Challey Spotlight: Kayden Larson
NDSU Undergraduate Student
Kayden Larson is an NDSU student who just completed his Freshman year. He's also the twin brother of last month's Challey Spotlight, Karsten Larson. Kayden comes from Bismarck, ND, and is an accounting major hoping to do public accounting after graduation. He is a recipient of the Sheila and Robert Challey Institute Scholarship, has participated in our Human Progress and Flourishing Class, and is an active participant in many of our events.
Tell us about a memorable event from this past year.
The Jimmy Lai movie when the director came in was a memorable event. I had heard about the Hong Kong protests that happened in 2019 and 2020, but I didn't really know what they were about. I didn't know that they were fighting for their freedom to be capitalists and have a democracy. It makes me think about how I take for granted the freedoms we have in the United States like democracy and how some countries don't have that.
What is a lesson you've learned while being involved in our programs?
The Factfulness book we read in the fall semester talked about how we tend to think that the world is getting worse, but it shows how it is improving every generation. We are improving everyday as a society and we shouldn't be pessimistic, instead, we should be optimistic about the future. This is especially true for my career aspirations and my future dreams and goals.
What value has the Challey Institute added to your life and college experience?
The Challey Institute has taught me to stand with my opinions and represent them without being ashamed for having them. Focusing on the cancel culture book showed why it's important to allow freedom of opinion and not to silence others that hold differing opinions, but to respect them as people and to have civil debates. It taught me to represent my opinion, even when people disagree because I have reasoning and hopefully through debate I can come to know their reasoning and maybe I can change my mind or stick with my opinion.
The Sheila and Robert Challey Institute for Global Innovation and Growth aims to advance understanding in the areas of innovation, trade, institutions, and human potential to identify policies and solutions for the betterment of society. Learn more at www.ndsu.edu/challeyinstitute