Local News

Distance students reflect on holiday in Minot

The holidays are a time for communities and families to come together. For international and out-of-state students at Minot State University, it's not always possible to travel home to see loved ones. Instead, they chose to stay in Minot and celebrate the holidays with the community.

Liela Kogchi, originally from Tokyo, Japan, is a senior at MSU, majoring in management information systems with a minor in data science. She was drawn to Minot because of the small-town spirit, making it good for studying, as well as the affordability and living cost compared to other states.

"I'm less stressed out about the financial situation and I really like the people here. That is why I chose Minot," Kogchi said.

Kogchi is thousands of miles from her hometown in Japan, making it inconvenient to travel home for the holidays. Alternatively, these past few years, she's been getting together with other international students and friends who can't make it home during this time. This year will be no different for Kogchi.

"Many of my international friends don't go back to their home country very often either, so we get together at my place, or their place, and celebrate. We eat food, play games, and do all the normal stuff like that," Kogchi said.

"We are all so far from home, but the fact that we can all get together and make it less lonely is great."

Kogchi said the hardest part about the holidays is that she can't see her family very often.

"I call every now and then to keep them updated," Kogchi said. "They have not come to see Minot yet, but will get to see it soon because of my upcoming graduation."

Max Bray, a 20-year-old sophomore majoring in elementary education at MSU, is originally from Mesa, Arizona. Bray was recruited to MSU to play football and fell in love with the town.

"I really enjoy it here in Minot, I think it's amazing," Bray said.

Normally, during this time, Bray would spend time with his family in Arizona, but these past few years have been a little different. He tries to go home and spend time there as much as possible, but it's not always feasible.

"It all depends on my football and school schedule if I can go home or not. But this year I do get to be home for both Christmas and New Year's," Bray said. "Occasionally, my family will come visit Minot as well and watch football games."

Bray said he is a family man and enjoys spending time with the people he loves most.

"I was really connected back home with friends, family and church, so every time I get the chance to go back I do," Bray said. "Since being here in Minot, I have developed the same sense of community I had back home. So now I feel split between the two. It's tough because I'd like to be able to be in two places at once, but that's impossible."

Bray said he has found that it just takes time wherever you're at.

"Just be where your feet are and enjoy the time you're given with whoever you're with. Our football team is pretty diverse. We have people from everywhere, and I love Minot for that reason. It draws everybody in from everywhere," Bray said.