Maverick Moments

Mai Xee is a Psychology major at Minnesota State University, Mankato and will be graduating this May. She was born in Thailand; a year later her family arrived in the United States where they stayed with her mother's parents in Oak Grove, Minn. Her father worked very hard for the family to move out on their own. Mai Xee's family is her inspiration to work hard and to give back to others in need. "I am thankful to have such understanding and supportive parents," Mai Xee said.

During Mai Xee's time at Minnesota State Mankato she has formed great friendships through her extracurricular and volunteer experiences. It was when she gathered with six other Minnesota State Mankato students that a journey to give back was formulated. In the fall of 2014, the group decided they were going to raise money to provide school supplies such as pencils, paper and notebooks to elementary students in Laos. They had heard about the school from an uncle of one of the students in the group who was living in Laos. The group decided to raise funds by taking orders for their homemade egg rolls. The $1,000 they raised helped to pay for school supplies and provided some assistance for the group to fly to Laos and deliver the supplies in person.

The group set out for Laos in late November 2014 with a large suitcase full of supplies. Their destination was Zalb ia liab, or Town of Red Dirt, in Laos. At the school, children in kindergarten through fourth grade wore white and blue uniforms and were excited to see their visitors. The principal and assistant principal were thankful for the supplies as they were a "gift from us to them," as Mai Xee put it. During a tour of the school the group observed that there were no electronics and there was only one water station for the entire school. Also staying true to its namesake the ground around the school was red in color and seemed to get everywhere.

For Mai Xee this adventure was about giving back. "To volunteer my time and raise funds to not only purchase supplies for the students in Laos, but also travel there and meet some of the students meant a lot to me. It meant that I will be able to impact not just the kids here in my community, but kids who are on the other side of the world," she said. "My goal is to live and travel with a purpose, to experience another culture, and to see how different people around the world live."

The adventure continued for Mai Xee and the group when they boarded a bus to Thailand for some site-seeing and to explore another culture. It was a 10-hour trip and the bus was packed with passengers, some even sitting on make-shift seats in the aisle. Once in Thailand the group was able to embark on adventures in snorkeling, parasailing, bungee jumping, go-cart racing and visiting many of the temples. The group had traveled with a purpose and out of that, they were able to experience a great adventure.

Big ideas and real-world thinking on campus and in the community.

Ryan Strelow is currently the Centennial Student Union's Technical Coordinator, a role he has had since February 2016. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Design and Technology from Minnesota State University, Mankato in December 2015. During his coursework, Ryan began designing lighting for dance concerts. It was through the Spring 2015 Dance Concert that Ryan began his path to receiving national recognition for his design.

During the 2015 North-Central Regional Conference in Stevens Point, Wis., Minnesota State Mankato was one of three schools in the region selected by the American College Dance Association to be featured at the National Dance Conference at the Kennedy Center. The production entitled Television (choreographed by Minnesota State Mankato Theater and Dance Faculty Daniel Stark, with lighting design by Ryan) was held this June. Ryan's lighting design, entitled Television: Or (And Now Our National Anthem) received the Kennedy Center award for lighting design.

With all that Ryan accomplished as a student at Minnesota State Mankato, he takes great pride in what is on the horizon for his work with the CSU. As a former student employee for the CSU, he knows first-hand how much work goes into each event; making the transition to supervisor has been challenging but rewarding.

Ryan approached his new supervisory duties by first having great conversations with the individuals who were once his co-workers and peers in the CSU. Treating each other as professionals with respect and leading by example has made the transition smoother for Ryan. He currently supervises 18 undergraduate student employees and also one graduate assistant.

Having a flexible and expansive staff allows the CSU to complete the technology needs for all the various activities and events held on a regular basis. Ryan's team handles all the technology for the events, which includes meeting with the clients prior to the event to make sure they have all their needs met. For major events, such as the Homecoming Concert, planning begins a year in advance and it's all hands in to create an experience for the audience and performers the day of. The planning and execution of events is endless. Each event needs something different than the previous; this keeps Ryan on his toes to help come up with new, inventive ideas and solutions to create a lasting impression at the event.

