Senior Spotlight 19: Erin Winterton
By Michael Linnell
University Communications Director
michael.linnell@minotstateu.edu
MINOT, N.D. – It took about a semester at Minot State for Erin Winterton to change her major to something people had told her she would be great at most of her life.
Winterton, from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, changed from athletic training — a big factor in originally choosing Minot State — to chemistry education.
After my first semester, I wasn’t really enjoying my classes and knew that (athletic training) was not the career for me,” she said. “It was scary because I came to Minot State because it was the closest athletic training program to where I grew up. There were a lot of phone calls with my mom.”
It took about the same amount of time for Winterton to know she made the correct decision.
“It clicked right away,” she said. “I walked on to the track & field team and it was what kept me here, but once I was able to get into my chemistry classes, I knew I made the right decision.”
She will finish up her student teaching next year, planning on returning to Moose Jaw to complete her education. Winterton is looking forward to seeing the education system in her hometown from a different point of view.
“Growing up there, I guess I couldn’t wait to leave. Now that I’m not there, I can’t wait to go back. I’m ready to go home and spend time with my parents,” Winterton said. “I plan to help coach track or whatever sport they need help in. It will be interesting to be on the other side of that community.”
Winterton’s balance of academics and athletics has helped her prepare for doing both during the next step of her career.
“Athletics helped me meet a lot of people, forced me to set priorities, and helped me learn time management,” she said of being a student-athlete. “School was always No. 1 for me and there were some tough decisions so setting priorities was probably the biggest lesson I learned. I’ve become very good with agenda — I write everything down.”
She also believes Minot State’s emphasis on undergraduate research will help set her apart as an educator.
“Actually doing the scientific process — you learn about it all the time — but actually doing it and not just in a classroom setting but in a lab, that will be so beneficial as a teacher,” Winterton said. “Students who what to go on to learn more, I can go in depth with some of the things I’ve done.”
While she values her education at Minot State, Winterton believes the relationships she has formed are just as important. Along with being a student-athlete and a student in the science department, she also worked as a student ambassador, during orientation, and as a tutor.
“I’ve met so many people in track, and the science department is such a close group,” Winterton said. “It has been so nice to work with other students, bouncing ideas off of them so you’re not figuring out everything on your own. And, I met Haley (Hildenbrand) through general chemistry. It’s kind of crazy that I wouldn’t have probably met her if I didn’t change majors, but I can’t imagine not meeting her now.
“Getting involved was the best thing I could have done here.”
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: 05/09/19
