Kelsey Aamlid
Class of 2009

Hometown: Sioux Falls

High School: Roosevelt

Major: Exercise Science

You initially chose one of Augustana's sister institutions, and then transferred to Augie this year. Why did you choose Augustana?
I transferred to Augustana for several reasons. One is because the people at Augustana were so good to me and so helpful when I was applying to schools- I always knew that if I went away and wanted to come back I would have an excellent college to attend in Sioux Falls.

Did growing up in Sioux Falls affect your initial college decision? Do you feel that you have enough freedom even though your family lives here?
The fact that I am from Sioux Falls did affect my initial college decision. I was worried that I would feel as if I was missing out on something great if I didn't experience what it was like to be away from home. As it turned out, while I was away I felt like I was missing out on exciting things in Sioux Falls- I missed my family and my hometown a lot more than I thought I would. I don't regret going away. In all honesty I think that my experience away helps me appreciate what I have here at Augustana all the more. Going to college in my hometown is great because I really can be as independent and as far away from home as I want to be, but at the same time I have access to all the things I missed while I was out of state. I have the best of both worlds!

I know you're just getting started, but so far, what is the best class you are taking at Augustana?
To just pick one class is tough. I thoroughly enjoyed my Interim class, Career and Life Planning. My professor was great, and since I was a new student that class was excellent as far as developing relationships with other students. I love my Spanish class- there are only ten people, so I always look forward to seeing them, and I am able to really understand what we're learning. In my other classes I really enjoy the discussions we have and the small class sizes.

Do you plan to participate in any study abroad or other off-campus programs?
I would love to study abroad. I have always wanted to go to Australia and England. The more I hear about France, Italy and Greece, the more I want to visit them. I really think that I would be amazed by any study abroad location. Just being able to experience a different culture would absolutely knock my socks off!

What is your favorite Augustana hangout spot?
I really like the Back Alley and the Huddle. Both spots are great places to meet people, and both have that fun "hangout" atmosphere. You really can't go wrong in the Huddle... just grab a smoothie!

Which dorm do you currently live in? What is dorm life like?
Bergsaker is the place to be! My favorite part of dorm life is living among really cool people and always having someone there to talk to.

What is your favorite extracurricular activity at Augie?
I have a couple extracurricular favorites. CRU [Campus Crusade] is absolutely amazing! I look forward to it every week and I've met a lot of awesome people there! Tennis is also a lot of fun. I haven't started any intramurals yet, but I'm really looking forward to starting some of those.

Do you have a favorite activity to watch that your peers participate in?
I love supporting the athletic teams. It's fun to watch new friends in their activities. Theatre is also a lot of fun to go watch. I've never been involved in theatre, so I'm always impressed with what I see.