While Ryan may lead the charge, he cannot do it alone. The talented staff comes from all types of majors at the University. There are students who have tremendous talent in technology and lighting but may be working toward an accounting degree. No matter the students' chosen major, on event nights the focus is on technology. There have been some students who, after working in technology with the CSU, have recognized that they excel and enjoy the work and have changed their major to reflect their passion. Ryan encourages the student employees by telling them to "do what you like." Ryan says, "Just because you have your degree, education doesn't have to end." It is a philosophy that he keeps with him as he determines his next step in education to potentially obtain a master's degree.

Big ideas and real-world thinking on campus and in the community.

Tyler Keller is a junior at Minnesota State University, Mankato majoring in Math Education.  He was a Freshman Representative for the Student Council and a Community Advisor in McElroy Residence Hall his sophomore year. He's also active in intramural sports, a member of the Honors Program, and a Presidential Scholar.

Tyler grew up in Medford, Minn., with two older brothers and a younger sister. He was active in high school, participating in three sports (football, wrestling and baseball), student council and the National Honor Society. Ever since 10th grade Tyler knew that he wanted to go into Math Education. Working his summers as a lifeguard provided him with plenty of experience working with children, and he has always had a strong interest in mathematics. As Tyler began to explore higher education options he decided to visit Minnesota State Mankato.

During his visit, Tyler enjoyed how close everything was and how it was compact in size but still had a big feel and many activities going on. He also enjoyed the fact that it was far enough from home but yet close enough as well, so that he could still visit when he wanted. He decided to apply for the Presidential Scholarship through Minnesota State Mankato. After receiving confirmation that he had received the Presidential Scholarship on his birthday, Tyler knew that attending Minnesota State Mankato was meant for him.

Receiving the Presidential Scholarship has afforded Tyler many opportunities. He has been matched with a new professional mentor each year and has been able to gain impactful relationships from each of them. Tyler says that these mentors have been the most valuable advantage in receiving the Presidential Scholarship, aside from the financial benefits that come along with a scholarship. The scholarship has afforded him other educational opportunities as well. Tyler has been working with the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Program this school year at Mankato West High School, where he helps facilitate conversations with groups of five students with their questions about homework. This has been a valuable educational experience for Tyler because it allows him to get practical experience in preparing to become a teacher.

The Presidential Scholarship continues to impact Tyler's life by allowing him the financial freedom to take volunteer opportunities when they are presented. Along with becoming a high school math teacher, Tyler hopes to become a coach. This winter he will have the opportunity to assist the Mankato Area Youth Wrestling Club to gain valuable experience for his future.

Tyler is very thankful he received the Presidential Scholarship and that he has been afforded great opportunities to succeed through connecting with mentors to provide guidance, decreased financial responsibilities, volunteering with local organizations and sharing commonalities with other Presidential Scholars as he continues his education here at Minnesota State Mankato.

Big ideas and real-world thinking on campus and in the community.

In her final weeks before graduation, Rachel overheard some shocking statistics regarding homeless youth in the Mankato area and knew she had to do something about it.

Rachel, a Communications major at Minnesota State University, Mankato, was creating a poster for another event when she overheard Karen Anderson, assistant director for Community Engagement, talk about the more than 300 homeless children in the Mankato school district. Rachel wanted to make a difference, so she reached out to Karen regarding a campaign to help homeless youth. Karen suggested that she contact The REACH Youth Drop-In Center as a potential organization.

The REACH “provides a safe environment for youth where they can receive non-judgmental assistance from caring and trustworthy adults, who are knowledgeable in helping them overcome the barriers of homelessness.” The REACH serves teens and young adults up to the age of 21 by providing them with basic necessities such as meals, a place to shower, toiletries, clothing vouchers and transportation as well as emergency services like shelter and links to public housing services. After speaking with representatives from the Mankato school district and The REACH, Rachel launched a campaign to raise money for The REACH.

Rachel quickly set up a GoFundMe account and began using social media to spread the word. Within the first five days of the campaign, 95 percent of the total $1,530 was raised. “It was shocking,” Rachel says. “People sure are amazing.” She presented the donation to The REACH as well as some blankets and a few other items at the end of December. The staff was grateful for the donation and was impressed by how quickly the funds were raised.

