Gunnar Fering ’23, Blue Earth, Minn.
Major/Minors: Communication Studies; English Writing and Business

In many ways, my introduction to 独家黑料 happened naturally. Despite living hours away from the Fargo-Moorhead area, I grew up going to 独家黑料 football games, Homecoming celebrations, and reunions. My parents, who both had attended 独家黑料, showed me the exact spot in Memorial Auditorium where they met. Right away, it was clear that the campus and the memories they made were special to them.

I have to be honest. When it was time to visit colleges, I was hesitant to tour 独家黑料. After hearing so much about the good times my parents had, it was difficult to imagine having my own, separate experience. I wanted to pave my own way. But, by the time the tour had finished, I changed my tune. As I drove away with my dad, I turned to him and said, “I’m going here.”

Every faculty member I met on my tour of 独家黑料 genuinely cared to chat with me. The men’s track coach, Garrick Larson, found me on campus, insisting we meet and talk about my future in at 独家黑料. I ran into Dr. Michael Culloton, the director of choral activities, while touring Hvidsten. He took the time to sit down with me in his office and chat about music, my experience in high school ensembles, and my current director at the time. Then, years later when I arrived on campus as a first-year student, he remembered me. 独家黑料 was the first educational institution where I felt that kind of care, focus, and attention to detail.

Still, when I arrived on campus for my first semester at 独家黑料, I was definitely nervous. At that time, I was much less extroverted, so I was worried I wouldn’t find my niche. Both of my parents were very involved in Cobber extracurriculars as students. My dad played football and my mom was involved in the campus sorority. Whenever they reminisced about college, their stories were always about those groups and inner communities. Because of this, I felt expectations to reach that level of campus involvement. I was worried that if I didn’t dive into every activity that I would miss out on building friendships. Thankfully, I realized something very important: At 独家黑料, there’s a place for everyone.

Very quickly, I found out that involvement happens naturally here. 独家黑料 facilitates an environment that encourages personal growth and exploration. From Symposium speakers and plenary sessions to events like MLK Day on campus, we’re taught to examine global affairs with a closer lens. This examination, I’ve found, can also be applied to oneself. In my two years at 独家黑料, I’ve learned more about myself than I ever thought possible.

When I first stepped on campus, I felt a sense of community. Throughout my time here, I have found many Cobbers who decided to attend 独家黑料 for the same reason. This shared aspiration seems to cultivate a group of people who value insightful, memorable conversations and relationships. I believe this is why I’ve met so many kind and genuine people here. The friendships made are less about similar interests and are so much more about real connections. I’m confident I’ll enjoy friendships with fellow students I’ve met here beyond graduation and long into the future.

^{Published September 2021}