Dixie State University –
Opening Doors to Future Success By McKinley Hatch The people and experiences we encounter in life can profoundly impact our future success. Kathryn Sanders fully embraces this idea as a Dixie State University student. “I am not a faceless student to my teachers,” Sanders said. “They care about me, my education, and my future.” About the Author
McKinley Hatch is currently a senior Trailblazer at Dixie State University majoring in media studies with an emphasis in public relations. McKinley hopes to continue working in the public relations realm after she graduates in August of this year. She enjoys the outdoors, experimenting with new Pinterest recipes, and spending time with her husband.
Currently a junior studying biomedicine and chemistry, Sanders had an opportunity to intern for NASA for a semester last fall. While at her internship, Sanders learned many new skills, including biomimicry research, database creation, computer programming, and other engineering basics. She also was able to meet an astronaut, watch the Orion spacecraft arrive in Ohio, visit NASA’s Plum Brook Station, and even hold a rare voyager disc. “I’ve always been afraid of failure,” Sanders said. “The NASA internship taught me that it’s okay to learn from others. It taught me a lot of teamwork, and I keep learning from it even after it’s over.”
Much of what Sanders learned at the internship was largely self-taught, and because of this, she was highly motivated and determined. She said that the very skills she learned in the classroom have allowed her to be successful in real-life experiences. “The grit and perseverance I learned in school was a big part of why I was successful,” Sanders said. “It’s the actual skills you learn that you don’t even realize you’re learning—to keep going and keep pushing through—that make all the difference.” Sanders has since continued her education at Dixie State University where she has enjoyed many leadership roles and other internship opportunities. She embodies the meaning of DSU’s “active learning. active life.” approach to education and has continued to excel both inside and out of the classroom. “I didn’t realize until my internship at NASA how many opportunities are available for students,” Sanders said. “We have endless resources. I’d encourage students to get to know their professors, apply for student government, do internships, and take advantage of the many opportunities available to us.” More than 2,000 Dixie State University students participate in high impact practices, such as internship opportunities, annually with the support of DSU’s Career Services department, which helps students become career-ready professionals. Sanders has been greatly impacted by these resources and has participated in two internships and is currently serving as the Biological and Physical Sciences Student Body Senator. “Internships can actively show that you are searching for new knowledge,” Sanders said. “I am constantly doing something to better myself.” Sanders has exemplified what it means to be a Trailblazer through her resilience, commitment, drive, and motivation to move forward. “People who have once stood where I am have their dream job, so why can’t I?” Sanders said.
For more information about Dixie State University, visit www.dixie.edu, or to learn more about the Career Services department, visit www.career.dixie.edu. St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | March/April 2021 47
