Commencement is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. NDSU students spend years learning, studying, connecting with classmates and working toward their degree, which creates and full, rich and unique experience.
We asked some of our students to write a letter to their younger selves to reflect on their NDSU experience. Each illustrates the personal growth, sense of accomplishment and pride many of our students feel as they meet the goal of earning an NDSU degree.
NDSU’s winter commencement ceremony is scheduled for Friday, December 17 at Sanford Health Athletic Complex.
2 p.m. - College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; College of Engineering; College of Human Sciences and Education; and College of Interdisciplinary Studies.
5 p.m. - College of Agriculture, Food Systems and Natural Resources; College of Business; College of Health Professions; and College of Science and Mathematics.
MORGAN HASLER
MAJOR: Crop and weed science
HOMETOWN: Lexington, Kentucky
Dear Morgan,
Nothing is going to go as you plan. Nothing will be perfect. When you read this, you haven’t even been to North Dakota. Now you’re a few moments away from your graduation ceremony at North Dakota State University. You decided to follow your dream of studying agronomy and moving away from your hometown of Lexington, Kentucky.
I know it sounds crazy, but you will accomplish so much. For starters, you will transfer to NDSU in the middle of a spring semester blizzard.
Let’s just say things were off to an icy start.
But you didn’t let that keep you from joining every club and organization you could find during the next three years at NDSU. You will even take on a research position in the plant pathology department. Your research program in wheat rust will allow you to work in a greenhouse surrounded by crops from North Dakota and the region. The hands-on experience will open the door to work with top plant breeders and inspire you to apply for graduate school.
From working on campus, interning in Africa, working on campus research, holding club leadership positions to so much more, you will stay very busy. But it gets better. Turns out, you’ll even find someone at NDSU to spend the rest of your life with. And those friends from first semester? Well, they’re your bridesmaids now.
This is just the beginning. Along with your last name, you’ll change your address and follow your dreams of graduate school on the West Coast. You will not slow down. But don’t worry, there’s time for that soon.
For now, keep chasing your dream. You’re so close.
With love,
Older you
