appreciate differences,
honor those who serve,
demonstrate dignity and respect,
value and celebrate diversity, and
EMPOWER SUCCESS FOR ALL.
Maximilian (Max) Mallory is from Minneapolis, MN, and is currently pursuing a degree in Software Development.
Max wanted to represent DCTC on the Student Senate because he wanted to see the inner workings of the organization.
In addition to being a member of the Student Senate, Max is a member of IT club and Wellness club, as well as a Student Ambassador and Peer Tutor.
Prior to coming to DCTC, Max was a wildland firefighter.
After graduation, Max plans to work in the industry while developing his own product.
When asked why other students should join the Student Senate, Max replied, "Students will form new relationships and develop their critical thinking skill set."
...Thing about DCTC: "The community."
...Movie: "Nacho Libre"
...Book: "Harry Potter"
...Musician or band: "Attack Attack!"
Alexis Nordling is from San Francisco, CA, and is currently pursuing a degree in Medical Coding.
Alexis wanted to represent DCTC on the Student Senate because she’d never done it before and was curious. She’s glad she did!
In addition to being a member of the Student Senate, Alexis is a Student Ambassador where she plays a key role in stocking and supporting the daily operation of DCTC’s food pantry, along with other ambassadors or "Team Pantry" as she calls them. She is also a member of Business Professionals of America, Rotaract Club, Phi Theta Kappa, LeadMN, We:LEAD, ERA MN, AAUW Minneapolis, and Creative Arts and Writing Club.
After graduation Alexis’ short-term plan is to work in medical coding, but long term would love to be a Holographer. When asked why other Students should join the Student Senate, Alexis shared, "It pays in money, but that's just the beginning of the benefits, and all you have to do is show up! (virtually)."
...Thing about DCTC: "Making new friends and meeting extraordinary teachers/staff, being a part of Team Pantry, Joining PTK Honor Society, receiving a DCTC Foundation student life scholarship, receiving an award at BPA Nationals in Anaheim and going to NCCWSL at University of Maryland, Being a part of NSP and LeadMN's #FreeCollege activity, and Rotaract's Chili Cookoff."
...Movie: "The American Astronaut " (2001)
...Book: "The Myth of Psyche" by Lucius Apuleius Madaurensis (2nd century AD)
...Musician or band: "Gasoline Lollipops"
Learn more Alexis in her Student Spotlight on DCTC News.
Bethany (Beth) Mejia-Elias is from Lakeville, MN, is proud to be a first-generation Latina college student, and is currently pursuing a degree in Individualized Studies in preparation for Nursing.
Beth wanted to represent DCTC on the Student Senate because she wanted to become more involved on campus and Anna Voight offered her the opportunity, so she jumped on the senate wagon and has loved it!
In addition to being a member of the Student Senate, Beth is a Student Ambassador and member of the Rotaract Club, We:Lead, Multicultural Student Leadership Association, and is actively involved in LeadMN, the state-wide student association.
After graduation, Beth plans to further her education at Metro state by completing their pre-licensure BSN program and becoming a RN. Once she finishes the program, she would like to further her degree and become a midwife. Once she becomes a midwife, she plans on starting her own business and non-profit prenatal care.
When asked why other students should join the Student Senate, Beth shared, "Student senate has helped me become a leader and create meaningful friendships. Student Senate has also introduced me to many opportunities such as volunteering, internships, and activities off campus."
...Thing about DCTC: "The community. DCTC feels like a second family to me, and I’ve enjoyed creating new friendships."
...Movie: Hard question, but "Shrek"
...Book: "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz
...Musician or band: Fuerza Regida, Juice Wrld, and Key Glock.
Jarred VanHorn is from Farmington, MN, and is currently pursuing degrees in Technical Management & Architectural Technology.
Jarred wanted to represent DCTC on the Student Senate originally for student work, but once he got involved he found he really enjoyed advocating for other students, especially concerning mental health.
In addition to being a member of the Student Senate, Jared is a Student Ambassador, and member of the Wellness Club, Multicultural Student Leadership Association, Men's Soccer team, Phi Theta Kappa, SCNAVTA, and TRIO.
After graduation, Jarred plans to continue developing his nonprofit, Seeds of Success, and the projects his team of 70+ student leaders from 25+ MN colleges are working on. He also wants to continue developing his startup company as they had about 1 month worth of money a year ago, and now have a team of 5 employees with 2 of them from DCTC! Eventually, he’d also like to get his doctoral degree in Psychology, Political Science, or Child Development.
Jarred enjoys playing soccer and considers himself a big nerd for math. He enjoys data, spreadsheets, and finance. Jarred added that he is an open book and likes to talk, so say "hi" if you see him in the halls!
When asked why other students should join the Student Senate, Jarred share, "Because it's the #1 best opportunity to grow your professional skills at DCTC, and you get to advocate for your fellow students."
...Thing about DCTC: "DCTC basically turned my life around, so I'd say the amount of support I've received from DCTC staff, faculty, administration, and my peers has been a real difference maker!"
...Movie: "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse"" (DUH!)
...Book: "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" is the best HP book, don't @ me.
...Musician or band: Pond (they're 4 weird guys from Australia), or maybe Green Day
Natasha Grad is from Eagan, MN and is currently pursuing a degree in Digital Marketing.
Natasha wanted to represent DCTC on the Student Senate to help make an impacting difference in her school, with the hopes of creating something that can be her legacy for DCTC.
In addition to being a member of the Student Senate, Natasha is a member of PTK, WE:LEAD, The Wellness Club, and Business Professionals of America.
Natasha is also the 2022 National Miss for American Royal Beauties. "My platform has to do with helping to educate and end the stigma against severe mental illness. I do a lot of public outreach to peers and adolescents about mental health to begin conversations pertaining to mental health, help bring about mental health and suicide awareness, as well as provide the opportunity to meet someone with a severe mental illness and ask questions! It is an extremely strong passion of mine that guides me daily during my life journey" Natasha shared.
After graduation, Natasha plans to own her own photography business.
When asked why other students should consider joining the Student Senate, Natasha replied "Because they can make an impactful difference within their school as well as be introduced to such amazing opportunities!"
...Thing about DCTC: "The opportunities that are available to me through DCTC along with the networking and friendships I have been able to make."
...Movie: "Gone with the Wind" (1939)
...Book: "Nineteen Minutes" by Jodi Picoult
...Musician or band: Kacey Musgraves
The Student Senate is the official voice of students on campus. The Student Senate is involved in many decisions made on campus, including tuition increases, graduation planning and college activities. The Student Senate can also initiate projects for campus improvement. All students are encouraged to participate in the Student Senate.
