2006-2007 Recipient Updates

(1, 2, Kristi Schneck, Pat Case, Nikolai Kleven 4,)

This is another in a series of articles written by students who received scholarships in 2004 awarded through the Fergus Falls Area Dollars for Scholars chapter. The purpose of these articles is to thank the community for its support of students and their higher education goals.

By Kristi Schneck

When I made the decision to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, I thought I knew what I was getting myself into. I expected my classes to be very challenging, and I prepared myself to be doing homework into the middle of the night. What I wasn’t prepared for were the amazing people I would meet and the new things I’d experience. Among the students I know are a budding film composer, a novelist, and countless talented musicians and artists. Outside of class, I’ve also gotten the chance to see a British performance of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, attend an improv comedy show, and participate in a steam cannon test with the MythBusters (hosts of a TV show on the Discovery Channel).

One of the first things a new MIT student notices is that the Institute has its own dialect. In addition to the scientific jargon one would expect at a technical university, MIT students have invented new words to describe life as an engineer. For example, the long hallway on main campus is the "Infinite Corridor," a "tool" is a person who stays up all night working, and the elaborate pranks students pull are called "hacks." As if this wasn’t confusing enough, nearly everything, from buildings to majors to individual classes, is referred to by a number. For example, my first term schedule consisted of 3.091, 8.01, 21M.011, and 18.01A and 18.02A (for those of you not fluent in the language of MIT, that’s Intro to Solid-State Chemistry, Physics I: Classical Mechanics, Intro to Western Music, and Calculus I and II). Next semester I’ll be studying 8.022 (Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism), 18.03 (Differential Equations), 21L.003 (Reading Fiction), and 7.013 (Biology).

MIT is known mainly for its academics; even so, extracurricular opportunities abound. Student organizations range from drama groups to varsity sports to a literary society, but musical groups seem to be especially popular. Between the hours I spend finishing problem sets and writing papers, I’ve found time to play saxophone in the wind ensemble (known as MITWE) and sing in an a cappella group called the Muses. These groups provide so many amazing new experiences: I’m currently recording for the next CD the Muses plan to release, and MITWE is going to be premiering two concertos this spring, one for tuba and one for saxophone, voice, and jazz piano. The city of Boston also provides many unique opportunities. It’s great to be able to take some time off from studying to explore Quincy Market or Newbury Street . MIT students can also get free tickets to the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and I’ve had the opportunity to attend a few performances. The last concert I went to featured violinist Joshua Bell and Gustav Holst’s suite The Planets, and I was far from the only MIT student in the audience.

Attending college so far from home is a big change, but I don’t think I’d be happy anywhere else. One of my favorite sights on campus is the containers of liquid nitrogen that line some of the hallways: it always reminds me of why I first wanted to come to MIT. I love the atmosphere here: it’s common to hear people discussing dark matter or cutting-edge cancer research over lunch, and phrases like "the limit as x approaches infinity" or "is a function of" even make their way into non-scientific discussions. These "only at MIT" moments make me unbelievably grateful for the opportunities I have. I love everything I’m doing, even during the long nights of homework and studying for exams. Being at MIT makes me feel a bit like a little kid in a candy store, and I hope that feeling never goes away.

It’s said that getting an education at MIT is like taking a drink from a fire hose. I’d like to thank Dollars for Scholars and all my high school teachers for preparing me to take that first sip: Mr. Holicky and Mr. Paul, for giving me the background necessary to succeed in physics; Mrs. Nesbitt and Mrs. Roder, for planning trips that encouraged my self-confidence and independence; and all my music directors, for teaching me to “Share the Pride”.

Kristi Schneck is a 2006 graduate of Fergus Falls High School and was the recipient of the ITT Corporation Scholarship. She is a freshman at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts. For information on making a donation for scholarships, contact Fergus Falls Area Dollars for Scholars, 1519 Pebble Lake Road, Fergus Falls, MN 56537.

