Embracing the Minot experience

MINOT, N.D. - Studying abroad can be a nerve-wracking and challenging time for many international students.

But, it can be a time of growth and amazing opportunities.

Aurora Polonio, a native of the Dominican Republic, made the most of her time at Minot State up until her graduation in 2021.

"Moving to the U.S. right after high school to attend college was one of the most defining experiences of my life," she said, "Being in a new country on my own helped me mature quickly and become more open-minded, adaptable, and outgoing."

The main challenge when deciding which university to attend in the U.S. includes the tuition fee, and for Polonio, it was an easy choice.

"Minot State offered an excellent and affordable program for international students, which initially drew my attention," she said.

Additionally, she found the small community to be a plus.

"Once I learned more about the university, I also appreciated the smaller class sizes and the opportunity to build close relationships with professors," she added. "That environment made it easier to stay engaged, get involved on campus, and truly make the most of the academic experience."

Polonio double majored in finance and international business, and she did not shy away from leadership roles to enhance her skills.

"As president of the Finance Club, one of our main initiatives was managing the club's investment account. We actively traded and worked together to analyze opportunities, and we were able to significantly increase the value of the portfolio," she said. "Our advisor, Mr. Jerry Stai '75, was a great mentor, and I learned a tremendous amount from his guidance."

Furthermore, she brought new ideas to the International Club.

"We were able to revive the organization and bring new energy to it," she said. "We organized events and fundraisers throughout the year, and one of our biggest accomplishments was hosting an international dance - similar to a prom - which hadn't been done before and brought students from many different backgrounds together."

Polonio emphasized that staying involved was key to having a positive university experience.

"As an international student without family nearby, it was important for me to put myself out there, meet people, and build friendships," she said, "Joining clubs allowed me to network, develop leadership skills, and become part of a community."

Moreover, Polonio, like many students, took advantage of different opportunities that helped her build long-lasting skills.

"Working multiple jobs on campus taught me discipline, time management, and strong communication skills. Balancing work, academics, and extracurricular activities required organization and accountability," she said. "Those experiences helped me learn how to collaborate with different types of people, solve problems quickly, and stay adaptable - skills that I continue to use today in my role as a financial analyst."

One of the most challenging times in Polonio's trajectory was the COVID-19 pandemic, an uncertain time that changed the course of life for everyone.

"What was supposed to be a short spring break trip to Florida turned into me staying there for about eight months," she said.

Luckily, she had a family member in Florida she could rely on.

Adjusting to online classes proved difficult for someone as social as Polonio.

"Not being able to interact with classmates or professors made it feel isolating and, at times, frustrating," Polonio said. "When I eventually returned to Minot, it was another adjustment period trying to get back into a routine."

In addition, Polonio expressed the sorrow of being away from family back in Minot during the pandemic. Regardless, she developed a positive outlook on the situation.

"Looking back, it was one of the most difficult periods of my college experience, but it also taught me resilience and how to adapt to unexpected situations," she said.

Fortunately, her graduation was made possible a year later in 2021.

"Having the chance to celebrate graduation in person made it incredibly special because it brought everyone together again after so much time apart," Polonio said.

After earning her degree, she stayed in Minot, working as an accountant for Beaver Creek, an oil trucking company. She acquired that job through an internship with the company during her last semester, and they later offered her a full-time position.

"After working for a year following graduation, I moved to Canada, which has been another big chapter of growth as I continue building my career and learning along the way," she said.

One of Polonio's favorite memories involves traveling.

"My first flight was to Boston when I was eight years old for Christmas - it was my first time seeing snow, and I still remember how unreal the whole experience felt," she said. "Even now, that moment when the plane takes off is something I can't fully describe, it's just an amazing feeling. Growing up, I traveled a lot with my family, mostly around the U.S., and I've been to about 15 states. I also did a few road trips while living there."

Polonio knows how important it is to step away and make time for yourself. Therefore, she does the things she always wanted to do, and so traveling has become a must in her life.

"Now, traveling has become a big part of who I am. I've explored parts of Europe and Asia, and I really enjoy experiencing different cultures and trying new foods," she said. "It's something that started in childhood but has stayed with me and continues to shape my perspective on life today."

She has been to France, Italy, Greece, Germany, Spain, Ireland, Netherlands, and she recently visited Japan and South Korea.

Finally, Polonio reflected on what she found the most useful during her time at Minot State.

"My biggest advice is to get involved early and take advantage of everything happening on campus. Join clubs, attend events, and build relationships with professors and advisors," she said. "Most importantly, stepping outside your comfort zone helps make your college experience much more memorable."