Auna Dennis

Auna Dennis

Admissions Counselor responsibilities include visiting high schools, attending college fairs and meeting with prospective students and families oncampus.

Hometown:

Waverly, Iowa

Alma Mater & Major:

Undergraduate: University of Iowa, B.A. in Cinema and English & Creative Writing

Favorite thing to do in Bozeman

I love going to The Country Bookshelf whenever I'm downtown. I have always been an avid reader and as a writer, it's great to find a space where I feel like I am surrounded by people just like me. I love to grab a "blind date with a book", which is a book selected by a member of the staff and wrapped in brown paper with a small, vague description of the book written on it. I have picked up a few different books this way and it is always something I would have never picked up otherwise. In my short time in Bozeman, it's been a wonderful way to meet new people who enjoy the same things as I do. Everyone in Bozeman has been incredibly friendly and welcoming to me as I adjust to being a Montanan. 

Best college memory:

One of my very favorite memories from college is when I received the Iowa Chapbook Prize and got a story of mine published for the very first time. I had always had imposter syndrome when it came to my writing and was worried that everyone was secretly lying to me - that I wasn't a great writer and was wasting my time trying to be one. When I won that prize, I felt like it was the final confirmation I needed that I am doing what I'm meant to do. I held a published copy of my story for the first time and felt like a real writer. 

Words of wisdom:

Take the time to find what you love. You have so many opportunities throughout college to try new things and meet new people. You have the flexibility while you're young to feel things out and change your mind. Every college student should make the effort to be adventurous and explore their interests. 

If you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us! You can email our staff at admissions@montana.edu, or call us Monday - Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm MT at 1-888-MSU-CATS.