Duluth native Alexa Peterson credits the people, the classes, and the warm weather as the three reasons she chose to come to Gustavus. The junior has been an active member of the Gustavus community and has made a strong impression on the people who impressed her from the start.
“Alexa is extremely involved on campus. Although she is involved in countless activities, she still makes it a point to find time to spend with friends. She is always working to improve the community of Gustavus and leave the world better than when she entered it,” Junior Courtney Harbeck said.
Along with working as a medical scribe at the local hospital, Alexa is a Co-Executive on the Campus Activities Board, Teacher’s Assistant for Biology 101, a Peer Career Advisor in the Center for Servant-Leadership, a member of Gustavus Ambassadors, and is involved in Study Buddies. She manages all of this as well as her studies in biology and religion, by prioritizing her involvement over sleep.
“In addition to working in my lab full time this past summer, Alexa got a head start on many of the campus activities she helps with. I often wondered when she slept. During the school year, Alexa is even busier but still manages to keep up with her coursework. She has been a key person in helping my research projects advance and she has certainly left her mark on the Gustavus community,” Associate Professor in Chemistry Amanda Nienow said.
“She is always working to improve the community of Gustavus and leave the world better than when she entered it.”—Courtney Harbeck
Beyond her aspiration to be involved and make the most of her time at Gustavus, Alexa hopes to make it to medical school. She says there wasm’t a distinct moment when her passion for medicine was sparked but rather more of a snowballing of events.
“She has been a key person in helping my research projects advance and she has certainly left her mark on the Gustavus community.”—Amanda Niennow
“It was always just the growth of knowledge and collection of facts about medicine. Gustavus pushes leadership and service so I soon realized that I was passionate about leading through service. After that, I started to realize through my interest in doctor visits and connections with nurses that I would love to be in that intimate and personal setting where I could help people,” Alexa said.
While her nerves are beginning to set in as she studies for the Medical College Admission Test coming up in January, Alexa’s friends have no doubt that she has the attitude and perseverance to be successful.
“Alexa is the most driven person that I know, period. She knows what she wants and she won’t stop until she achieves her goals. Not only that, but you’ll never catch Alexa without a smile on her face. Her bright, cheery, personality brings joy to everyone that is fortunate enough to interact with her,” Junior Jessie Self said.
While many commend her for her personality, Alexa says she owes much of who she is to Gustavus and the people around her.
“Coming to college definitely throws you out of your comfort zone. I had a solid foundation from my parents but then coming to Gustavus I had so many new opinions and perspectives to look at. I think the people and environment have definitely helped shape who I’ve become,” Alexa said.
In her time left at Gustavus, Alexa says she wishes to let loose and experience some of the Gustavus traditions that she’s been too busy to partake in. First on the list is traying. Above all else, she also hopes to remain involved and continue to make an impact in the Gustavus community.
“Alexa lives and breathes Gustavus. She works so hard, often at the sacrifice of her own sleep, to make this community great. I could not think of a person more deserving of Gustie of the Week,” Self said.
-Jaurdyn Dobler