Amelia Dewberry-
This week’s Gustie of the Week is Junior Linnea Beckstrom. Beckstrom is a Political Science; Peace, Justice, & Conflict Studies; and Gender, Women, & Sexuality Studies triple major.
She came into college knowing she wanted to major in Political Science, but the interdisciplinary nature of the program led her to become interested in other topics and ultimately land on a triple major. After graduation, Beckstrom plans to attend law school to become a public defender.
Beckstrom is also involved in Gustavus Women in Leadership (GWIL), the Women’s Action Coalition (WAC), and the Alpha Sigma Tau sorority (AST). She serves as Co-Vice President of Communications for GWIL and as the Diversity Leadership Council Representative for Women’s Action Coalition. She represents women’s interests in the Diversity Leadership Council.
Her role as the Vice President of Community Relations for Alpha Sigma Tau allowed her to organize the Ramadan food service. “We packed food for those celebrating Ramadan with authentic Halal meals and also just some snacks for the morning as well,” Beckstrom explained.
The project was a partnership between a group of students, the Center for Inclusive Excellence, and the Office of the Chaplains. Executive Chaplain Grady St. Dennis commended her for her efforts: “The sort of Gustie spirit Linnea embodies has to do with the work she has done along the lines of interfaith awareness and community building. There was a lot to manage with logistics and organizing volunteers and resources and Linnea was someone who really stepped up with heart to help make it happen.”
Beckstrom found the experience rewarding and considers it one of her highlights from her time at Gustavus so far. “I got to learn a lot and kind of be exposed to something that I didn’t really know a lot about before,” she said.
During her college search, Beckstrom originally didn’t want to choose Gustavus because her parents are alumni. That stance instantly changed when she sat in on a class. She really liked “how small the class sizes were so that everyone felt like they could discuss. Every time someone spoke, no one rolled their eyes or anything. Everyone was engaging with each other’s opinions.”
Shortly after choosing Gustavus, Beckstrom met one of her closest friends, Junior Kierstyn Lundberg at Gustie Gear Up. The two became roommates during their second year and still live together now. “She is funny, kind, hardworking, dependable, and just an all around good person. How she balances work, school, being in AST, hanging with friends, and still has time to herself is incredible,” Lundberg commented.
Another one of Beckstrom’s friends, Junior Becca Beranek, echoed Lundberg: “Linnea is someone who constantly amazes me. She’s hardworking and dedicated to all of her activities, but she still manages to find time for herself and her friends.” Beranek is grateful she met Beckstrom during First-year orientation. “She’s a great listener and always has a piece of advice to offer for any situation,” Beranek said.
Beckstrom’s advice to younger students is to get involved. “Once you get involved with one thing on campus, it’s kind of like a domino effect because people really want you to come to their things,” Beckstrom explained. She also advises people not to be afraid of rejection. “Just live your life and be nice to people,” Beckstrom said.