Saunders named February Student of the Month

“I’m not sure how I earned this award, but I am thankful. It's super cool,” Saunders said.

One of 39 graduates of Eagle Ridge Academy in Brighton, Colorado, a charter school, in 2013, Saunders earned a full year of college credits from a nearby community college while in high school.

“Lisa Curtis has helped me plan out my classes which was complicated because I came to CSC with so many credits. Sonja Dressel has helped a lot with the stress of this semester. I love the Project Strive/TRiO advisers. They are amazing. I stop by almost every day or text them. I would encourage everyone to apply,” Saunders said.

Saunders, a communication arts major with an option in public relations, has been able to borrow textbooks through the Project Strive/TRiO program. She has also found many other useful resources such as headphones and other equipment when she stops by the office in the lower level of the Reta King Library.

She said she chose CSC because it is affordable and the size of the campus is comfortable.

In February, she traveled with other communication arts majors to an American Advertising Federation “Meet the Pros” event in Omaha. She is excited to return the event in coming years as she makes plans for internships and begins job hunting her senior year.

Saunders was hired as a resident adviser the second semester of her first year. In addition to this position, she is a member of the Public Relations Club, the Nest, a sports marketing club, a student employee in the Sports Information office, a youth sponsor at the Chadron Community Church and an active member of the Residence Life Association.

During the first semester of the 2014-15 academic year, she worked in the football office, developing a travel manual and compiling a procedures manual for football travel operations.

This semester, she began an internship in the football office making travel arrangements for the team and assisting with publicity

This summer, Saunders will help with CSC football camp logistics, such as payment, lodging and meals for high school teams. She also plans to begin a new job in May detailing vehicles for Eagle Chevrolet.

—Tena L. Cook, Marketing Coordinator