Gustavus Adolphus College

In high school, music was a large part of my life. From concert band, to show choir, to jazz band, I was in it. I was fortunate enough to be a part of my high school’s jazz band when it was selected to play both at the Monterrey Jazz Festival in Monterrey, California, and the National School Board Association Conference in Orlando, Florida. These were both huge experiences for me, but playing for 12,000 people in Orlando put a smile on my face like nothing else I’ve yet experienced.

I chose Gustavus for a number of reasons, but above all the friendly feel that was exhibited by the students I met when I visited here. Students and faculty were caring, and were interested in me personally, not simply as a prospective student. My overnight host took me to the Can I Kiss You? production, that happened to be on campus that night, and I was surprised at how loose, friendly, and interested everyone was at a sexual assault awareness show. I was hooked.

At Gustavus, I became involved as a Student Senate representative because I wanted a chance to help a forward thinking body of students lead. I also took part in broomball this winter, which was an amazing time. I play on the Ultimate Frisbee team that travels all over the midwest and hosts our own tournament here in the Spring.

This January, I took Analyzing Japan with Professor Richard Leitch. I absolutely loved the class. I came in to the class knowing absolutely nothing about the Japanese or their culture, and came away with a new appreciation for their ancient-yet-modern way of doing things. Aside from the class itself, Leitch’s wacky demeanor and the intense discussions with my classmates provided an interesting and rewarding J-Term that will, for me, be hard to beat.

My favorite food in the Market Place is the General Tso’s Chicken. It is tangy, spicy, and delicious, if a little infrequent in availability. Coming in a close second are the breadsticks from the Pizza/Pasta area. The trick is to toast them yourself. Mmmm.

I love Gustavus for the friendliness of its professors, and I feel privileged to be able to meet with them during office hours. Most professors so far have been exceedingly accommodating to any questions of concerns I have had. Being able to go in and clarify something, or even just drop them an email, has been a great tool to have so far at Gustavus. Office hours are not only for academics though. Sometimes it’s nice to ask a professor for personal advice or just to chat about what is going on in the world.

My dream job is be a record producer/studio engineer for talented up and coming bands and artists. I would hopefully be traveling a lot, as well as seeing a large number of awesome shows, while helping my clients produce their best music.

It’s all about where you feel the most comfortable. Even if your parents like the name recognition of one college, or your friends are all going somewhere else, you cannot allow yourself to be forced into it if you do not feel comfortable with the environment there. Go and do an overnight stay; if it feels comfortable, if the people are friendly, and if you could see yourself being able to have fun while being productive there, than go for it! Anything else, and you will be cheating yourself. As I said before, the intangible feel rules all.

I really enjoy Midnight Express. Packing everybody in to the caf pre-finals to hear some excellent Jazz by the Gustavus jazz bands and eat tasty vittles served up by the President. It is the best way to relieve that pre-finals stress.

ckampfe@gustavus.edu