Gustavus Adolphus College

In high school by all accounts I would have been called a jock; I was an All-Conference three sport athlete, and a two time captain of our baseball team. However, along with sports I was also a member of Student Senate for two years, and was a part of the initial class of Link Crew leaders my senior year (a position where you enriched students transition into something new). My major accomplishment became my entire academic career. I went from being labeled "mentally challenged" in Elementary school, to never missing the A or B honor roll after fourth grade.

My college search spanned 14 schools and five states! I ended up coming to Gustavus instead of one of the larger public schools I was looking at for many reasons: I liked the more specific attention I could get, I respected the academic integrity that Gustavus strove for, Gustavus was a place where I could play baseball (I currently do not play anymore), and be involved with other activities, as well as the sheer beauty of campus. Most importantly however, it was the people; the students, the staff and faculty, all had this uncanny love for life, which was unmatched at any other school I visited.

Currently I am involved with Gustie Greeters, Study Buddies, working at the SAO desk as a Building Operations Manager, and I am now the new concerts director for CAB. Becoming involved for me was a personal choice. I didn't know anything else, so I set my mind to it and just did it. The most enjoyable part about my activities is the feeling of worth; knowing that I changed either a first-years or a first graders day. Greeters is the most time consuming (although CAB might soon take that over), and I also am most passionate about Greeters. I mean you have to be right?

I cannot say that Psychological Anthropology my Sophomore year was my most enjoyable experience, but by far my most rewarding. In my opinion, the class was hard. It is designed that way. I think I read the most I have ever read in that class alone, and wrote the most difficult research papers to date. Patric Giesler wants you to go above and beyond what you could do prior to the class. He made me be a better student; and for that I am very grateful.

My favorite food in the Caf is the elusive Reubens. You can never go wrong with a good Reuben. They are greasy, meaty, saucy, and most importantly, messy! What makes them even more special at the Caf is that they are a staple food, they are very rare. Thus, when your eyes spot one, it is important that you make your decision immediately to get one. There is no point in going to any other line (unless of course you don’t like corned beef and sauerkraut).

I believe this is what makes a school like Gustavus unique, the fact that you can and are encouraged to do activities other than school work with your professors. While I cannot say that I have been to a professors house, I have been to the Presidents house on two separate occasions: One time for a fun ice cream social, and another for a more intimidating dinner with John Pomfret (the author of the Reading In Common book this year). Aside from that, when I have time I love to stop in and chat with any number of the psychology professors. I think it is key to realize that they are more than your professor.

My very idealist goal for career would have to be becoming a professional baseball player. Yes, I know it sounds very cliche, and probably billions of ten year olds want to be a professional baseball player. However, I would not want to play for the fame or fortune like most would say (while that sounds nice). I think this profession would be great for the sheer enjoyment. I mean in a society where most people slave over their jobs, not everyone can say that on a daily basis they truly love what they are doing. Realistically this is the job for me; one that I love.

My advice for anybody is to see what’s out there. If you love some school that is half way across the country go for it. You would rather know you tried than never tried at all. For Gusties in particular my advice is to never, never be afraid to say hello. My Freshman year saw a lot of this, and now I am reeling because I have met people that I wish I would have met three years earlier. You never know where a simple five minute conversation may lead you.

I especially love Midnight Express. I think that tradition is really characteristic of what Gustavus comes to embody: a community. It is an event where literally everybody comes to eat, listen to great music, and most importantly share quality time friends, staff and strangers a like. For most, Midnight Express takes precedent over studying whether you have been in the library for five hours, and need to be there for five more. Midnight Express is an event where you can loose yourself: a quick chat can turn into a novel; one ice cream cone can turn into two more. This is because of the people.

kgoodfel@gustavus.edu