Andrew Brynjulson
Class of 2009

Hometown: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
High School: Theodore Roosevelt High School

Major: Communication/Business
Minor: Art

Extracurricular Activities: Augustana Club Soccer, Intramurals, Tour Guide, Cartoonist for the Mirror [campus newspaper].

How and why did you choose your major?
I was originally undecided and pre-architecture. I knew I wanted to do something with art but didn't know what. The liberal arts core helped in that it exposed me to my first communications class, which I really enjoyed. Comm/Biz is a relatively new major, if I'm not mistaken, and I figured I would have a lot of options for jobs when comm/biz is coupled with art. I hope that collectively those studies will prepare me for a job in advertising. Truth be told, my dream job would be writing and illustrating children's books.

Looking back on your senior year of high school, why did you choose Augustana? Did growing up in Sioux Falls affect your decision? Do you have enough independence here?
I had already been accepted to Augie and another public university in South Dakota. Oddly, the other school sent me an application even though I had already been accepted. That same week, Angie Larson, my admission counselor at Augustana, sent me a birthday card. Whereas Augie was aware of my birthday, the other school wasn't even aware that I had been accepted. I've always followed Augie since I'm a Sioux Falls boy, but having grown up here doesn't affect my independence. Augustana is in a whole new world for me, it's like I'm in another city.

What is the best class you have taken so far at Augustana? Why?
Much to my dismay, Exploring Christian Faith. At the time I was taking it I was irritable towards it and therefore back then my answer would have been different. In retrospect, it really made me look at the world differently and realize how complicated people are and what informs their faiths. Deep, I know...

What is the most unexpected thing you have done during your time here?
Joined the Augie soccer club team. I'm not a soccer player (come watch and you'll witness firsthand) but the team needed bodies and I was a body. The guys are sweet, I'm obsessed with soccer, and I get some good exercise. No regrets, except for not starting sooner.

What does an average day during J-Term look like for you?
10:00-12:00: Work in the admission office.
12:00-12:25: Lunch in the Commons.
12:30-3:45: Class: Islam and the West.
4:00-5:00: Play FIFA Soccer 2007.
5:00-5:30: Eat dinner.
Evening: Study, lift weights, play basketball, watch episodes of "24" until we are sick of it. Repeat, until all six seasons of "24" are complete.

What are you passionate about outside the classroom? Have you been able to pursue those passions at Augustana?
Drawing, basketball, soccer, football, softball. Between intramurals and the Mirror I've got all of them covered.

What is your favorite meal in the Commons?
Deli on the weekends. I have the complete control to make a delicacy with my own hands.

Do you plan to study abroad?
I am planning a trip to either England, Greece, or New Zealand. I would have gone during the '07 J-Term but I put it off for too long.

Do you have career goals or immediate plans for after graduation?
I haven't the foggiest idea. I'm going to dream up some genius children's story, put it into print, and take over the world, one child at a time.

What advice would you give prospective students considering Augustana?
Don't let money make your decision. Everybody has bills to pay. Might as well make the bills worth paying in the end. Know what I'm saying?