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Mila Kissinger Independent & Growing Student

HI,

My name is Mila Kissinger, and I am a fourth-year student at Montana State University pursuing an Interdisciplinary Physics degree (discipline in Snow Science) and a mathematics minor.

Sunset from my hometown: Webster, NY, which sits on Lake Ontario, and always has beautiful sunsets.

GOALS (short + Long Term)

SCHOOL

  • Achieve a final grade average of 3.5 or higher
  • Be happy
  • Leadership Fellows Cerificate
  • Arabic Language Certificate
  • Branch out of my major via volunteering or work opportunities.

FAMILY

  • Close relations with my immediate family
  • Be friends with neighbors
  • Share books with my grandma
  • Strengthen my Russian to enhance communication with my moms family
  • Check in on my brother consistently
  • Call my mom at least once a week while I'm away from home

PERSONAL

  • Financially well off (to support me with no stress)
  • Morning meditations
  • Weekly yoga classes
  • Retire in Maine
  • Be self-sufficient by taking the bus, reaching out to professors for help, and walking to the grocery store

Coursework

FIRST-YEAR

I took various CORE classes during my first year that aided my academic growth. One of these classes was Writing 101. Being my only in-person class in my first semester of college and having a great professor meant it had a lasting effect on me. My professor could have been more stern about the essay format. That being said, he presented a flexible environment that was very pleasant to work in. He made me confident in my writing skills and my creativity. Another professor and class that made my semester was Leadership Foundations. Every time this class met, a different student led the discussion. With this independence came much growth since the professor participated as a student and gave generous feedback. The professor was personable, and I could connect with him in a way I had not yet in college. This class was crucial for me to have a letter of recommendation and a goal: achieve the Leadership Fellows Certificate. Because my freshman year was primarily online, my few in-person classes meant the world to me. One last memorable class was Survey of Calculus. This class reintroduced me to my love of math and introduced me to my first friend outside my dorm group. The TA who taught my section would stay after class to ensure we knew how to complete assignments. For the first time since COVID-19, I could take organized notes that I referenced while doing homework. Since this class was in person, I was forced to learn the material and was introduced to a real college class. I'm thankful for all the great professors that led me to become the student I am today.

SECOND-YEAR

When my second year of university started, I was ready to achieve my goal: complete physics courses and get on schedule to graduate on time. However, when I started the semester, I was overwhelmed. Therefore, I did not take a physics course but focused on finding my passion. One specific course that aided me in this new goal was Career Connections. Even though I left this class unsure of what I should major in, the professor gave me great tips on finding my dream: courses I should take in the future, my learning styles, and what careers I would thrive in. Also, this class taught me how hard I should push myself in college. It was brought to my attention that I needed to get outside my comfort zone. In the spring, I took classes to explore my major options. This included computer science, environmental science, and physics courses. Also, I took HSTR 491 (History of Yoga) to think logically and philosophically. This semester showed me where my heart belonged: Barnard Hall. The physics option resonated with me more than any other major, as I immensely enjoyed Physics I and Calculus II.

THIRD-YEAR

The following fall, I continued down the physics path with Physics II and Lab Electronics I. Lab was the first hands-on class I had taken and was taught by a professor with whom I connected deeply. Since a prerequisite for the class was Physics II, I needed to catch up to my classmates. To ensure success in the class, I met with the professor twice a week, every week. He would introduce me to labs before the rest of the class so I could ask questions without added pressure and assist me with homework problems. This meant I excelled in Physics II as I was learning the material before we got to it in lecture. Lab Electronics taught me about circuitry and setting up a breadboard. Since this class was so lab-heavy, I bonded with my classmates, which set me up for success in my future physics courses. In the spring of my junior year, I took Physics III, Calculus IV, and Lab Electronics II. Physics III and Lab were taught by the same professor, and if the fall taught me anything, it was to attend your professor's office hours as much as possible. I grew close with this professor as my classes were small, and I was constantly in his office. Also, bonds with my classmates drew me closer to success in these classes. After completing my third year, I felt confident in my major decision; physics was the perfect place.

Outcomes

CORE REFLECTION

While I have not yet finished all my CORE credits, the classes I have completed have been some of my favorites. My first college CORE courses were Writing 101 and Chemistry I. While chemistry was all online, writing was in person and introduced me to my first college class. This class prepared me for the papers to come in my college years. My professor's calm demeanor gave me the confidence I needed in my writing skills. My COREs included Leadership Foundations, Survey of Calculus, and Chemistry II the following semester. My leadership class gave me something new to work towards: the Leadership Fellows Certificate. This goal put something usually scary, the future, into my line of sight. This CORE was in person and gave me a great group of friends with whom I got to explore the outdoors. Calculus was also an in-person class and worked my brain in a way college still needed to. Survey of Calculus was my first challenging class, which I had to study thoroughly for. Therefore, it was a friendly introduction to the work I would put into future courses. I had a great TA and met a friend from home. I completed more CORE credits with Buddhist Traditions, American Popular Music, and Undergraduate Research in the following years. Similar to my freshman year classes, the professors I had for Buddhism and Music were fantastic. These professors made school enjoyable and made me think in a way STEM classes never had.

