Jessica Vogelaar
Class of 2009

Hometown: Worthington, MN
High School: Southwest MN Christian

Major: Biology
Minors: Chemistry & Psychology

How and why did you choose your major?
I came to Augie knowing that I wanted to be pre-med but I wasn't sure what I specifically wanted to major in. I knew that I wanted a psychology minor but I was undecided between a chem or bio major. There is really no hurry to find a major so I finally decided this semester that I enjoy bio more than chem and chose that as my major.

You are very involved with racing in your free time. How did you get into go-kart racing? Tell us about your recent success on the racetrack.
I have been around racing my entire life because my dad has raced sprint cars for 25 years. When I was 10, I borrowed a go-kart and finished third in a powder puff race. From that moment on I knew that I wanted to race. Now it's nine years later and my passion is still just as strong, if not stronger. I started racing on small dirt ovals in Southwest Minnesota and Northwest Iowa but as I became more successful, I decided I needed a change in competition. So, this past season I moved up to racing on pavement road courses. The karts I run now are much faster and more challenging physically and mentally to race. Instead of racing at local tracks, the tracks I now race at are 2.5 to 5.5 hours away. These road trips make for great family bonding time and the people we meet at the tracks are some of the most amazing people I'll ever meet in my life.

Have you been able to pursue racing while at Augie?
Although it is challenging, I am still able to pursue racing during the school year. I was gone from school almost every weekend until October and starting again in March it will be the same way. I did homework while we were on the road and on Saturday nights at the hotels. It takes a lot of focus and dedication to balance both school and racing but if you're determined enough, it is definitely possible.

Is there anything about racing a go-kart that helps you as a pre-med student at Augustana? Is there anything about being a pre-med student that helps you on the racetrack?
If there is any overlap, it would probably be the focus and dedication required for school and racing. When I race, I need to be completely focused while I'm on the track. If I lose concentration for just a second, I will either go off the racing line or be passed by other competitors. Also, racing requires a lot of dedication. Racing is anything but easy. It requires a lot of time on the road, a lot of off-season training, and a lot of frustration when things break - but you just have to realize that all of the time, hard work, and effort will pay off in the end. Something will go your way eventually. School is the same way, especially being pre-med. I have to be very dedicated and focused on studying even though I know that there are other things I could be doing on school nights or the weekends that are probably more fun. In the long run, hopefully it will all pay off and I will realize my dream of becoming a doctor.

Looking back on your senior year of high school, why did you choose Augustana?
I really just chose it because I knew Augie had a very good pre-med program and it was close to home. When I visited my top two college choices, Augie definitely had a better classroom structure and friendlier professors.

What is the best class you have taken so far?
I took English 200 my first semester of my freshman year. This is by far the best class I have taken. My professor was Beth Boyens. We would gather in a circle everyday and discuss in a group what we had read. She always challenged us to think of some other theme besides the obvious one that we knew already. It made me think in ways I hadn't before. She brought us treats for Halloween and brought us breakfast for midterms and finals. The class was very enjoyable and Professor Boyens was a very caring and intellectual teacher. She made the transition to taking college level classes easier.

What is your favorite meal in the Commons?
Calzones are by far my favorite meal the Commons offers. Chicken nuggets and grilled cheese both come in at a close second and third.

Do you plan to study abroad or have other off-campus experiences?
I plan on studying abroad during J-Term either next year or the year after. I would like to go to Africa or Central America. Also, I am a baby rocker in Sioux Valley's NICU and I mentor a 10-year old girl once a week. This summer I would like to do research for either the chemistry or biology department. The biology department has very good off-campus research opportunities at the local med schools though the BRIN grant which you can't find at many other schools.

What advice would you give new freshmen at Augustana?
I would tell them to open up. Get to know your professors. A lot of freshmen tend to be timid in the classroom and don't ask enough questions. The best thing to do is ask questions when you're confused. The professors won't think any less of you, in fact, they like it when you start talking to them. At Augie, a relationship between students and professors is established that most other college students can't access. These relationships are what makes Augie, Augie. The professors genuinely want you to make it through college and care about your future.

Do you have career goals or immediate plans for after graduation?
After I graduate, I intend on going to medical school. I am hoping to go to one nearby. This way I can still race karts for at least two more years after graduation. If the world were perfect, I would race all through med school!