Patrick Fielding, 21

Human Services, MSUB
Walnut Creek, California

October 7, 2016

By Blair Koch, University Communications and Marketing, 657-2269

When Patrick Fielding began taking classes at Montana State University Billings he never dreamed of being elected as a senator of the Associated Students of MSUB (ASMSUB).

However, this fall, just that occurred. In fact, Fielding, 21, and a human services major, says life has spun 360 degrees since moving from Walnut Creek, California to Montana.

“I was very anti-school in high school and definitely nobody special,” Fielding said. “I didn’t play sports, I wasn’t involved in any clubs, and I didn’t go to any school activities. I did my school work, got decent grades, and got out of there as soon as I could.”

However, a recruiter of MSUB visiting his Northgate High School in the suburb of San Francisco where he grew up made a connection and spurred an interest in Fielding to visit the university.

“(The recruiter) knew that I wouldn’t be a number here and I would be at another school,” Fielding said. “One of the first things I remember when I visited the campus was seeing a sign that said, ‘Welcome Patrick.’ I didn’t get that kind of interest anywhere else.”

Fielding has continued to be impressed with the level of commitment and buy-in the university has given him during his studies, including from other students.

“There’s always something to do. Students invite you to play Frisbee, go to the gym, or even play a board game. All you have to do is step out of your room and be willing to step outside of your comfort zone and you’ll have something to do,” Fielding said.

One opportunity for risk that Fielding jumped upon was becoming a resident advisor during his sophomore year.

“That really opened me up and grew me as a person,” Fielding said. “It boosted my confidence.”

That experience, in part helped him chose to run for student senate. Having current ASMSUB President Greg Dicharry as roommate his freshmen year didn’t hurt, either.

“Greg was really passionate about the senate,” Fielding said. “He helped talk me into it.”

While on the senate, Fielding hopes to raise awareness about the organization on campus. He also hopes to talk up the school and get other students involved.

“We have such a great university here. It’s affordable and the experiences and opportunities we have are wonderful. The education and internships, the level of employment afterward, students should be proud of MSUB,” he said.

After graduation, Fielding is considering a career in law enforcement or assisted living facility management.

Along with Fielding, the following students were elected to ASMSUB.

Senators-at-Large: 6 elected

Mariah Cattaneo
Class: Senior
Major:  Biology-Environmental Science, Minor:  Chemistry
Hometown:  Billings, Mt
Parents:  Micala Baker

Patrick Fielding
Class:  Junior
Major:  Human Services
Hometown:  Walnut Creek, CA
Parents: Sue Fielding

Scott Gorman
Class:  Junior
Major:  Accounting, Minor:  Organizational Communications
Hometown:  North Hollywood, CA
Parents: none listed

Amelia Marquez
Class:  Senior
Major:  Mass Communication
Hometown:  Billings, Mt
Parents:  Rebecca and Javier Marquez

Cody McCracken
Class:  Sophomore
Major:  Political Science , Minor:  Pre-Law
Hometown:  Chinook, Mt
Parents:  Tracy and Doug McCracken

Megan Senn
Class:  Sophomore
Major:  Business
Hometown:  Billings, Mt
Parents:  Linda Swaggerty

Freshman Senators: 3 elected

Savannah Merritt
Class:  Freshman
Major:  Pre-Pharmacy
Hometown:  Cheyenne, WY
Parents:  Brende and Tim Merritt

Olivia Mahon
Class:  Freshman
Major:  Mass Communication
Hometown:  Baker, Mt
Parents:  David and Gretchen Mahon

Justin Smith
Class:  Freshman
Major:  Business Administration
Hometown:  Roundup, Mt
Parents:  John Smith