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Internship turned scholarship: Five DSU students rewarded by TRMF for hard work, dedication10 min read

October 30, 2020

Written by Kayden Heckaman, DSU Student Intern

How they’re going to pay for a college education is usually one of the first questions students ask themselves when deciding to pursue a degree. They often seek out scholarships and grant funding in order to lessen their financial load rather than taking on additional debt, and one organization in Western North Dakota is helping several Dickinson State University (DSU) students do just that. The Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation (TRMF) has awarded scholarships to five DSU students who interned for them during the summer season and demonstrated hard work and dedication.

This year, DSU and the TRMF worked closely to offer students several unique internship opportunities. “It was a wonderful partnership with some really great students that enriched the work culture of Medora,” said Kaelee Knoell, TRMF’s marketing and communications specialist. “Often, when we have an idea that requires a partner for support we look to DSU as a first option since they are a close community partner.”

This summer, the TRMF welcomed several DSU students as interns to Medora to work and live. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the borders closed and the TRMF was not able to welcome as many international seasonal staff as they have in years past, so having DSU students supplement these efforts was beneficial for all involved.

While interning for the TRMF, students had the opportunity to work with and learn from industry leaders who provided a diverse perspective on different aspects of professional life. These opportunities ranged from large venue and theater management to lodging and hospitality, and even retail. This gave students a vast pool of experience that they could draw from. While working for the TRMF, students had a chance to not only work alongside more than 700 volunteers throughout the summer, but also with other students and employees from across the nation and from around the globe.

Every year, the TRMF awards up to 25 scholarships to student employees for “outstanding job performance, leadership skills, and the ability to positively affect co-workers and visitors to Medora.” Also taken into account is how well each student embodies the values and vision of the TRMF which include showing respect for people and place; delivering excellence in hospitality; working with creativity and integrity; valuing family; and connecting people to Medora for positive, life-changing experiences.

As a way to remember the TRMF’s former Chief Executive Officer, Rod Tjaden, a scholarship was created. Since his passing, the TRMF holds the yearly Tjaden Golf Tournament at the Bully Pulpit Golf Course and all proceeds raised go toward the Tjaden Scholarship Endowment. Donors and friends of Medora have also set up endowments for other specific and special scholarships that are offered by TRMF. These endowments ensure that students who work for TRMF will continue to be awarded scholarships far into the future.

Managers, executive team staff, and full-time employees are able to nominate students for these scholarships. To be eligible, students must work during the summer season and complete 480 hours over a four month period. Students must also be, within 13 months, attending a post-secondary school and must inform the TRMF of where and what they are studying.

DSU students who received TRMF scholarships this year include:

Andy Soloviov, a junior from Kyiv, Ukraine, who is currently majoring in computer science.
Kirstyn Bohn, a sophomore from Vermillion, South Dakota, who is currently double majoring in psychology and music.
Medinat Jolayemi, a third year student from Nigeria who is majoring in nursing.
Naomi Uwagbai, a junior from Lagos, Nigeria who is currently majoring in math and minoring in leadership studies.
Taylor Ludwig, a senior from Laurel, Montana, who is majoring in business administration with a focus in human resources.

These students were chosen because they met all of the requirements and embodied the values and the vision that the TRMF holds. Here, these five students share about their experiences as interns with the TRMF and how they felt about receiving these scholarships:

 How do you feel about having received a TRMF scholarship?

Andy: I am very honored and excited to say the least! The fact that my manager nominated me is motivating and makes me feel like my work at the TRMF was indeed valued.

Kirstyn: I feel extremely grateful and blessed. I loved working in Medora this summer, so receiving tuition assistance to support another thing I love has lifted a huge financial burden off my shoulders.

Medinat: Truthfully, I feel so grateful and happy for receiving this scholarship. I was shocked and at the same time joyful when I was informed I was one of the candidates that won the scholarship because I wasn’t expecting that I would receive this scholarship.

Naomi: I feel so happy! I’m happy they recognized the effort I put into my job at the Foundation every day.

Taylor: Extremely grateful. Student debt adds up quickly; so any additional aid helps out so much.

How will this scholarship help you as you continue your education at DSU?

Andy: Every scholarship I receive helps me to think less about my tuition fee and focus more on my education.

Kirstyn: This scholarship has given me the opportunity to focus more on my education. Last year, I had three jobs, which resulted in my life being purely dedicated to only school and work. With this scholarship, I was able to reduce my number of jobs to just my work-study. Additionally, I have been able to participate more in extracurricular activities with my friends. I finally feel like I am getting to have a true college experience instead of working non-stop, and that has brought a lot of happiness into my life.

Medinat: This scholarship will help me to achieve my educational and career goals. It is an accomplishment for me as a student because it will enhance my resume.

Naomi: It’s been a really strange and tough year with everything that has been going on. The scholarship really helps me with the continuation of my education here at Dickinson State, because it puts less of a strain on my parents and helps relieve them of a little stress. So, I’m really grateful for that.

Taylor: This scholarship will help me reach my goal of graduating this May!

Was working with the TRMF a positive experience for you?

Andy: Absolutely! Working for an actual IT department gave me knowledge and experience that I simply would not get at school. Another positive note here was the people. The TRMF, and Medora in general, has an extremely close and friendly community and it was easy to fit in, even for an introvert like me.

Kirstyn: Absolutely. The amount I grew in leadership and customer service is immeasurable. Medora rewards hard workers by growing their skills and giving recognition for hard work in various ways. I felt very cared about at the TRMF and that is something rare among many employment opportunities. It was amazing being immersed in all the history, beauty, and culture Medora has to offer in the hidden western corner of North Dakota.

Medinat: Working with the TRMF [was] a positive experience for me. I was able to meet new people who bring out potential I never thought I had in me.

Naomi: Working at the TRMF was a really positive experience. Not only did I get to work with a bunch of supportive and great people, but I also made some amazing new friends, some of whom also go to Dickinson State. I also got to see the Medora Musical multiple times, as well as eat at the pitchfork fondue. If given the chance, I will definitely go back and work for the TRMF again.

Taylor: I [cannot] say enough good things about the TRMF! I had such a great summer and learned so many things that will help me in future careers.

How to you feel about DSU collaborating with the TRMF to give opportunities to DSU students?

Andy: I think it will come out great since there is a variety of available jobs and a lot of students of different majors who are willing to work over there. As I mentioned before, this is a nice community for college students and their work is highly appreciated there. Plus, Dickinson and Medora are only 30 minutes away from each other, so this is not a very hectic relocation.

Kirstyn: I think the TRMF gives DSU students wonderful opportunities already that more students ought to take advantage of, so I am all for increasing these opportunities for us!

Medinat: This will be a great opportunity for DSU students. This will be an opportunity for them to learn more and acquire new knowledge.

Naomi: I think that will be an amazing opportunity! It will give DSU students the ability to experience the Badlands like they never have before. It is beautiful to hike and bike, especially during sunrise and sunset, and you not only get to meet amazing people from around the country, but also from around the world.

Taylor: I love the idea of DSU collaborating with the TRMF. The TRMF offers many jobs, internships, and scholarships that benefit DSU students.

With all the financial commitments that accompany pursuing a degree, DSU students are grateful to receive these scholarships from the TRMF. Working for the TRMF provides DSU students an experience of a lifetime and as time goes by, the TRMF and DSU plan to continue to grow their partnership to invite even more students to experience the enchantment of Medora.

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