08/04/2025
By Arta Liepa (also known as BookGirl)
Hi, my name is Arta Liepa, though many people know me as BookGirl. I'm a summer exchange student from a small country in Northern Europe called Latvia — a nation of just under 2 million people with its own unique language, Latvian, which is actually one of the oldest living languages in the world. This summer marks my fifth year with the Southwestern Advantage leadership and business program. It's a program that pushes young people out of their comfort zones by placing them in new environments, where they meet thousands of families and help them find educational solutions for their children — all while developing character, communication, and life skills. For me, this journey started with a question I once asked myself: "How will I stand out?" You see, I've always been an active student. I danced for 16 years, completed music and art school, played piano and the traditional Latvian instrument kokle, served five years in the National Guard, acted in local theater, earned top grades, worked summer jobs, and volunteered at almost every opportunity I could find. I also participated in several youth exchange programs across Europe. It was a full childhood — full of passion, full of learning. But when I started university and met other students just as active as I was, I realized I needed to challenge myself in a new way. That's when I joined Southwestern Advantage. I decided to leave everything familiar and travel across the world to work in a foreign country, knocking on doors, meeting parents, teachers, and grandparents, and doing it all in my third language — English. This summer, I'm based in Winner and it's my very first time in this state. In previous summers, I've worked in Alaska, Montana, and California. I have to say — this place holds a special charm. I was honestly a bit nervous at first; Winner is a small town where everyone knows everyone, and I was just a girl from the other side of the world. But the people here have been nothing but kind, friendly, and welcoming.
One of the most amazing surprises has been meeting Randy Donovan, a Southwestern Advantage alumni, and his wonderful wife Toni, who generously opened their home to host me. Thank you, Randy and Toni — you made this place feel like home. Now, as a fifth-year student, I no longer just focus on how to manage my own emotions or handle rejection — I also mentor and train first-year students who are experiencing this journey for the first time. Our team is small but dedicated. Some of us are working near Rapid City, others around Sioux Falls, and I'm proud to represent Winner.
Beyond the daily challenges of this job — long hours, unfamiliar streets, and lots of no's — there's something even greater: growth. I truly believe that if you do hard things, life becomes easy — but if you only do easy things, life becomes hard.
This is not just about selling books. It's about building confidence. It's about learning to connect with strangers. It's about facing discomfort head-on. It's about becoming the kind of person who can show others what's possible.
And that's why I love this work. I love meeting people. I love helping them. And I love showing young dreamers that they are capable of more than they think.
Now, I'm entering my final month here in South Dakota. It's a little sad, because I've grown to love this town and the people in it. I'll miss the conversations, the waves, the smiles, and even the little surprises that each day brings.
So if you see me walking around Winner, give me a big wave!
I'd love to meet you — and maybe remind you that it's okay to take the hard path. Because sometimes, the hardest path leads to the most beautiful places.
