Meet Solvei! You’ve probably seen her around campus, as she is involved in probably every club you can think of. She is one of the sweetest people you’ll ever meet. Get to her know some more below!
Name: Solvei Stenso-Velo
Year in school: Junior
Hometown: Hudson, Wi
Major: Public Health and Community Health Education
Minor: Environmental Studies
PGPs: She, Her, Hers
Involvement on Campus:
I’m the Vice President of Campus Affairs/on the Executive Council for Alpha Phi, a member of Students for Sustainability and a recent member of Order of Omega (Greek honor society). I work at the International Education and Engagement office as an International Education Ambassador (IEA) and in the Center for Leadership, Involvement, and Graphics (the “LIG”) as a peer advisor. I also represent the LIG on the DOC, or Diversity Organization Coalition.
What’s your favorite thing about La Crosse?
I love that I can spend the morning outdoors in the marsh or bluffs but in the same day explore downtown and the city. There are a lot of diverse environments all within one local area.
What is your dream job or career?
There are a lot of different things I’d love to do! Maybe work for USA International Development abroad in public health works or environmental issues. One thing I like about public health is that it’s so multi-faceted and has so many different areas to focus on. I’m most interested in environmental health. But I also randomly like the idea of becoming a yoga instructor part time once I retire or working at a ski resort for free passes (if I’m not too old).
What is your favorite food?
Pomegranate! Ever since first grade I’ve been obsessed. I enjoy peeling them and that you have to work for it.
What is your dream place to travel?
Right now I’d have to say Thailand—it seems like such a mystical place that holds a lot of culture.
What is your favorite summer activity?
My favorite summer activity is stand up paddle boarding! Back home we live on the St. Croix River and my dad builds canoes, kayaks and now paddle boards, so it’s always fun to do those things.
If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?
I would like to change how negatively people affect the Earth, and especially focus on how consumerism in our society influences our impact on our environment.
What is your favorite movie?
Growing up my favorite movie was “Hot Chick” because it seemed so scandalous and funny—for those reasons it still holds true.
What is one thing on your bucket list?
At some point in my life (the sooner the better) I’d love to learn how to sail!
What are you plans after college?
At the moment, I don’t have any plans. I think I would like to eventually attend grad school, but I’m not sure for what. I really want to try WWOOFING, World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, and see more of the US and maybe South America. I love thinking about the future and looking for new experiences, but I also believe that things will work out one way or another.
Thanks to Solvei for taking her time to answer these questions! Make sure to say “hi” if you see her around campus!