Imagine this: being a full-time student striving to achieve a degree, attempting to academically challenge oneself, holding three jobs and leadership positions in Student-Life organizations, and assisting on student-oriented committees. Impractical? Impossible? Insane? Upholding all these responsibilities was a day-to-day task for David Blanchard, a former student at Anoka-Ramsey Community College (ARCC) Cambridge Campus.
“I think that the way students are challenged in college… is by having the initiative to make the fullest of their education,” Blanchard explains.
Blanchard’s résumé of academic and extra-circular activities is both bulky and brilliant: both chapter president and VP of the Minn-Wi-Kota region in Phi Theta Kappa, participant in the Honor’s Program, involvement with Student Government, an active member of the Student Life Committee, and a volunteer for various ARCC committees ranging from the building dedication committee to the hiring committee. Also, while participating in these activities, Blanchard was enrolled as a full-time student and held three jobs.
Though maintaining these responsibilities was hectic, Blanchard kept his eyes on the silver lining.
“Everything that I did made me all the stronger,” he explains. “I think that all of the activities I was involved in (at any level) made me a better student, friend, leader, citizen and person as a whole.”
Aside from the personal gratification Blanchard felt from being active at the ARCC, his hard work was well appreciated and rewarded
“While at the Cambridge Campus I received a number of foundation scholarships and a great list of service hours, references and recommendation letters,” says Blanchard. “(Letters of recommendation) mean much more, but don't always pay the tuition statement.”
Blanchard’s ambition not only earned him scholarships at the ARCC, but also helped him in achieving a substantial transfer scholarship at the college he currently attends: St. Cloud State University (SCSU). Presently, Blanchard is working towards his teaching license for elementary education, K-8th grade, with a science cognate, which will enable him to be a science teacher or general education classroom teacher.
Although Blanchard admits that he is not currently involved in Student Life activities at SCSU, he keeps himself preoccupied. With a full-course load, three jobs (sales floor team member at Pamida, Retail Data Collection Associate at The Nielsen Company, and a student manager at the SCSU Computer Store), and a 45-minute commute to and from school, his free-time is crunched. However, Blanchard adds that he plans to become more active in SCSU activities ASAP.
“I know what many of you may be thinking right now: ‘boy... this guy just keeps going,’ but the fact of the matter is… everyone needs motivation. The due date, the incentive at the end of the class, the discount on car insurance, and the feeling of a job well done are just a few forms of motivation that many students have and use. What motivates me is my family -past, present and future-, my friends -including the professors I am close with- and my love for education. Everyone needs to have some form of motivation. Once you find yours, keep the light alive and let that motivator propel you to your highest dreams. I have, and will continue to do so.”