Gustavus Adolphus College

My life before Gustavus was very enjoyable. I was very active in my school and community. I was a member of Key Club, NHS and marching band, played the trumpet and was a cub scout. I spent a lot of time hanging out with my friends and family. I had many incredible experiences during my life before Gustavus, and they were all rewarding in the own little way.

Gustavus fit me the best and felt like home; specifically, I love the dorms, food, programs for my major, extra-curricular activities and overall feel and openness of the campus. I love the small town atmosphere and how well the campus interacts with the community.

Life at Gustavus is amazing, it is more then I thought it would be. I just love everything I do, from general or major classes and music ensembles to movies and events that are set up by outstanding groups and organizations here on campus. I am passionate about most the things I do revolving around band, whether it is jazz, pep or regular band. Homework and classes take up a lot of my time here, but I always make time to enjoy my other activities. I became involved by talking to my friends, upperclassmen and professors about certain events. The thing I enjoy about doing all these activities are the people I am around, they make everything so fun to be involved in.

My favorite academic experience so far has been my J-term class. This year I took "The Blues," which was a class focused on the history of the blues and who and how it influenced music thereafter. I took the class because I absolutely love blues music and the history of music. During one class period, we watched a movie called "Crossroads." It was a very well done movie and brought the course in perspective.

This is a hard question because I love great food and the caf has some outstanding food! If I had to pick one favorite, I would pick the chicken dinners. It is so great, and you can choose from so many different sides with the chicken to complete the meal.

The professors outside of class are just as great as they are in class. I have talked to professors during their office hours, and I have also noticed that they are very active in supporting events around campus. Sometimes I see a professor at a concert, sporting event or in the caf, and they always say "hi" and ask "how are things?" The professors here are extremely nice and supportive of things in and out of the classroom.

If I could do anything, I would be either a major league baseball player or a sports analyst for ESPN. Although I don't play any sports, I love all and any sports, but my specialty is baseball.

My general advice to a prospective is to go where you feel the most at home and where it seems to fit you the best. There is really no advice that would have helped me more when I was searching for a college. My sister is a year old then me, so I tagged along to all her college visits. I was well informed before beginning my own college search, attended college fairs and made multiple visits to each school. Make sure to ask questions, get out and visit and after you collect all your information, figure out what school fits you the best.

I haven't experienced every single thing that Gustavus has to offer yet, but I have overwhelmingly enjoyed Midnight Express at the end of the semester. It is a nice break from homework and studying to relax with your friends while a buffet of food is being served and great jazz music is being played.

jlinngre@gustavus.edu