NDSU graduate reflects on what it means to be a Bison

NDSU graduate student Josi Solsaa embodies what it means to be a bison; strong, resilient and ready to charge ahead to what’s next.

Solsaa, who will be graduating with her master’s degree in animal science, was selected as the class representative for the 5 p.m. ceremony on Friday. Dec. 19. The ceremony is for graduates in the College of Agriculture, Food Systems and Natural Resources; College of Business; and College of Engineering.

Throughout her speech, Solsaa reflects on the past six years she has been at NDSU, starting during the COVID-19 pandemic when she was pursuing her undergraduate degree in animal science, all the way up to her path to pursue her master’s. Through it all, Solsaa took on opportunities that shaped her into the person she is today.

When thinking about her speech topic, Solsaa said she was inspired by the podcast “Facing the Storm,” which is hosted by her friend.

“While listening, I heard so many stories about facing life’s challenges with strength and resilience, just like a bison does when it turns into the storm instead of running away from it,” Solsaa said. “It stuck with me. I realized quickly that life really is one big series of storms, and the silver linings usually end up being the lessons, the growth and the opportunities we never saw coming.

“That idea shaped a lot of my own time at NDSU, and I wanted my speech to remind people that life happens to all of us, but we each have the purpose, grit and strength to keep moving forward,” she said.

Solsaa is hoping the audience realizes how many opportunities are out there, as long as they’re willing to pursue them.

“Life happens for a reason, there are lessons everywhere, and most of the time things don’t work out the way we expect,” she said. “The important thing is to keep going and stay true to yourself. The people around you matter, they can make or break your experience, so be kind, be genuine and don’t be afraid to reach out.”

Along the way, Solsaa has received support from advisors, faculty and classmates, who all helped Solsaa achieve her goals.

“The people I’ve met here are ones I’ll cherish forever, and I’ll always be grateful for the impact they’ve had on my life,” she said.

Solsaa has been heavily active in and outside of the classroom. During her undergraduate years, Solsaa was involved in livestock judging, Ag Ambassadors, judging club, Sigma Alpha and Saddle & Sirloin, where she was named Little I Princess in 2023. All these organizations provided Solsaa with a sense of community while shaping her overall NDSU experience.

In graduate school, Solsaa continued her involvement through the animal science graduate student organization and by serving as an assistant meat animal evaluation contest team Coach.

Solsaa has also been involved in research on campus, an opportunity that presented itself when she was an undergraduate.

“That research quickly became more than a project. It became the place where curiosity turned into confidence,” Solsaa wrote in her speech.

Growing up on a farm, Solsaa’s entire childhood revolved around agriculture. Choosing to work toward a graduate degree in animal science means Solsaa could pursue her goal of teaching the next generation of agricultural leaders.

“I hope to be someone who can advocate for and educate the future generation about an industry that shaped me into the person I am today,” she said. “I also want a way to give back to the generations that came before me, and pursuing graduate school felt like the best step toward doing that while moving closer to reaching the next generations.”

Solsaa encourages perspective students to choose NDSU for the hands-on experiential learning and the tight-knit community.

“Prospective students should choose NDSU because it doesn’t just prepare you academically, it gives you opportunities to grow, and it shapes you into someone capable, resilient and ready to chase whatever dream you have,” Solsaa said.

Solsaa is the daughter of Greg and Lori Solsaa.