Heather Ann Cabral always knew Dickinson State University would be part of her story. A proud Dickinson native, Cabral grew up just minutes from campus, surrounded by family members who had already left their mark on DSU. Now a junior majoring in elementary education with a minor in leadership studies, she is carrying on that legacy in her own way and adding a few new chapters of her own.
“My mom and two aunts graduated from DSU, and my great-grandma worked in the residence halls from 1961 to 1979,” Cabral said. “So DSU has just always been part of my life.”
Staying close to home made sense financially and personally. Living with her parents allowed her to save money while enjoying home-cooked meals and the comfort of her own space. But for Cabral, DSU was more than just a convenient option, it was a place where she could grow.
Though she once dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, Cabral discovered her love for teaching during high school after taking courses in child development and early childhood education. “Those classes helped me realize I wanted to work with students and become a teacher,” she said. “It felt like the right fit.”
She also found a passion for leadership. After enrolling in a Foundations of Leadership class, she joined the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program and began taking on more roles around campus. Today, Cabral serves as student senate president and as a co-marketer and mentor within the TRHLP.
She also works in the Office of Marketing and Communications as a student social media influencer, where she gets to combine her creative talents with her love for DSU. Whether it’s capturing campus life through photography or producing spirited videos, Cabral said the experience has helped shape her skills and confidence.
“I never imagined I’d be doing this kind of work, but now I absolutely love it,” she said. “It’s become one of my favorite parts of being a student here.”
Cabral credits several staff and faculty members with helping her find her path. One of the first was Dr. Debora Dragseth, who encouraged her to get involved during her freshman year. “She really pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone,” Cabral said. “That one class with her changed everything.”
She also found mentors in Elena Stickel and Hannah Dunham in the Marketing and Communications Office, who taught her skills in photography, video editing and graphic design. “I’ve learned so much from them. It’s helped me grow both professionally and personally,” she said.
Some of Cabral’s favorite memories at DSU have come from campus events that brought the community and students together. She recalls the electric atmosphere at the NAIA football playoff game and the men’s basketball NSAA Championship as moments that captured what it means to be a Blue Hawk.
“The energy at those games was unforgettable,” Cabral said. “Looking around and seeing the stands packed with students and community members, you realize how much support there is here. It’s something special.”
As she prepares for her final year at DSU, Cabral hopes her story inspires other students to make the most of their time in college, even if it means trying something unexpected.
“Put yourself out there,” she said. “You never know where it might lead. If I hadn’t taken that first step, I wouldn’t be doing what I love or making the memories I’ll carry with me forever.”
From growing up just down the road to becoming a central figure in campus life, Heather Cabral is proving that you do not have to travel far to find where you belong.