College students Alex Akem and Noah Cordes on why they ride the bus
The Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) provides bus service to the Dakota County Technical College campus in Rosemount, Minnesota. You can take advantage of multiple bus stops per day via Route 420. This route connects directly to Rosemount and the Apple Valley Transit Station, offering multiple connection points.
DCTC is proud to partner with MVTA to offer the College Pass program. Sold on campus, the pass costs $165 per semester (August 15 – December 31 & January 1 – May 31) and offers faster boarding, seamless transfers and balance protection.
Passes are valid for unlimited rides on bus and Metro lines. Students may charge a bus pass to their student account at the college during the Book Voucher period. Learn more by visiting MTVA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
Student spotlight: Alex Akem
Alex Akem
Alex Akem, 18, is earning their Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in the Veterinary Technician program at Dakota County Technical College. A 2019 graduate of Bloomington Kennedy High School, Alex was a PSEO student who earned an Associate of Arts (A.A.) from Normandale Community College before enrolling at DCTC.
Originally from Bamenda, Cameroon, Alex works while going to college as a dietary aide at Presbyterian Homes of Bloomington, a senior living facility. They would also like to work at the DCTC Bookstore and has plans to join the college’s Sexuality and Gender Acceptance Association (SAGA).
After graduating from DCTC in spring 2021, they wants to work as a vet tech and possibly continue their education in the field of animal behavior.
“I really like the day-to-day care of animals,” Alex said.
Alex’s mom is a lab tech at Hennepin Healthcare and also works as an RN at Presbyterian Homes. Alex has three siblings, Bernard, 29, Sandrine, 26, and Eugenia, 23, as well a close cousin named Anie, 20. Alex’s girlfriend is majoring in biology at a community college.
In their free time, Alex loves to draw; they is currently focused on creating character portraits. They also loves listening to music.
“I don’t really have a particular genre I like,” they said. “I listen to whatever catches my ear.”
Alex Akem • Q & A
Why did you choose DCTC?
DCTC was the only school in Minnesota with a Vet Tech program, which is what I really want to do. Before I started at DCTC, I got the chance to visit the campus on a number of occasions. I liked the environment—the campus is small, but has a lot of resources. I also like how DCTC is located out in the country. I knew the first time I saw the campus that I wanted to go here.
Why do you use the MVTA bus service to the DCTC campus?
The bus service is pretty much the only way I can get to the campus right now. I have my learners permit, but I don’t have a driver’s license yet. I take the bus from Bloomington to the Apple Valley Transit Station and from there to DCTC.
What do you like best about the bus service?
The bus is small, and the ride to school is really quiet and peaceful. I don’t mind getting up early in the morning to catch the bus because I can take a nap or do homework.
How would you get to the DCTC campus without the bus service?
I would not be able to get to school.
Student Spotlight: Noah Cordes
Noah Cordes
A 2016 graduate of Rosemount High School, Noah Cordes, 22, is majoring in accounting at Dakota County Technical College. Noah is taking classes part time and has plans to earn his A.A.S. in Accounting along with a Small Business Accounting certificate. His DCTC graduation date is set for 2022 or 2023.
Noah works while going to school as a customer service associate, or CSA, at Walgreens in Rosemount. He has held that job for three years and enjoys working in the store’s photo department when he has the opportunity.
Noah’s career plans are centered on becoming a certified public accountant (CPA). He originally considered a career as an actuary, but decided that earning the required degree would be difficult due to his battle with Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 8 (SCA8), a relatively rare form of inherited ataxia (less than 1 out of 100,000).
“SCA8 is a degenerative disorder,” Noah said. “My symptoms include problems with speech, coordination and balance. I also have to deal with anxiety and depression.”
Noah’s dad is a chemical engineer with the Minnesota Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); his mom is self-employed and specializes in chakra balancing massage. Noah has three sisters, Becca, 28, Arial, 20, and Sarah, 10. When he’s not working or studying, Noah likes reading novels; he also enjoys playing videogames on his PC, including Skyrim and NBA2K.
Noah Cordes • Q & A
Why did you choose DCTC?
The campus is very close to my home.
Why do you use the MVTA bus service to the DCTC campus?
Because I don’t have the ability or desire to learn how to drive. The thought of getting my driver’s license is nerve-wracking. I also much prefer MVTA bus service over Metro Mobility.
What do you like best about the bus service?
I like that I can set up my pick-up and drop-off locations on the bus route in advance. That adds flexibility to my bus ride. I catch the bus at the corner of County Road 42 and Chippendale Avenue in Rosemount.
How would you get to the DCTC campus without the bus service?
I would have to renew my service with Metro Mobility or get rides from people. That would greatly reduce my independence.
Learn more about MVTA bus service at DCTC by contacting:
Emily Zimmer
Marketing & Events Coordinator
Dakota County Technical College
651-423-8060
