For Samantha Dischinger, transferring from Anoka-Ramsey Community College to Winona State University wasn’t just a change of scenery, it was the beginning of truly finding her place.
At Winona State, Dischinger found what she’d been looking for: a close-knit campus community, meaningful friendships, and a supportive environment that encouraged her to grow.
“One of the best parts of my experience here has been all of the friends I have met along the way,” she said. “All the things that I am involved in on campus have brought me together with so many great people.”
That sense of connection defined Dischinger’s time at Winona State. But just as important were the opportunities to lead, learn, and step outside her comfort zone.
“Leadership has been one of the most important things that I will take away from my time here at WSU,” she said.
Her development as a leader was shaped by hands-on experience, especially through internships tied to her major in Applied Communication Studies and her minor in Adventure Tourism.
“I was able to take internships with local nonprofits and dip my toes into new worlds,” she said.
Her experiences in building community, developing leadership, and gaining practical skills reinforced the knowledge that transferring to Winona State was the right path for her.
If she could send a message back to reassure her freshman-year self, she knows just what she’d say:
“Anoka-Ramsey Community College offered lots of opportunities, but Winona State will give you so much more. Trust the process. You will find your groove, you will find your place, you will find your people. Just be yourself.”
As she prepares for what’s next, Dischinger reflects with pride on graduating from a university that puts students first — supporting their success both in and beyond the classroom.
