Student Life event sponsored by SAGA
The Sexuality and Gender Acceptance Association (SAGA) at Dakota County Technical College sponsored Cupcakes & Color, a Valentine’s Day-related event held Wednesday, February 13, 2019, in the Student Life Center on the college’s main campus in Rosemount, Minnesota.
“SAGA hosts the annual Cupcakes & Color event to promote the idea that love has no labels,” said Natalie Shrestha, enrollment advisor and financial aid specialist at the college. Natalie also serves as SAGA staff advisor. “The club provides students, staff and faculty a chance to express what love looks like to them. SAGA meets every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Central Commons. If you are looking for an inclusive group who accepts all persons as they are, come and share lunch with us.”
SAGA was started to create a community on campus for anyone who identifies in the LGBTQQIAA+ community at Dakota County Technical College. SAGA provides support and promotes acceptance at DCTC. All persons are welcome to participate.
SAGA Mission
To bring all people of all identities together and create an environment of inclusion and friendship.
SAGA MEETINGS
Wednesdays: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the Central Commons
Look for the rainbow flag on the table.
Cupcakes & Color gallery
Student Spotlight: Terry Vitt
Terry Vitt
Terry Vitt, 22, serves as SAGA president and secretary. Terry is pursuing a diploma in the Medical Coding Specialist program at DCTC with plans to launch her career as a medical coder. She likes the idea of a career that will give her the energy to pursue her passion for creating things.
Originally from St. Paul, Terry is a 2014 graduate of Minnehaha Academy. She’s fluent in French (her dad teaches French at Blaine High School) and Latin (her mom teaches Latin at Minnehaha). Terry attended Concordia University, St. Paul, for two years as a Latin major with the goal to follow in her mom’s footsteps, but her program shut down before she could earn her degree.
Terry started at DCTC fall semester 2018 because she was intrigued by the Medical Coding Specialist program—her aunt is a medical coder. “I like solving puzzles,” she said, “and my background in Latin is very useful in my studies.”
Terry works as a Caribou Coffee barista while going to college. In her free time, she loves to write. She working on a novel, a love story set in Italy. One of her favorite activities is creating things. She makes jewelry and lace. She also plays piano and is partial to jazz.
She has one sister, Catherine, 18, whose name is pronounced the French way as Katreen. Catherine attends Luther College. Terry has two cats, Dusty, a 2-year-old grey, and Logan (named after Wolverine), a 2-year-old tuxedo. Terry resides in Burnsville, Minnesota.
Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
Organize and manage medical data in both paper and electronic systems.
WAGE
Above the statewide median of $20.07/hour
Minnesota
Median: $22.69/hour
High: $26.89/hourSeven-county Twin Cities metro
Median: $23.22/hour
High: $27.49/hourOUTLOOK
This career is currently in high demand and is seeing very high growth compared to other careers. Growth rate is 10.6 percent, or well above the statewide average. There will be a need for about 2,985 new Medical Records and Health Information Technicians to meet market demand between 2016–2026. This includes the demand due to replacement (workers leaving the occupation or retiring) as well as growth.
Terry Vitt • Q & A
What are your duties as SAGA president and secretary?
I help our club advisor, Natalie [Shrestha], keep the club’s day-to-day business going. Our SAGA meetings are very informal. We have a table in the Central Commons on Wednesdays. Anyone can drop by. Just look for the rainbow flag.
How would you describe your experience as a SAGA officer?
I enjoy the responsibility because it requires effort, but doesn’t take up too much time. I like seeing people come together and share their ideas.
Three words that describe you as a college student:
ORGANIZED. STUDIOUS. MOTIVATED.
What was the primary goal of Cupcakes & Color?
Have fun and allow people to see other ideas about love.
Why are student clubs like SAGA important on college campuses?
You get to meet new people and not feel isolated.
What one word best describes your experience at DCTC?
ENJOYABLE
Terry Vitt • 12 Answers
- Favorite sport or physical activity: Yoga, but it’s not my favorite thing to do.
Place you would most like to visit: Japan
- The most exciting thing you’ve ever done: I’ve been to France five times and Italy twice.
- Your personal motto if you had to have one: “Everything happens for a reason.”
- Favorite all-time TV show: Star Wars Rebels
- Favorite all-time movie: Star Wars franchise
- One thing you most want to accomplish in life: Be financially stable
Your national bird if you could have one: Common raven
- Dream occupation: Artist
- Person you would most like to meet: Leonard Nimoy or Carrie Fisher
- Skill you would most like to learn and master: Time management
- Most important issue or problem facing humankind: Hatred and climate change
Learn more about SAGA at DCTC by contacting:
Natalie Shrestha
Enrollment Advisor & Financial Aid Specialist
SAGA Staff Advisor
651-423-8537
Learn more about the Medical Coding Specialist program at DCTC by contacting:
Admissions
651-423-8000
Room 2-110
