SCSU student intends to use degree to bring about positive change

Chantal Oechsle was inspired to go back to school after working in her community.

“I had done higher education back when I was a PSEO (postsecondary enrollment options) student and had to drop out for financial reasons. At the time I was kind of struggling with what my major should be and the placement in that (political science) major at that college wasn’t great,” she said. “So I decided maybe that was my sign to step back and wait a while. Last summer I realized I finally found my passion, and that I wanted to go back to school and come to St. Cloud State.”

Now a political science major at SCSU and expecting to graduate in spring 2026, Oechsle is torn between putting her degree to work on political campaigns or as a paralegal. Regardless, she intends to remain active in local organizations.

“I've been volunteering and doing local community politics for the last almost three years now,” she said. “I realized that this was what excited me: civic engagement, the process — I felt like I could make change there.”

Oechsle is a member of SCSU’s Honors College, recently joined the National Society for Leadership and Success through the University, and is mentored through HuskiesAdvance. Outside of St. Cloud State, she is the board president of ConnectAbility of MN — an organization that provides inclusive events, transportation and home-based services to empower individuals with physical and invisible barriers; is vice president for St. Cloud Friends of the Library; and is a vice chair for her local political party.

“I like that I can make a direct impact in people’s lives every day. It is an investment,” she said. “But in terms of making communal change, there’s often that perception that it takes a lot, and I realized it really doesn’t.”

It’s important for Oechsle to be able to advocate for the community of St. Cloud.

“St. Cloud feels like it is every town America all in one spot. We're a small town, yet we're growing and becoming more urban. We're diverse and we're very conveniently placed in relation to the rest of the state as well. If we can't find what we need here, pretty much anything we could need is an hour away,” she said. “I hope to help people realize that our communities aren't perfect, but if we all are involved and we all do our part, we can make our communities better just being ourselves.”

Her time at SCSU has reinforced Oechsle’s passion for the community, and is helping her pursue her passion for advocacy.

“I love the environment that SCSU has created. I’ve never been in a place that I’ve felt so supported. Everyone around me really wants me to succeed and I don’t have to prove myself. I am allowed to just grow and flourish organically,” she said. “It’s been great to feel seen and understood with the unique challenges that you’re going through.”

She credited her mentor Judith Siminoe, as well as political science faculty Dr. Linda Butenhoff and Dr. Michelle Kukoleca Hammes for impacting her education.

“Dr. Hammes in the political science department as well as Dr. Butenhoff have been amazing at helping teach the students how the system works so they can learn how to leverage it to work for them,” Oechsle said. “That seems to be really kind of the trick to succeeding in higher ed, is understanding how the system works and how you can use it to better yourself outside of just the basic curriculum.”

Philanthropy has played a part in supporting Oechsle through different challenges she’s faced throughout her higher education journey. She received support not only through mentorship as well as scholarships, but also support to get an updated laptop to help her complete her studies.

“Philanthropy often offers this unique place and space to make room for acknowledging people’s struggles that are outside of the conventional tuition, books and materials for classes,” she said. “Being here has been transformative.”