A 2021 graduate from Fort Gibson, Maddie Bethel began her college experience at Northeastern State University with a game plan for success. And now the always smiling senior is reaping the benefits of her efforts by being named as one of nine Outstanding Seniors by the NSU Alumni Association.
Bethel credits the influence of family for her unique approach of taking every opportunity to be a game changer.
“My parents (Billie and Scott) taught me about the importance and value of hard work and dedication to always do my best in everything I do,” said Bethel. ” I’ve been involved in many different organizations that have helped shape my leadership and people skills and helped make me the person I am today.”
Active on campus since day one, Bethel has been a two-year member of the NSU pom squad, president of the Delta Zeta sorority and participated as the lead “peer instructor” during Welcome Week that afforded her the opportunity to make a positive difference for herself and others at NSU.
“I helped train peer instructors who spend all semester in the classroom with the freshmen in University Strategies, which is NSU’s version of college orientation. It was exciting to watch incoming freshmen grow in confidence during their first semester in college.”
Bethel’s approach to achieving success is simple, much like an athletic game plan.
“With my academics, I always have a game plan. At the first of each semester, I outline my goals and what I want to get out of a class, how can I make this happen, and then continue to implement that every day,” said Bethel, who will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in science and biochemistry before beginning classes at NSU’s acclaimed Oklahoma School of Optometry in August.
“Outstanding Senior” nominations are based on student involvement in both the academic and organizational side of things and people who have implemented change as well as impacted the university during their time at NSU and how current and future efforts will continue to serve as an alumnus of NSU.
“It makes me feel like my hard work has paid off. To be nominated for this award makes me happy that I have made a positive impact on my university and helped others along the way. I’ve made friendships for life while achieving an education that will serve me in the future.”
