Kristen Cvancara, Department of Communication Studies

Hometown

• Seaforth, MN

Schools

• St. Cloud State University
• University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Things we can talk about

I’m open minded and comfortable discussing whatever is worrying you. School, roommates, managing the relationships back home with the relationships you are forming (or not) on campus, feelings of being adrift but not really wanting to admit it… these are all options to discuss. If we can’t find an answer, I can connect you with a person who can be more helpful.

I am available

Zoom sessions, phone calls, and look forward to the time when we can meet on campus in my office (AH 201-P) or the CSU to chat.

Why I want to be a Maverick Firsts Advocate

I was a first-generation college student and want to ease the transition for others in this position. My parents didn’t have the means to put a fourth child through college, so I applied for scholarships and worked (a lot). Grades always came easy to me, so when I struggled academically in my first semester at college I panicked. I was used to being the one who had it all together and could be involved in everything, but college was such a different place from the community where I grew up. In hindsight, my experience was fairly predictable and I didn’t need to be so stressed, if only I knew then what I know now. With that in mind, I can help students feel more comfortable with the transition into college and develop strategies to grow with the challenges rather than feel overwhelmed by them.

Other information about me

I am super curious – I have always had more questions than people want to answer and have never found a question to be stupid. I have a passion for helping people recognize their abilities and develop their confidence, especially when communicating in different contexts. Social and environmental justice is important to me. As a white female who grew up on the prairies of Minnesota, I have learned a lot about diversity, equity, and inclusion and the importance of open conversations to explore what we know and assume about others. I’m happy to talk about all of this with you. I also serve in a unique role on campus as the University Fellowships Coordinator. In this position I work with students interested in spreading their wings beyond Mankato in pursuit of an experience studying abroad, seeking unique opportunities for internships and experiential learning, as well as seeking research opportunities to prepare for plans to attend graduate school. Fellowships are competitive financial awards you can apply for to help you fund these endeavors. Let me know if you are interested – you don’t have to know anything about fellowships – I’ll explain it to you! I love music of all kinds, to sew and do creative projects, to read mystery novels and fantasy fiction. My favorite shows are Call the Midwife and Queer Eye. On the weekend I love to get outside, go camping/hiking/canoeing with my family, or build something (nothing like a landscaping project to get a person moving). I have lived in Finland with my family and sailed around the world on a ship for 4 months. My house is full of plants, books, and comfy chairs I find on the cheap and reupholster. I’m an optimist, a realist, and a not-so-great cook, and I look forward to getting to know you.