Dr. Laurie Geller Vice President for Academic Affairs | Minot State University
Dr. Laurie Geller Vice President for Academic Affairs | Minot State University
Twin sisters Lauren Busch and Alicia Kubas, originally from Minot, North Dakota, have graduated from Minot State University (MSU). As first-generation college students, they chose to study at MSU to be near their family and start their lives in the area.
"We were born and raised here in Minot and graduated from Minot High School in 2019. We have two other siblings that both live in Minot, and our parents are high school sweethearts who have been together for 39 years," said Busch.
Initially, the sisters pursued their studies at the University of Mary in Bismarck as biology majors. However, frequent visits home led them to transfer to MSU. "We initially started our college career at the University of Mary as biology majors, and after visiting home so often to see our family, my twin sister and I decided to transfer to Minot State University to be closer to home," explained Kubas.
The onset of COVID-19 prompted a change in their academic focus. They switched their major to exercise science and rehabilitation. Busch expressed her motivation for this shift: "During my sophomore year, I decided that I still wanted to help people but wanted to do more hands-on work, such as physical therapy."
Kubas's decision was influenced by personal experiences with healthcare professionals assisting her mother. "Our mom had a big influence on our choice to switch majors... Seeing this shift happen... really influenced how I saw physical therapy," she shared.
Both sisters acknowledged the support of their advisor Beth Marschner. "My advisor, Beth Marschner, had a heavy influence on my decision," said Busch. Kubas added: "She made physical therapy seem so rewarding."
Their time at MSU has been instrumental in shaping their future careers. "All of the professors I've had wanted to see me succeed," stated Kubas. Busch echoed similar sentiments about her experience: "Every professor I've had — especially in the kinesiology department — has been phenomenal."
Looking ahead, both plan further studies in physical therapy graduate programs. "The next step for me is attending grad school so I can get my doctor of physical therapy degree," said Kubas.
Minot State University remains committed to providing quality education through active learning environments and community engagement.
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