Christensen named Project Strive/TRiO Student of the Month

Christensen appreciates the helpfulness of the other participants and the leaders of Project Strive.

“I especially appreciate Amanda (Lewin). Whether it be with proofreading papers and helping with schoolwork or giving me personal advice, I really trust her,” Christensen said. “I love being in Project Strive. It has helped me meet a lot of new people. When I first came to CSC, I was very shy and the program has helped me get more involved and meet lots of genuine people. It’s kind of like its own little community.”

Christensen is majoring in Psychological Sciences with a minor in Interpersonal Communication.

“I wanted to go into psychology because I want to be a therapist,” she said, “but I wasn't sure about a minor. I ended up choosing Interpersonal Communication to help me with the communication aspect of psychology.”

Having autism and social anxiety, Christensen finds communication quite interesting.

“I find understanding what people are thinking and why they do and say, really interesting,” Christensen said.

Christensen said she became interested in psychology after an experience with her own therapist that inspired her.

“Therapy interests me because I can help people who are struggling learn to struggle less. Seeing them improve and change their lives is a really big motivation for me,” Christensen said.

After graduating from CSC with her bachelor’s, Christensen plans to earn a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology in hopes of becoming a licensed therapist.

Christensen is an active member of Revive, Chi Alpha, Eagles for Life, and International Club. She said that she joined the organizations because she enjoys being around people with the same beliefs she has. Christensen said her faith drives her passion about helping people.

As an Eagle Mentor, Christensen said she wants to support first-year students to have a positive experience by helping them become comfortable, answering questions, and providing assistance when needed.

“I love being an Eagle Mentor,” Christensen said. “I had an Eagle Mentor last year who really helped me and I wanted to be that same person for someone else..”

Christensen’s favorite class is Families in Society with Professor of Family and Consumer Sciences Dr. Lorie Hunn. The class is about different family styles which Christensen said will be very helpful to her in her future career. She appreciates Hunn’s teaching style, exuberant personality, and the help she offers.

Hunn appreciates Christensen for being a committed and productive student.

“Katrina is a great student to have in class,” Hunn said. “She is very conscientious when it comes to her classwork. She takes her classes and expectations seriously and to a higher level. Katrina is a highly productive and goal-oriented person. She analyzes and continually strives to improve her abilities. I admire her because she stands firm in her beliefs. Katrina has definitely demonstrated her commitment to learning and is an asset to CSC.”

Jen Schaer, Director of Project Strive/TRiO, noted Christensen’s dedication to her schoolwork.

“Watching Katrina grow and develop into the student she is today has been rewarding,” Schaer said. “Katrina uses resources available on campus and talks to her professors about the subject matter or concerns. Katrina works well with other students and is a great mentor. I can’t wait to watch what she does in the future.”

Chadron State College’s Project Strive/TRiO program, located in the lower level of the King Library, is an academic enrichment program committed to helping students succeed. Project Strive also focuses on career exploration, cultural and social enrichment, and self-awareness. To be eligible for the program, a student must be one of the following: A first-generation student where neither parent has a four-year degree, meet low-income status based on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services criteria, or have a documented disability. For more information, visit www.csc.edu/projectstrive.