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

In the fall of my third year, I took a required physics course: PHSX 200 (Research Programs in Physics). This class met weekly with a different professor presenting their research to us undergraduates. One of the first professors to speak was Charles Kankelborg. Charles is a solar physicist and studies solar flares. After his presentation, I stayed after class and had him explain what exactly a solar flare was. Because I showed interest in his material, he suggested I do undergraduate research for him. After the nerves disappeared, I applied to his team and was accepted! I began attending meetings with the CAPRI-SUN team. The group was part of a larger solar mission called Hi-C and was creating a piece for a sounding rocket that would launch into a solar flare. Charles immediately put me on filter duty. This meant I would code in Python to find some combination of Aluminum and Polyimide to replace a typical Beryllium filter. I met with Charles consistently and gained confidence in my coding skills. It was validating to have such an intelligent person believe in me. Finding a replacement for Beryllium took about a year, and now I'm continuing to work with Charles to find a filter for a new project: MUSE.

CUrricular and CO-Curricular experiences

In high school, I participated in numerous clubs and activities. I spent most of my time at my dance studio, where we practiced for upcoming competitions. I spent about 14 hours a week at the studio for 42 weeks out of the year. I was dance captain multiple times and taught younger girls technique classes.

I spent time leading the Rotary Interact Club with fellow officers when I wasn't at the dance studio. As treasurer, I constantly organized funds for volunteer opportunities. This club allowed me to volunteer for around an hour a week for 30 weeks of the year. During these hours, I interacted with my community and other students. Because of the good times this club provided me, I plan to participate in Rotary Interact as I age.

Besides clubs, I held jobs throughout high school and into college. One such job was being a counselor and volunteer at Bayfront Summer Camp. I grew up attending this camp and was therefore eager to work and give back the good times I received. I led kayaking and canoeing trips at this camp and taught kids how to wakeboard. Another job I held over the summer was Lifeguarding. In this position, I tested pool chemicals, maintained the pool, and interacted with patrons. I enjoyed spending my time outside and meeting the kind residents of the neighborhood.

When not in the summer season, I worked at TJMaxx for three years—working in retail taught me how to work with different types of customers and employees. I often stocked shelves, worked registers, or monitored the fitting room. I enjoyed meeting and helping customers with clothes while maintaining an organized space. Once in college, I became an intern with MontPIRG. This organization introduced me to politics, as I had never seen before. It encouraged me to use my voice for things I believed in. I met some great people, and it was the first time I felt welcome in my new home of Montana.

After deciding to pursue physics, I joined the Montana State Optics and Photonics Society. This group of students made me feel welcome while also challenging my thinking. OPS mainly consisted of graduate students; therefore, learning a lot from them was easy. Another physics-based organization I joined was the Society of Physics Students. This small group of students focuses on preparing physics students for their careers via weekly meetings and multiple guest speakers.

Outside of physics-based organizations, I became a Sophomore Surge Mentor. As a mentor, I attended a first-year seminar class where I acted as a guide for first-year students. Here, I gave tips on assignments, checked in with them throughout the semester, and provided insight into college. This program reminded me what it meant to be a leader. Unlike the size of my high school, the large college community was an exciting place to make a difference. I also felt I was making a difference when I joined the Voice Center Advocate Team. Here, I volunteer time for survivors of interpersonal violence.

Outside the classroom

When not in school I can be found around a fire with friends, swimming, hanging out with my cat, getting my hands dirty, or exploring the world with my best friend.

I AM...

Creative: I enjoy the arts and participate in them thoroughly. I was a competitive dancer and couldn't listen to a song without improving in my head. Also, I spend a lot of time painting. In high school, I took many sculpture classes, including ceramics. While the wheel was not my strong suit, I enjoyed working with wire. I've been expressing my creativity through art since I haven't taken an art class in 4 years. My friends and I often spend time painting together; it's my favorite form of stress relief and is always enjoyable with companions. The pieces I paint will often go towards a Christmas gift for my parents. I plan to continue painting in my free time since it has benefitted my life.

Honest: In my 21 years, I have concluded that honesty is one of the most remarkable character traits. With honesty, there would be less conflict. This is because people could speak their minds and not hold grudges. Without a grudge, there is less anger; without anger, there will be more peace. Since I value the thought of peace and serenity so much, honesty is something I will always hold to a high value. I hope to see a day where we can all come together and look past what is at the surface.

Optimistic: Honesty isn't the only trait I look towards. Optimism is something that can brighten multiple people's days. If everyone was slightly more optimistic and complained less, days would be sunnier. Optimism is vital in today's world. There are a lot of stressors in every aspect of life; therefore, optimism can be an outlet. While it won't directly solve problems, it will be an instant mood booster. I smile while doing mundane tasks, as it boosts my mood.; I plan to continue my optimistic lifestyle and have a happy life.

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