Meet Undergraduate Commencement Speaker Joscelyn Sturm
English major Joscelyn Sturm will deliver the student remarks during the CLA Undergraduate Commencement on Sunday, May 18 at 4 p.m.
Since arriving at the University in 2021, she has been passionate about student advocacy: serving on the CLA Student Board, the Undergraduate Student Government, and as a student representative to the Board of Regents. In each of her roles, she aimed to connect with and represent students across all five UMN campuses. Outside of her campus leadership roles, Joscelyn is a dedicated animal advocate, avid reader, and an iced matcha connoisseur.
What brought you to the University of Minnesota and how did you end up choosing your major(s) and minor(s)?
I’m from outside of Houston, Texas, but my parents met working at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, so I’ve always had a deep appreciation for Minnesota. When I was applying to colleges, I felt a natural pull to the U, both due to my family’s history here and the fact that it was so different from where I’ve spent most of my life. Snowy winters sounded like such a treat!
As for my major, I love what I study. A lot of people think the study of English is limited to poetry, storytelling, and other creative outlets, but what drew me to English initially was the fact that I’m a strong logical thinker. When I find a word that describes what I’m trying to say perfectly, I feel the same sense of accomplishment I do when I solve a math problem. I really wanted to follow that feeling into my college and post-grad career.
What is your favorite college memory?
My favorite college memory has to be riding Goldy’s scooter during Welcome Week 2023. Being a Welcome Week leader during my sophomore and junior years made me feel incredibly connected to the University, and getting to ride Goldy’s scooter across the football field while the class of 2023 constructed their famous ‘M’ photo felt cinematically memorable. If they ever make a biopic about me, I hope that scene makes it in.
What is your favorite class that you took in CLA?
I absolutely have to give credit to Dr. Rebecca Krug and her courses within the Medieval History and English departments. She is a dynamic, engaging, and rigorous teacher. She expects a lot of effort from her students, but gives 110% of that effort back. Her classes have no doubt been the most rewarding to me, and they have prepared me for the next stage of my life by teaching me how beautiful and all-encompassing education can be. I will always look at the world the way she taught me to, that is, with a keen eye, an inquisitive heart, and a deep appreciation for the details.
If you could go back and give your first-year self one piece of advice, what would it be?
I’m not sure I’d want to impart any of my current knowledge on an eighteen-year-old-me just yet. Every lesson I’ve learned in college has stuck with me in part due to its method of delivery, and I wouldn’t want to rob any version of me of those experiences. I came into college telling myself to “never waste a moment”, and I think freshman me would be really proud to see how much I’ve done during my time here. I’m leaving the U with no regrets, and I’m grateful to have amassed my currently-held knowledge how I did.
What's next for you? What are your post-graduation plans?
As of now, I am continuing the job search! My dream is to find a position where I am able to continue the advocacy work that I’ve begun here via working closely with people in my community.
Until that job comes my way, I have plenty of books waiting patiently for me at home.
