Moorhead education student balances athletics, leadership, and a passion for teaching

When Ayden Ochs first came to Minnesota State Moorhead, she wasn’t sure what direction college would take her. Encouraged to check out Moorhead’s strong academics, she found her calling in elementary education.

“Teaching runs in my family,” she said. “I grew up surrounded by teachers, and I’ve always believed that education is incredibly important. It just felt natural to follow that path.”

Early Childhood Education

From the Track to Student Senate

Getting involved has been a constant in Ayden’s career. What began as a walk-on spot on the Dragon Track & Field team during her senior year of high school turned into a pivotal moment for her journey.

Energized by being a student-athlete, Ayden joined the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) as a freshman. By her sophomore year, she was invited by Athletic Director Chad Markuson to serve as the student-athlete representative in Student Senate.

“It took a lot of convincing because I didn’t really know what Student Senate was all about,” she said. “But ever since I joined, I’ve fallen in love with the work we do. It’s rewarding to see the impact we can make for students.”

Now, as Student Senate President, she’s working on initiatives like reinstating open swim hours at Nemzek and preparing for the upcoming budget season.

“It’s one of the biggest responsibilities we have, reviewing student fees and ensuring transparency in how they’re used,” she said.

Studying, Competing and Leading Courses, Competing and Collaborating

Balancing academics, athletics, and leadership can be intimidating, but Ayden thrives on it.

“Honestly, I feel inspired when I look at my calendar,” she says. “I feel grateful that I get to have a full schedule. Being involved in so many different areas keeps me motivated.”

Her secret is good communication, organization, and focus.

“I rely on my calendar a lot, and I make sure to communicate openly with my coaches and professors. Wherever I am in class, at practice, or in a meeting – I try to give that moment my full attention.”

Even when things get overwhelming, she keeps perspective. “Taking a lot on can take a lot out of you, but when I think about the impact I can have on campus and the people I can help, it’s all worth it.”

Lessons in Leadership

Being both a student-athlete and a campus leader has given her more perspective on what it means to lead.

“Track has taught me that leadership doesn’t always mean being the loudest voice in the room,” she said. “Sometimes it’s about showing up consistently and setting an example. You can be a leader quietly, by putting in the work even when no one’s watching.”

Through SAAC, she also gained appreciation for the student-athlete community. “A lot of people don’t realize how many athletes care about things outside their sport. SAAC shows that we’re part of something bigger, a community that supports each other.”

When asked what advice she’d give to students hesitant to get involved, she says, "You’ll meet people who bring out different sides of you and discover new interests. College is about learning inside and outside the classroom, take advantage of that.”

Always a Student, Athlete and Leader

As she looks toward the future, her goals are as ambitious as her calendar. Academically, she hopes to student teach abroad. Athletically, she’s aiming to compete in a multi-event race. And as a campus leader, she wants to continue fostering an inclusive, welcoming environment for all students.

After graduation, she plans to begin her teaching career, with aspirations to one day move into an administrative role. But for now, she’s focused on making the most of her time as a Dragon.

“I’ve fallen in love with Moorhead,” she says. “It’s shown me that you don’t have to be just one thing, you can be an athlete, a leader, a student, and so much more. That’s what makes this place special.”