make strides towards increasing student-veterans graduation rates and enhancing the presence of military and veteran services at NDSU.
Plans after graduation: I am currently looking for an engineering position.
Grace Sundberg
Major: Architecture
Hometown: Brainerd, Minnesota
Playing for the NDSU women’s soccer team was the most memorable part of my college career. I will never forget the experiences of joining the team, training, playing and traveling. There were good times and bad moments, but all of it made me a stronger, smarter and better person. I would not have been able to do it without the amazing staff that supported me. Most importantly, I will cherish for the rest of my life the friendships I gained at NDSU. We were able to push each other to be the best versions of ourselves, grow with one another and laugh through pain together. Overall, my favorite memories at NDSU are because of the team and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to be part of it.
Plans after graduation: I plan to continue my architecture career as a designer. My five-year goal is to become a licensed architect.
