A South Dakota Girl
                                                                            By: Emily Currey

Growing up in northeastern South Dakota has taught me about the person I am and the person I am developing into; and for this I am grateful. The state of South Dakota is a quiet one with kind and respectful neighbors, much wildlife, and the agriculture industry; it is all amazing and it is where I call home.

Throughout my college life, which was spent in Moorhead, MN, my South Dakota roots remained strong and went with me on all my travels and adventures. I was proud to say I was from South Dakota, never realizing I would go back there once college ended. During my third year at Minnesota State University Moorhead, I wanted to go the big city route. It didn’t really matter where; my expectations were high and the possibilities, well, they were endless. As my college career was coming to a close, I found myself sending resumes to businesses and agencies in South Dakota along with North Dakota and Minnesota. When it came down to it, all I really wanted was to be close to what I called home. During this time, if someone would have told me I would end up in Pierre, SD, I would have told them they were crazy. I had nothing against Pierre, I just never saw myself out in the middle of nowhere, until the day came when I accepted a job there.

I came to the realization that all my hopes and dreams can still be discovered by remaining in my home state, and besides, I kind of like my family and the outdoors. The different possibilities that Pierre and the state of South Dakota have to offer are phenomenal; it just takes some people longer than others to notice.

It brings me back to the first time I ever hiked Harney Peak. I did not think I was ever going to make it to the top. Once I made it there, I knew it was worth sweating over because that view is remarkable, and that is when I knew that no matter where I went or what I did – it was all possible. Let me explain what I mean by the phenomenal possibilities and experiences that take root in a South Dakota girl. There are many, but here are a few of my favorites. I often have to remind my younger sister how beautiful Dakota sunsets are; I am even more amazed at the beauty of this ball of fire as it sets over the Missouri each night. What about how every dirt road seems the same but is so different from the one two miles west of you? The fall foliage on opposite ends of the state, one being in Sica Hollow and the other being in Spearfish Canyon, are majestic sights to view. No matter how many times I’ve been to Mount Rushmore, I am always ready to go back. Every time I see those beautiful ring-necks roaming the ditches and fields, I am reminded of the attraction these birds bring to the state and how fortunate we are to be able to hunt them. The same goes for the great whitetail and mule deer. Need I say more? The different corn, bean, wheat, and sunflower fields represent hard work and dedication. I must say those cowboys in wranglers always fascinate the eye of a South Dakota girl.

Before I end this story, I cannot forget the one thing that has truly made me a South Dakota girl. That would be my father. The one thing I love the most is hunting and fishing with him, just being outdoors and enjoying all that surrounds us. Sharing the outdoors with my father has been special ever since I can remember. Whether we are hunting deer or turkeys in Grant County or fishing for walleyes on Lake Kampeska, it’s a bonding relationship unlike any other in the world. My father has not accompanied me on every adventure I have experienced in the outdoor world, but he has taught me all that I know about hunting and fishing and South Dakota.

Many of you that have just finished reading this might now be asking, “Yeah, so, what’s the point?” Well, my point is this: I am a South Dakota girl and I love it.