Andrew Kightlinger
Class of 2008

Hometown: Pierre, SD
Majors: Government/International Affairs & French

Why did you choose to major in Government/International Affairs and French?
I chose French because I could already speak it rather fluently, so it seemed like a natural choice, while the International Affairs major grew out of my growing up in Madagascar and traveling around the world with my parents. I kept wondering, "how do all of these different places work together?" Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't.

Looking back on your senior year of high school, why did you choose Augustana?
I chose Augie because I was still unsure about where I would take my first step, and a liberal arts college seemed like a good fit. And everybody was so nice.

Do you think that a liberal arts education is important? Why?
A liberal arts education is important because it broadens the mind and enables a person to think benevolently about others, while progressing their own interests; educate your mind, then help others.

You are a member of the Augustana Choir. Do you remember auditioning for a music scholarship? What was the experience like?
The faculty members in the Augie music department have great senses of humor, and that was apparent from the day they judged my singing at the Pro Musica auditions. On the other hand, the Augie Choir auditions were mildly nerve-racking.

What is the best class you have taken at Augustana?
The best class I have taken at Augustana would be Constitutional Law. It was a class that was always fascinating, yet for some reason I never fully succeeded in it. When you pay attention in class and do the homework and still end up with a "B", you know it's gotta be tough.

Do you have a favorite professor?
Dr. Peter Schotten, my advisor and the professor of Constitutional Law, is the most uncompromisingly funny and insanely intelligent person I know. You never know what he is thinking, but I think I almost have him figured out. I'm still trying to figure out his political affiliations. I have my suspicions.

What is your favorite extracurricular activity at Augustana? Is it difficult to balance everything you're involved with and still keep up with your academic work?
I have a big problem saying "no" to things, and I want to be involved in everything, but I'd say being on the NSO (New Student Orientation) Central Committee was a heyday. As long as you can say "no" once in awhile, a perfect balance can be attained.

What is the most unexpected thing you have done during your time here?
I would say that hosting Viking Varieties really surprised me; I didn't expect it to be so energized and fun. We were a hit!

What is the most influential thing you have learned during your time here?
I've learned that you must give, give, give, and that the simplest "Thank You" can mean all the praise in the world. Those two simple words are a powder keg, and it's never a bad idea to say "Thank You" once in awhile to yourself. Helping others and receiving help or thanks in return is essential food for personal growth and a positive outlook on life.

What are you passionate about outside the classroom?
I've been passionate about filmmaking since I was 8 years old, and I've been able to pursue filmmaking adequately at Augie even with few opportunities to take many courses on the subject. I've made several films and have been one of the go-to guys for film projects. Augie even started a 48 hour film festival that is a hoot.

Did you have a study abroad experience? What did you study?
I studied in Grenoble, France and I studied the French language very intensely. A study abroad experience is essential, even if it is for a month; it can change one's perspective on the world and their purpose in life. And the French aren't half bad. Americans and French don't hate each other, they simply are too proud to admit their intense fascination with each others' cultures.

What is your favorite meal in the Commons?
My favorite meal is probably a plate of the pumpkin bread. You can do no wrong with that selection. And if you put a slice on a napkin, you can see through the napkin after about 5 minutes. Mmmmmm...

What's your funniest story from life in the dorm at Augie?
The funniest story would involve sand wrestling on the volleyball court between Solberg and Bergsaker (freshman dormitories); I may be small, but I'm spry. Okay, let's not kid ourselves, I got my butt kicked. But it was fun.

What are your plans for the future?
My top choice is Boston University's graduate film program. I want to make movies because film has steered too much into a territory of simply translating texts to a screen; film should be about ideas expressed with images. I believe there are so many untold stories about so many concepts, and an imagination knows no bounds. With today's technological advances, anything in my head could be put on screen. A scary thought for some.

What will you miss most about Augie after you graduate?
I will miss the people, the unique ways in which the courses were taught, and the freedom of expression that brought about limitless creativity and self-discovery.