The University of South Dakota

Alexa Duling '12

What or who inspired you to choose your major?

I love learning about so many things from economics to anthropology to chemistry.  However, nothing has made me want to learn more than my biology classes. I definitely could tell this when I would rather choose to be studying and reading my biology notes and books in the library on a Friday night instead of hanging out with friends!

What is your favorite part about USD and why? 

My favorite part of USD is the team atmosphere. Naturally, I get the feeling of a team from running track and field. Every day my teammates inspire me to work harder and help me gain confidence in myself. But, the support at USD does not stop there. I also believe that the professors at USD instill the team atmosphere in the classroom. By encouraging collaboration and communication between students/professors and student/student, we are encouraged to embrace different perspectives.

How is USD different than other schools?

At the University of South Dakota, I learned that brilliant scholarship is not a matter of geography. I did travel internationally during college but have been most inspired by what I learned about the needs of people right here in South Dakota. I was shocked to find that some of the world's worst poverty is in my back yard.  I never fully recognized the devastating physical impacts that extreme poverty had upon the health of my neighbors until taking several Native Studies courses. After understanding this, I sought out help from advisors, faculty, staff, and students at USD in order to develop projects for Indian Reservations in South Dakota. With the assistance and support of these people at USD, I was able to bring "Girls on the Run" to the Rosebud Reservation in addition to helping with a campus-wide "Share Your Sole" shoe drive that donated over 5,000 pairs of shoes to South Dakota Reservations.

What specific programs/features are you/did you take part in that made a difference in your college experience?

USD has helped me attain my goals and has done an unbelievable job in shaping who I am - and, this is largely due to interacting with USD alumni. As I entered Greek Life, I learned of the alumni who helped oversee the existence of my sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta. Their guidance helped me meet a group of women who I have created lifetime memories with and can forever call my sisters. Additionally, the alumni also funded the Kappa Alpha Theta scholarships I received- both locally and nationally.  Running on USD's Track and Field team has also allowed me to interact with USD alumni in a special way. Our track team hosts an alumni track meet every year, providing a unique opportunity to run with old USD teammates and spend an evening in their company at our Hall of Fame event. It is special to see that Coyote blood forever runs in their veins.  USD and its alumni have provided me with many unbelievable experiences. I am truly a product of the University and its alumni. For this, I am grateful to USD.

What is your most inspiring class or professor and why? 

I have been most inspired by the University Honors Program - specifically with the challenge of writing my undergraduate thesis.  It has provided me with the chance to work with professors from a range of disciplines while still integrating my biology curriculum in a manner practical to my future career. 

What are your plans after graduation? 

After I am finished with undergraduate, I am going to run my fifth year of track and get a master of business administration. Following this, I would like to attend medical school. I look forward to practicing medicine on an Indian Reservation.