Enthusiastic about science and helping others

John Anderson is an upbeat, charismatic senior chemistry major with a soft spot for helping others. John stays busy on campus as a member of M-pact, Alpha Phi Omega (APO), the Servant Leadership Program, Big Partner Little Partner, Wednesday Friends and is also a Writing Tutor.

Though all of these activities may seem overwhelming to some, John embraces his involvement.

“I just got more involved every year because I love to be around people and help them,” John said. “I think it’s given me a broad depth of experiences and things that I can take away from each group.”

His devotion to these organizations does not go unnoticed.

“He loves working with others, and is always willing to go out of his way to offer help when it is needed. As John’s younger brother, it has been amazing for me to witness how much of an impact he has had on the Gustavus campus through the different organizations he participates in,” Erik Anderson, sophomore biochemistry and molecular biology major said.

One organization that has had a profound impact on John’s life is APO, the coed service fraternity. John enjoys the fact that APO allows him to give back in a variety of ways. “There’s no limitations on who you can work with and what you can do” John said.

This group also allows him to spend time with people who share his interest in serving.

“It’s just so fun being around a group that’s passionate about what they’re doing and excited to go out into the community and serve others.”

Another service group that John participates in is the Servant Leadership Program. “It gives me a chance to step back from all of the organizations and service work that I do and really ask questions about why I’m doing the work that I’m doing and how I’m using my strengths as a person and how you can be most effective at being a servant leader,” John said.

He points out Amy Phearson, who directs the Servant Leadership Program, as a mentor who taught him about being a servant leader.

“Its an approach to life that I got really attracted to and it gave me a deeper more profound sense of life and who I want to become as a person,” John said.

That person that John looks forward to becoming is a doctor. He plans on applying to medical schools after graduating and looks forward to continuing to help people.

“I think it fits in with what I believe in and how I was raised, who I want to become and being a part of something greater than myself,” John said.

John’s decision to become a doctor was also influenced by the two summers he spent working at a camp for children with special needs.

“What I took away from that is the power that you have when you can help someone grow,” John said. “You can help that kid just be positive and either overcome an illness or learn to live with one.”

John has a passion for chemistry as well, despite recognizing the difficulty of the material.

“It can be challenging at times, but I like that challenge because it’s fun when you can learn something new.”

This positive attitude is affirmed by Biochemistry Professor Brenda Kelly, “John maintains a cheerful, positive attitude, even during times of trial and tribulation in biochemistry lab,” she said.

“Despite the rigorous academic workload that he endures as a pre-med chemistry major, he still finds the time to make a significant difference as a servant leader on campus, which is incredible,” Anderson said.

Despite the fact that John’s passions lie in the realm of science, he has managed to find joy in another venture—as a writing tutor.

“That’s one of the unique things about a liberal arts education. I can be a chemistry major and still have the opportunity to work as a writing tutor and see papers come in from all different disciplines,” John said. “Its fun because it’s very interactive and it’s helped me to branch out more.”

English Professor Rebecca Fremo appreciates John’s ability to branch across disciplines.

“Both sides of his brain are so remarkably in tune: he’s got that scientific, quantitative reasoning down pat, but he’s also an insightful reader, of both texts and human beings.”

John describes himself as “a giddy, excited person,” and says that some of his strengths lie in positivity and connectedness.

“I usually try to stay as positive as I can, so that jumps into my excitement and eagerness for life.” he said.

John’s kindness is what ultimately draws people to him.

“John is a caring, generous and personable guy that I am so lucky to know,” Jake Klem, senior management major, said. Fremo echoes his sentiment, saying, “What I like best about John is his warmth and empathy.”