Gustavus Adolphus College

In high school I was definitely very involved and, in a sense, over committed. I did basically everything from swimming, track and cross country to being treasurer of National Honor Society to starting Students for Darfur Awareness and Action. My favorite thing about high school was the football and basketball games. It was always fun to cheer on my friends and I was full of school pride. I also became known for randomly baking cupcakes (it was good stress relief) and taking them to school to hand out to my classmates.

I didn’t have an ah-ha moment when I knew Gustavus was the school for me like many other students here had. In fact, I waited until the end of April to send in my deposit. I’m someone who gets very nervous about not making the right choice. But ultimately what led me to choose Gustavus was the sense of community that I experienced when I visited and all the smiles I saw when I was on campus.

As a student school takes up the majority of my time closely followed by sleep. I’m a hopeful nursing major and I love the sciences, especially Biology. Outside of school I volunteer through the Community Service Center at a lot of one time events like the St Peter Halloween Fun Run and I participate in Big Partner/Little Partner. I’m also part of my dorm floor’s Relay for Life team and I like to bake.

So far my favorite academic experience would have to be my first term seminar (FTS). I came into college thinking that I didn’t know how to write since I had a very hard language arts teacher in high school, but the process of writing four or five papers for my FTS professor, who was a member of the English department, really improved my writing and I was really proud of the skills that I gained and the grade that I earned when my report card came.

I LOVE frost-your-owns [cookies]. It’s actually an issue. The days they have them in the Market Place I’ll go out of my way to get four or five a day, even if it means being late for class.

Outside of the classroom I’ve found that all my professors are very good at communicating through email. If I have a really big issue I’ll go to their office hours, but most of the time they solve all my problems online.

Second to being a Stepford Wife, I’d love to be a nurse in the armed forces. I feel passionately about helping people, especially those who are doing all they can to help others.

First of all, in the end you will make the best decision for you, so don’t stress out about it too much. Second, really consider more than just academics. You’ll learn a lot almost anywhere, but where are you going to enjoy living for the next four years of your life? Remember, your parents don’t get to make the decision for you, and don’t be afraid to stand up for what you want. After all, this is the beginning of YOUR life, not theirs.

Traying! I’m not a fan of winter, and Minnesota winters are not my favorite in any way, shape or form, but when you’re zooming down the hill on a borrowed cafeteria tray you forget how cold it is and all you can think about it fun!

pbreed@gustavus.edu