Gustavus Adolphus College

My interests were primarily gymnastics, orchestra, and church. My important accomplishments include being lead chair of my orchestra, being gymnastics captain, being a member of National Honors society, winning the Kiwanis award for outstanding youth leadership, and winning the Lloyd Larson leadership Award. A meaningful opportunity: being on the youth leadership team at my church where I was part of a group that helped to start a youth center for the kids in the neighborhood. Going to the boundary waters was one of the most incredible experiences of my life; the beauty and the intense quiet amazed me.

As a transfer student, I did not originally choose Gustavus. I had applied to and considered Gustavus, but chose to go to North Park on the pretense of broadening my horizons. Once I realized that I was not happy at North Park I chose to go to Gustavus because I wanted a small, liberal arts college that was academically challenging with an active campus life. Gustavus filled all of these requirements but it was the feeling of a tightly knit community that I sensed when I visited the campus that finalized my decision.

I am a Peer Assistant and a member of the Gustavus Philharmonic Orchestra, Psi Chi, and Delta Phi Omega. I am a psychology department student assistants and I volunteer at the Third Floor Youth Center. I become involved in all of these activities because after I transferred to Gustavus, I was intentional in seeking out groups that deal with issues that I am passionate about. The Peer Assistants and Deltas take up most of my time. I am most passionate about the Peer Assistants because I believe the work we do on campus is invaluable for our peers.

My favorite course that I have taken is Neuroscience because it really peaked my interest. As a psychology major, I have taken some science classes but Neuroscience blended psychology with biology and chemistry in such a captivating way; I couldn’t wait to go to class! The course was challenging for me but I walked away from the experience with a wealth of knowledge and a new-found respect for the complexity of the human body.

Tied for my favorite food in the Market Place is Cinnamon Toasters cereal with milk and macaroni and cheese with broccoli. I am obsessed with cereal but I also love carbohydrates so it’s a tough choice!

I have visited a lot of my professors during their office hours to review tests or ask for help with homework assignments. As one of the psychology department student assistants, I run errands, make copies, grade tests, etc. for the psychology professors. I have also visited Dr. Martin’s house for dinner along with some of the other psychology majors as an annual tradition after the psychology symposium in early May.

My dream job is to be a marriage and family therapist. This would ideally involve working with troubled teens and their families in order to get them back on to track as well as married couples who are experiencing marital strife in order to help heal their relationship.

I would stress that college visits are essential. By visiting the colleges you are looking at you get a feel for the student life, the campus, and the resources that the college has to offer. It is also invaluable to make a list that compares and contrasts the schools that you are looking at and ranks them on things that are important to you, such as if your major or sport is offered. Also, look at a state university, a private university, and colleges of different sizes so that you are fully aware of all of the options.

My favorite Gustavus tradition is the Midnight Express. I love that professors come back to campus to serve the students while we freak out during finals! The food is great and the activities offered are always a blast. I think that the atmosphere of Midnight Express encapsulates what Gustavus is all about: community. The campus comes together during a stressful time to support and nourish one another and also have some fun!

skramer@gustavus.edu