This is another in a series of articles written by students who received scholarships in 2004 awarded through the Fergus Falls Area Dollars for Scholars chapter. The purpose of these articles is to thank the community for its support of students and their higher education goals.

By Pat Case

When I tell people I attend MSU, most think Moorhead. Some are even surprised that more than one MSU exists.

As the only person in my graduating class to attend MSU Mankato, I must say it’s a decision I do not regret. Setting out on my own and meeting new people has been an exciting experience for me, and one I recommend to others. Don’t be afraid to immerse yourself in all new surroundings. Even though the comfort factor of knowing people isn’t there, trust me, you will survive.

With college attendance equivalent to the population of Fergus Falls , I find that MSU is a perfect fit: not too large, not too small. Classes are average size and while some are difficult, there is always time for one-on-one work with professors. The city of Mankato is full of opportunity and the views are nothing short of spectacular. Because I’m on the 11th story of a 12 story dorm, which just happens to be on the top of a hill overlooking the valley, I can look out my window enjoy the sights only Southern Minnesota can offer.

In my spare time I have gotten into music, who knew? I actively participate in a group called IMPACT, which books bands and talent for the school, including the spring concert, booking large groups like the Black-Eyed Peas and Switchfoot. I am also currently a management intern for Two-Fish Studios, a recording studio/multimedia company based out of Mankato , where I do everything from promoting bands to contract work with MTV and Fuse.

I would just like to thank Dollars for Scholars, for helping me with one of the most important parts of higher education: paying for it. Without the aid of scholarship organizations like this one, many students would not get to receive collegiate opportunities like the ones I’ve had, and will continue to enjoy!

Pat Case is a 2006 graduate of Fergus Falls High School and was the recipient of a Dollars for Scholars Scholarship. He is a freshman at Minnesota State University, Mankato. For information on making a donation for scholarships, contact Fergus Falls Area Dollars for Scholars, 1519 Pebble Lake Road, Fergus Falls, MN 56537.

This is another in a series of articles written by students who received scholarships in 2004 awarded through the Fergus Falls Area Dollars for Scholars chapter. The purpose of these articles is to thank the community for its support of students and their higher education goals.

By Nikolai Kleven

The transition from small town Fergus Falls to the vibrant cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul was an interesting one. I was ready for a change and I thought going to the University of Minnesota would be the right one for me. In most, if not all instances, the transition has gone smoothly.

After saying goodbye to my parents, I began finding my place at the U. For some reason I was ‘stuck’ on the St. Paul side of campus. I use the word stuck because there is only one dorm in St. Paul and it is six miles away from the main U campus where all of my classes are. But, it has forced me to learn all about the metro and campus bus systems.

As I was gearing up for the beginning of the semester I registered for classes. I was fortunate to have an advisor who truly cared about new students. I registered for the typical freshman classes, but she said she likes to see students choose at least one course a year that will make them want to get up early in the morning whether it’s in their major or not. For me, this course was a ceramics art class. A beginner course, which was really enjoyable - a lot of work - but fun.

Not only was there a transition in the scenery, but also in the way I was learning. The things I expected from my professors and what they expected from me both changed from what I knew in high school.

The first month of school I ran for Bailey Hall Council, which is the advisory council for my dorm. This position also gave me a spot on the Minnesota Students Association, the U of M’s student council. Holding these positions had been so interesting. I enjoy being in student government and the process that goes along with it.

Following that track, I plan on getting a degree in political science and getting on to the political scene whether it be local, state, or federal.

I am so grateful for the support the Fergus Falls community has given me especially the teachers and schools of ISD 544. Their guidance has given me confidence and helped ready me for the challenging courses at the U of M.

And thank you to Dollars for Scholars for your financial support this freshman year. My parents and I like seeing that scholarship listed as a credit on my bill.

Nikolai Kleven is a 2006 graduate of Fergus Falls High School and was the recipient of a Dollars for Scholars Scholarship. He is a freshman at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. For information on making a donation for scholarships, contact Fergus Falls Area Dollars for Scholars, 1519 Pebble Lake Road, Fergus Falls, MN 56537.