Caili Bearden
Class of 2008

Hometown: Arden Hills, MN
High School: Mounds View

Major: Elementary Education
Minor: Psychology

Why did you choose Elementary Education?
Mostly because I love children. I actually didn't like school until about fourth grade and so I decided a long time ago I would like to be a teacher so I can show kids how to love school and that it can be fun.

Are you looking forward to student teaching next year? Do you feel prepared? Does Augie's liberal arts core help prepare teachers?
I am so excited to start student teaching in the spring of 2008! I feel that I am prepared as much as I can be. Augie is great at getting students into the classroom as early as freshman year. I have had many hours working in an actual classroom and that has only reassured me that teaching is what I want to be doing in the future. I do feel that Augustana's liberal arts core prepares teachers because we learn a greater variety of subjects - ones that we will definitely utilize in the classroom.

Looking back on your senior year of high school, why did you choose Augustana?
I originally came to Augustana to play soccer but I also had a wonderful visit to the campus. While I was visiting I picked up a great vibe, the people were so friendly, the campus was pretty, and I guess I just felt that I could really fit in here. I was right about all of those things. Although I decided not to play soccer after my freshman year, I still love school and I am so glad I decided to come here!

What is the best class you have taken so far?
Although I have learned a great deal in all the classes I have taken so far, I think the best class would have to be an aerobics class. Besides the fact that it was really fun, it was a great way to blow off some stress and get some exercise. It was especially nice because it was scheduled into my day so, unlike regular workouts, I had no excuse not to go and work out.

What is the most unexpected or interesting thing you have done during your time at Augustana?
One of the most unexpected things I've done during my time here was on an extremely foggy night. A friend and I rounded up people after midnight, on a weeknight, to play football on the campus green in the fog. We could hardly see anything! I think that everyone was laughing more, trying to find each other and the ball, than actually getting into the game.

What are you passionate about? Have you been able to pursue this passion at Augustana?
Some of my passions are working with children, writing, running, and doing fun things with my friends. I definitely have been able to do all of those things at Augie. Since I am not from Sioux Falls, Augustana helped me find some families to do babysitting for and the Elmen Center (our athletics and recreating building) allows me to work out for free. Through some classes I've taken, I've found more inspiration for doing my own writing, and by going to this school I have made so many wonderful friends, and I'm able to enjoy time with them too!

What kinds of things do you write?
I write children's books. Most of them are silly and the majority of them rhyme, but I find great joy in writing them. I would love to get some of them published and my mom and I have made some attempts at getting there - hopefully someday!

Since you grew up in the Twin Cities, what advantages or disadvantages do you see in going to school in city of Sioux Falls (pop. 150,000)?
It is a lot easier getting places here! And it doesn't take very long to figure out where everything is. I do miss the Cities, but it just makes it nice when I go home. If I hadn't gone to school somewhere away from the Cities, I wouldn't appreciate it as much as I do now.

What does an average day look like for you during interim?
This J-Term I have a Block 2 class which is held from 12:30-3:45. It's really nice because the mornings that I don't work, I sleep in a little, work out, and then still have time to relax or take care of any little things I need to do. After class I also have quite a bit of down time. I really appreciate J-Term because it is a nice break before another busy semester starts.

Have you had a job in college?
I worked on campus my sophomore year but only about four hours a week. This year, my junior year, I have a job where I work about 20 hours a week. Even though it means a very busy schedule, it is definitely doable.

What's your favorite meal in the Commons?
Chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese.

What's your best story from life in the dorm at Augustana?
One time in the dorms a friend and I took about 50 bouncy balls and dropped them from the top flight of stairs in our dorm. Of course, the balls went everywhere and though it may not sound that funny, it was hilarious. We were running around trying to catch them and dodge them and not having much luck. Everyone who came near the staircase couldn't avoid getting hit by a few of the bouncy balls and most people joined in with us trying to catch them. The chase was half the fun!

What advice would you give prospective students considering Augustana?
Because college can be a bigger jump from high school than a lot of people think, make sure you know the advantages of going to a smaller school. One of the things I've come to be most appreciative of is having small classes. With any uncertainty in your future, your professors are there to help you because they know you! It's really a great feeling knowing the people working with you now are also going to be here to help you when you get into the real world - not just in class.

Do you have career goals or immediate plans for after graduation?
After graduation I want to spend awhile traveling, most likely in Europe. Since I am going to be a teacher, and assuming I find a job, I most likely will not start until August and I hope to use the time in between to have some fun. As I said earlier, I am so excited to start teaching and my first priority before traveling is to find a job.

What will you miss most about Augustana after graduation?
The people. I have made some amazing friends and have become close with professors and staff too. It will be hard to leave everyone behind but I know I will stay in touch with many.