Minot State University
11/07/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 11/07/2024 14:08
Onward: An interview with Great (Paul) Godwin
By Veronica Corey
Communications and Marketing Specialist
Remaining open to life's pathways led Great (Paul) Godwin all the way to Minot State University.
For Godwin, coming to Minot State University has been a deeply rewarding experience. Its supportive community and welcoming people left a lasting impression unlike anywhere else he's been.
The international student from Delta State, Nigeria, has embraced every opportunity, from competing in DECA and winning twice at the state level to finishing second in the MSU Department of Business's Individual Presentation category, working on campus, and double majoring in public relations and entrepreneurship. He has also been highly active on campus, participating in the Looyenga Leadership program and taking roles in the Marketing Office and MSU Security.
Despite his busy schedule, University Communications was able to sit down with Godwin for our next edition of Onward.
How was your transition from Nigeria to Minot State University, and what challenges or surprises did you face during your first year?
GG: It was tough because it is a new space and super cold. However, I had my sister, Ann, who helped me through the process, but it took me nearly 2 months to make my own first friend without an introduction from my sister. She really helped. She showed me her friends and community, which helped me a lot. I am terrible at introductions, but she and her friends helped break my bubble.
What led you to choose a dual focus on public relations and entrepreneurship?
GG: So, I started as a journalism major. But I wanted to do something in business, so I took an introductory business class with Meleeha Latif, and I loved it. After that class, I added an entrepreneurship major. After taking some journalism classes, I knew I was interested in communicating and researching people but not talking about the news. So, I changed my major to professional communication, with my sub plan being public relations.
What has been your most memorable experience at MSU so far, and how has it shaped you personally or academically?
GG: My most memorable experience was working with the Minot State Marketing team on campus. The team over there is just amazing. I have learned the value of time management, organization, research, and workplace dynamics. Academically, I ended up adding a marketing minor, which shows how powerful their influence was.
We heard you got a new job on campus; what is it, and what do you do?
GG: I recently got hired as a part-timer in MSU Security. Although it has nothing to do with my majors. My new job has taught me much about becoming a better person and building and organizing my life. I mainly lock/unlock the campus building doors, but I also do patrols and answer various calls for service and incident reports. In summary, I try to ensure that the MSU community and its surroundings are safe for everyone.
In what ways has your time at MSU allowed you to grow, either in your studies or in your personal development?
GG: My time at MSU has been a transformative journey. I have gotten to know myself better: what interests me and what doesn't. The guidance and words of wisdom I have gotten from many people on campus have pushed me beyond my comfort zone, encouraged me to explore new fields, and helped me shape my vision of who I would like to be in the near future.
Are there any particular classes, professors, or campus experiences that have significantly impacted you?
GG: Oh my gosh, there are so many. Cole Kruger and the marketing team, Gary Orluck and the security team, Randy Conway, Katelynn Albers, Kristi Berg, the janitors of Old Main, and many more. Each of the above has changed my view on life and inspired me to become the best version of myself.
Can you share a project you're particularly proud of and how your studies have helped you bring it to life?
GG: Last year, my team and I put together the MSU Got Talent. While working on this project, I also had two other big projects, taking 22 credits and working. To say it was challenging is an understatement. It was really stressful organizing it all, as I was the head of the team last year. After the night of the event, I was incredibly proud even though it wasn't up to what we wanted. We were proud of pulling it off. My studies helped a lot in the process. I had to seek out sponsorships, and taking persuasion classes from my PR major and business communication classes from my entrepreneurship major helped me get sponsors for the show.
How do you balance your creative and business mindsets?
GG: My creative mindset helps me think outside the box and come up with innovative ideas and solutions. My business mindset helps me to implement these ideas using different strategies depending on the situation.
As someone who is naturally curious, what new ideas or fields have captured your interest during your time at MSU?
GG: Last semester, I took a persuasion and argumentation class with Olivia Reed. In the class, we had to read a lot of research papers. Before this class, I had no idea what Google Scholar was. Since then, persuasion strategies and their impact on the human mind have really intrigued me. Since then, I have spent many hours studying various persuasion theories and strategies and how people react to them.
How has MSU helped you feel connected to the student body, and what has been your favorite way to get involved on campus?
GG: For now, my favorite way to get involved on campus is through the Minot State International Office. When I first came, the Minot State International Office wasn't active, but now they are very active. I like going to their events and their office, even for the simplest of questions, because I feel a sense of community and comfortability being around people of different backgrounds as I am.
How do you manage to balance your academic responsibilities with your extracurricular activities?
GG: My academic responsibilities come first. If something distracts or disturbs me from my academics, I will probably stop it. So academic first, then extracurricular second. That gives me a good balance.
If you could give advice to a new international student coming to MSU, what would it be?
GG: I would say be open-minded. MSU is filled with amazing people who want you to be your best. From lecturers to staff to janitors, most people actually care. So be open-minded and get involved.
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
Published: 11/07/24