Hilbers named September Project Strive/TRiO Student of the Month

Hilbers said she chose CSC because the college and the community reminded her of a small town and the class size was one she was comfortable with. Additionally, she enjoys the outdoor opportunities in the Chadron area.

Hilbers, originally a Science Education major, now majors in English with a focus in Creative Writing. After taking an FYI course titled Monsters and Magic her freshman year, she felt she was able to tap into her creativity and decided writing was for her.

“The class helped me in discovering my writing,” Hilbers said. “I thought I couldn’t be a writer and that I didn’t have any creativity, but that class helped me discover that I actually do.”

After enjoying the course taught by Associate Professors Markus Jones and Dr. Mary Clai Jones, Hilbers said she knew she wanted to take additional courses taught by them.

Hilbers is a member of Sigma Tau Delta, Art Guild, and International Club.

While Hilbers didn’t intentionally seek out any of these clubs, she feels they have all helped her in different ways.

“I joined Sigma Tau Delta because they had a free pizza night, Art Guild because I like art, even though I don’t feel like I’m very good at it, and International Club just because I made a friend that was a member,” Hilbers said. “I love the sense of family they provide, especially International Club. They’re a close-knit group and it’s a place that makes you feel included.”

Markus Jones recognizes Hilbers’ ability to use her quiet nature and unique outlook on the world in her writing.

“Emma is a bright and creative student with a humorous sense of what’s different in the world,” Jones said. “She is able to use this sense to observe everything and everybody around her and then turn these observations into compelling poems and stories. I am impressed with her quiet enthusiasm for the day and how she’s open to the little surprises each day holds.”

Mary Clai Jones has observed Hilbers’ kindness and cheerfulness.

“As the Sigma Tau Delta faculty advisor and one of her professors, I've been able to observe Emma in the classroom and outside it,” Jones said. “Emma is always cheerful and engaged. She is kind to her peers, and she follows along with her expressive face. I really enjoy having Emma in class because she always lights up a room. She also contributes great questions and observations to class discussions.”

Hilbers said that she struggled with her sense of identity in high school, and college has allowed her to grow and learn about herself.

“I became an RA to make myself more involved on campus and make more connections,” Hilbers said. “But it has helped me in so many social aspects. It has helped me understand responsibilities and time management as well as support systems and good work environments.”

Jennifer Schaer, Director of Project Strive, appreciates Hilbers’ participation and enjoys watching her grow as a person.

“Emma is very active in Project Strive,” Schaer said. “She participates in events and enjoys them. She reaches out to new students and makes them feel like they are part of the program. Her dedication to her education is rewarding and she will go a long way in life. It has been great to watch Emma grow and develop into the person she is now.”

When Hilbers isn’t involved on campus, she enjoys spending time outside, hiking, or watching movies with friends and her dog. Hilbers said she loves the outdoors because she likes the sense of freedom it provides her, along with a break from the real world to help clear her mind.

While Hilbers doesn’t yet know what she wants to do after graduation, one of her biggest goals is to publish poetry at least once. Hilbers said that poetry is her favorite style of writing because of the ambiguity it allows the reader to experience.

Chadron State College’s Project Strive/TRiO program, located in the lower level of the King Library, is an academic enrichment program committed to help 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 https://www.csc.edu/projectstrive/.