Macy Fridgen, winter commencement student speaker
Macy Fridgen, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources with a concentration in Management, will deliver the student address at winter commencement. A transfer student-athlete from Bismarck, N.D., Fridgen has excelled during her time at VCSU. As she prepares to move back to her hometown, she reflects on the skills and friendships she’s built over the last two and a half years.
What motivated you to choose Human Resources as your major?
I chose Human Resources as my major because I love to work with people. A large portion of HR is learning how to understand people, their values and their motivations. Understanding these helps businesses push employees to be their best. I want to help create workplaces where people feel supported, appreciated and able to succeed.
Most of my coursework focuses on people and communication. Learning how to communicate effectively across multiple platforms is a valuable skill in today’s world. Working with people is part of almost any job, so learning how to collaborate with individuals of all backgrounds and personalities has been very beneficial.
The class that stands out to me as the most impactful is Foundations of Leadership. We’ve studied different leadership strategies and practices and learned how to apply them in real-world situations, which has helped me better understand my own leadership style and how to lead effectively.
I was a member of the VCSU Women’s Volleyball team for two and a half years after transferring in as a sophomore. My time on the team helped me rediscover my love for the sport and gave me friendships and memories that I know will last long after college.
How do you balance academics with extracurricular activities or social life?
For me, I needed to learn that building connections could be just as important as academics or extracurriculars. The people you meet and the relationships you form are often what you remember most. I made it a priority to stay on top of my schoolwork so I could fully enjoy my social experiences and my sport.
How has college changed you personally or academically since your first year?
College has changed me personally by helping me build friendships and relationships that have shaped my time at VCSU. I’m grateful for the teammates and classmates who have supported me along the way. Academically and professionally, college has also given me the chance to build valuable connections through work experiences and coursework, which have helped me grow more confident and prepared for my future.
What’s your favorite memory from college so far?
My favorite memory from college so far was our volleyball team trip to Florida my junior year. It was my first season as a Viking, and it gave me the chance to have fun with my teammates and coaches outside of the gym and really get to know them beyond volleyball.
If you could give one piece of advice to incoming freshmen or a transfer, what would it be?
My advice would be to meet as many new people as possible. It’s intimidating coming into a new place without knowing many people, if any. But everyone is in the same boat and looking for new friends, so be the person who starts the conversation.
Where do you see yourself after graduation and how has your time at VCSU prepared you for the future?
After graduation, I will be moving back to Bismarck. I’m actively exploring career opportunities and feel well-prepared thanks to the support and guidance I’ve received from VCSU faculty.