Rachel contributes the success of the campaign to her experiences at Minnesota State Mankato. As the Homecoming Promotions and Partnerships Chair for the Student Events Team, she learned that “social media is a pivotal key in promoting the needs of an event – as it did for this one for The Reach.”  Rachel intends on continuing to donate to The REACH and volunteer in the community in any way possible.

This experience has impacted Rachel in a significant way. “Growing up in a middle-class family, I never really had to worry about finding my next meal or a place to sleep at night,” she says. “These are concerns that really only scratch the surface of what people are experiencing as homeless youth. This experience helped me to realize the important things in life–such as helping others and giving back. There is something bigger out there, for all of us.”

Big ideas and real-world thinking on campus and in the community.

Maria Ruiz-Méndez was born and raised in Mexico before migrating with her family to Le Center, Minn., when she was in eighth grade.  Her parents moved her to Minnesota to provide a better education and more opportunities for Maria as well as her older sister and younger brother.  When she arrived in Le Center, Maria spoke no English and discovered there was no diversity in her small grade of just 32 people.  She began teaching herself English through movies, books and computer activities.  It was a challenge, but Maria faced it with drive and determination to make her parents proud because of their sacrifice to move far from their home for a better education for Maria and her siblings.

Throughout high school Maria felt that college wasn’t meant for her.  Her older sister decided to go back to Mexico for college, and Maria thought that if anything she would do the same.  Then she participated in a “Latino First Camp” at Minnesota State University, Mankato, where she discovered what the college experience was really like.  She also worked part-time during high school for the City of Montgomery City Council as a translator, which exposed her to government work. Before long, that experience would play a prominent role in her life.

Maria looked at several schools in the state, but ultimately decided to attend Minnesota State Mankato after a touring campus.  She liked its proximity to Le Center, which was neither too far from or too close to home.  What cemented her decision was the diversity she saw on campus and the individuals who spoke Spanish. “It felt like home,” she says.  Meeting Spanish speaking professionals with similar stories to her own at the University helped her transition and provided her resources to succeed.

Now in her senior year, Maria is pursuing dual degrees in International Relations and Spanish, as well as a Political Science minor.  She has been very active during her time on campus, serving as Student Ambassador for Institutional Diversity, President of the Latino Student Wellness Program, Community Advisor for Residential Life, Senator with Minnesota State Student Association (MSSA) and most recently the 84^th Student Body Vice President with MSSA.

 As a senator, Maria learned about issues on campus from the students’ perspective, became aware of policies and wanted to help by becoming a resource for her peers.  After a conversation with now Student Body President Faical Rayani, a decision was made to run together.  It wasn’t about the title, Maria said, it was that “our advancement is for the advancement of others.”  She gathered friends and colleagues to form a party, which became a great support system. Even in times of doubt, they were there for one another, encouraging each other along this journey.  “This experience has been a well-rounded professional development opportunity and has given me practical experience,” Maria said.

There have been challenges along the way, including balancing being a student and being held accountable as a leader to make positive decisions, but there have also been many rewarding opportunities for Maria in her vice president role.  Maria feels she is able to help students and to be the platform to help others to learn by teaching and guiding them to develop, as well as being a resource for those students.  Maria said, “In a leadership position you don’t always hear the good things so when a student says thank you, it means a lot.”  It’s rewarding for Maria to give students a voice here on campus, especially when they don’t know who to talk to.

As her leadership role with MSSA comes to a close this spring, Maria looks to the future after she graduates in December 2017.  She hopes to work for the Mexican Consulate in Minneapolis after graduation.  Maria has been connecting with the Mexican Consulate this past year and has created a personal relationship with them.  Her dream position would be to serve as an ambassador to Mexico.  While she will continue her last semester here at Minnesota State Mankato without an active role in MSSA, she will miss the connections she has made and the opportunity to tackle issues as well as the busyness of filling her calendar with meetings, which has become “a part of life.”  Maria hope MSSA will continue reaching out to students by representing and serving the student population while adapting to new challenges for years to come.  She says MSSA is about serving students, having fun and supporting one another through it all.

Big ideas and real-world thinking on campus and in the community.