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Humans of St. Olaf: Emily Shimota

Bridget Olson Student Contributor, St. Olaf College
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St. Olaf Contributor Student Contributor, St. Olaf College
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at St Olaf chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Major: Psychology

Concentration: Family Studies

Year: Senior

What is the best class you’ve taken so far at St. Olaf?

    Hmm – that is a difficult question….I have several favorites! I really love the seminar I am taking right now, Positive Psychology, because it focuses on being positive, happiness and how to make the most out of difficult situations through various research and subsections within Psychology, which I think is really interesting and important (also, Professor Donna McMillan is amazing)! Other favorite classes include Developmental Psychology, Principles of Psychology (can you tell I’m a psych major?), Jesus in Scripture and Tradition, and my first year writing class: Writing For Teachers.

What is a favorite St. Olaf memory you have?

I don’t know if I have one specific favorite – there are so many wonderful memories! I think just being surrounded by friends, laughing and having fun, and also having deep conversations and heart-to-hearts, are all great memories for me. I also have some fantastic memories from my study abroad experience. I’ve loved being a part of the St. Olaf community and the entire St. Olaf experience.      

Favorite Song

“Hello” by Adele

Favorite article of clothing

Again, I have several favorites :) I really love my brown boots (which I’ll be able to wear soon with the fall weather!). I also love a purple dress I have, and, of course, my footie pajamas.

Favorite sound

Rain as I’m falling asleep

If you were given a $20 Target gift card right now, what would you buy?

Probably cute new fall apparel, like a sweater or boots.

Have you studied abroad? Where would you go if you could go again?

Yes! I went to Australia and New Zealand last Interim and absolutely loved it! Highlights of the study abroad experience included a tour and performance at the Sydney Opera House, holding a koala and handfeeding kangaroos at the wildlife preserve, and snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef. I actually am going to study abroad again this coming Interim in the Holy Land (Israel and Palestine), and I am really excited!  

Is there anything new that you still want to try while on the Hill?

Yes – this winter I want to try sledding on caf trays (I can’t believe I haven’t done this yet!) and also try skiing for the first time!

What is a community on campus that you feel proud to be a part of and why?

The Catholic community – I have been involved with St. Paul’s Outreach and Catholic Student Association, the two Catholic groups on campus, since my freshman year (and involved in leadership since sophomore year), and it has been really amazing. I have met so many incredible people through these groups and have been able to live out my faith, and I am so blessed and grateful.

I am also proud to be leading Her Campus this year! This is my third year of involvement with HC, and I love being a part of this community as well. There are really dedicated and creative team members, and I love to be able to work with all of them!      

How have your future plans changed during your time on the hill?

I have a lot of different interests, so I’ve explored a lot of different career paths! I’ve looked at education, nursing, law, and publishing. Currently I am thinking of going into teaching or a career in psychology. I am excited to see what the future holds :)

All pictures were used with permission from Emily.