Photo courtesy of Hayley Mans(pictured above)
Year: Class of 2020
Major: Nursing and Spanish
If you could travel anywhere where would you go?: Alberta, Canada
Describe your overall experience at St. Olaf: Freshman year was mostly good, but I felt like I didn’t really know what I wanted as far as my major or activities went, and neither did I feel like I was really plugged into the community at that point, even though everyone was so welcoming. Sophomore year, on the other hand, has been incredible. I’m feeling confident in my major choices, enjoying studying, adore my friends and roommates, and feel much more connected to the activities I am involved in. Of course it’s a constant process of figuring out how to balance school, social stuff, work, and activities, but overall, St. Olaf is a great fit for me I think.
Favorite brand of clothing: Gap or Eddie Bauer
Cats or dogs?: Dogs, no doubt
One food you couldn’t live without: Strawberries
Are you involved in any clubs at St. Olaf? If so which ones?: TNBS (Thursday Night Bible Study) and SNA (Student Nursing Association) to a lesser extent, but hopefully more in the coming semesters!
What is your favorite past time activity?: I’m starting to enjoy reading a lot more recently. Feels good to make time to do laid back things like that. Also, I like playing the piano, exploring nature on a bike or on my own two feet, and just sitting and talking with people
Turkey or ham for the holiday gatherings?: Good question. I’m not a huge meat enthusiast, but I think I’ll go with ham :)
Favorite professional sport and team to watch: The Vikes!
What is some advice you have for college freshman or prospective students?: Instead of committing to activities out of obligation or resume-boosting, seriously do what you love. Sounds cliche but crucial to being happy in college I think. You’ll be surprised how quickly your schedule will get cluttered if you commit to so many things! I’m finding there’s so much value in alone/quiet time, and TONS of value in setting aside time for loved ones. I’m still working out how to balance these things, but that’s the advice I’d give.
Favorite class taken at St. Olaf so far: Anatomy and Physiology
What do you look forward to after attaining a college degree?: I’m so excited to be a nurse, and hopefully use spanish too. One thought I have is to travel as a nurse, maybe do missions work in Central/South America or something like that.
Favorite quote: “Be the change you want to see in the world” –Ghandi. It’s a classic.
Food that you absolutely can’t stand: Buttered popcorn flavored jelly bean
Is it casserole or hotdish?: Definitely hotdish
Favorite activity to do with friends: Sit and chat about life or play games
How has the Hill helped you further a passion in your life?: Wowza, in lots of ways. I am constantly inspired by the other students here in watching their own passions develop. Even if it’s with something like math or political science, or the Classics, or something I’m not super knowledgeable about, I find it incredibly motivating when I hear others talk about their passions. The classes I’ve taken have also helped me grow in my passions. Anatomy and Physiology, for instance, has made me realize how incredible the human body is, and has deepened my passion to serve as a healthcare professional someday.
Is there anything at St. Olaf that you look forward to pursuing more?: I think I’ll take more artsy classes in the coming semesters. Maybe ceramics or dance classes. Gotta love liberal arts.
How has St. Olaf helped you develop your future plans?: I’ve gotten a lot out of my classes as far as academic knowledge goes that has prepared me well so far for life after graduation. Being a student here has done more than that though as I befriend people with different backgrounds, passions, and views on things, preparing me for the future with a more expansive worldview.
Photo courtesy of Hayley Mans(pictured above on the right)