If you spend a lot of time on campus, chances are you know Desiree or at least recognize her. Maybe you saw her giving a campus tour to prospective students, took her yoga class… or maybe you were there the night she was crowned as MNSU’s 2015 Homecoming Queen!
Name: Desiree Frederick
Hometown: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Expected Graduation Year: Spring 2017
Major/Minor: psychology with an emphasis in pre-physical therapy and a minor in sports medicine
Age: 21
Her Campus: What brought you to study at Minnesota State?
Desiree Frederick: “I remember driving up Stadium hill and seeing the Gage Towers hovering high above the trees, as well as staring in awe at the beautiful Bresnan Arena as it was filled with individuals for a volleyball tournament. I was only in eighth grade when I first stepped foot on this campus, but that was all it took. I fell in love with the atmosphere and I truly felt comfortable and at home when I was on campus. It was also 2 ½ hours away from home and was in a WHOLE different state, a change of scenery was definitely an inviting option for me.”
HC: What are you studying in school and why did you choose this path?
DF: “I am pursing a major in Psychology with the hopes to use that in my line of work as a physical therapist. I have always been an individual that thrives when working with others and knew that I needed a profession that could provide me with interactions amongst other individuals, along with the opportunity to help change people’s lives. I have spent various years volunteering and job shadowing Physical Therapists, and have fallen in love with the idea of helping an individual when they are vulnerable and at their weakest, to building them into a better and healthier individual. I can’t think of anything else that could be more rewarding.”
HC: What are you passionate about?
DF: “I put passion in all the activities I pursue. I am passionate about continually growing and experiencing the many opportunities life has to offer. With that being said, I push myself to try new things and get involved in as many activities as humanly possible. I am passionate about traveling, and am excited to have to opportunity this May to take that passion all the way to South Africa for a study abroad trip. I truly believe that passion is an important concept to living a fulfilling and meaningful life.”
HC: What are some of your greatest accomplishments on campus?
DF: “Where do I begin… J I would have to start with my most recent accomplishment, being elected Homecoming Queen for 2015. It felt amazing to be recognized by students and facility for the hard work I have been doing over the past four years. This moment in my life will one in which I will always look at, and be proud of myself for accomplishing. Along with that, I am proud of being on the dean’s list my whole college career, as well as getting the opportunity to be the president of the Pre-Physical and Pre-Occupational Therapy Club for two years. I have been lucky to have various employment opportunities on campus and am just extremely lucky for all the opportunities that have been presented to me over the past few years.”
HC: When you’re not on campus, what are three activities that you may be doing?
DF: “Working, spending time with friends/family, and sleeping/netflixing take up my time when I am not on campus. I currently have three jobs and find that it takes up a piece of time while I’m away from campus. I love and value all the time I get to spend with my friends, and when I get the chance I love going home from time to time to get a little TLC. And I, like the majority of college students, have fallen in love with Netflix and sleeping.”
HC: What is your dream job?
DF: “My dream job that’s an easy one… to be a physical therapist. As for which setting, I am still unsure but I would love to take my passion for Yoga and incorporate it into my line of work as a physical therapist.”
HC: Where do you picture yourself five years from now?
DF: “Five years from now I see myself enjoying my first year out of graduate school with a doctorate degree in Physical Therapy. I also see myself being a registered yoga instructor living in an urban city. The biggest thing I see and know that my future will bring is pure happiness.”
HC: How do you like your coffee?
DF: “I do not like coffee; I’m more of a tea or hot coco type of individual.”
HC: What previous and present involvements do you have on campus?
DF: “Since I have been involved in various opportunities on campus I will present them in the form of a list: H4 Residential Hall President for the fall semester of 2012, Student Ambassador, Homecoming Competition Chair, Tour Guide for the Office of Admissions, President of the Pre-Physical and Pre-Occupational Therapy Club, Group Fitness Yoga Instructor, Study Abroad with the Human Performance Program, and am currently an Orientation Peer Assistant.”
HC: How has your involvement enriched your college experience?
DF: “It has provided me with the necessary skills to be a successful leader, as well as knowing when to be an active follower. I have felt myself grow and mature throughout these last four years of college, and can say I am finding comfort in the individual I am becoming.”
HC: What’s your favorite quote?
DF: “I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul.” – William Ernest Henley
HC: What advice do you have for some of the younger students on campus?
DF: “Be true to who you are, don’t ever settle, and always strive to become a better you. I think it’s truly important to find comfort in being yourself and pursing things that bring you joy and happiness.”
HC: How have your years at MNSU impacted your life?
DF: “MNSU has provided me with a wonderful education, the opportunity to get involved and become a successful leader, and it has provided me with lifetime friendships and connections. MNSU has truly made my years at college years I will never forget.”
If you don’t know Desiree, you should get to know her!
You can catch her every Wednesday night in the Highland North building, room 225, at 8 p.m. teaching her yoga class.
Her class is designed for all levels and is a great way to learn more about yourself. Check it out!