One aspect of a liberal arts education is learning as much as you can across different disciplines to gain a deeper understanding of how fields of knowledge intersect and interplay with each other and to become a well rounded person.

Senior Caroline David is an exemplar of this with majors in Psychology and Religion and a minor in French.

“She really loves learning. Many of our early conversations involved me telling her that taking sixteen classes a semester wasn’t really a good idea and that perhaps she should cut back. Over time, she has learned to do so, but she still has a great many interests and likes to pursue as many of them as she can,” Professor of Religion Sarah Ruble said.

Caroline’s studying and interests at Gustavus are far and wide. She’s done work in the  Center for Developmental Science since Spring 2014 and the Developmental Neuroendocrinology Lab since June 2014.

She’s studied abroad in France. She’s been involved with Building Bridges and plays in the Handbell Choir.

All of this on top of working on theses in both Psychology and Religion. It’s almost needless to say, Caroline loves learning.

“She is very well-rounded and truly exemplifies the liberal arts.  For example, she has a passion for psychology and neuroscience, but also music, French language and culture, and global social issues,” Professor of Psychology  and Neuroscience Kayla De Lorme said.

And while Caroline thirsts for knowledge, she is also someone who her friends describe as “fun”, “emotionally intelligent” and having “a great sense of humor”.

Caroline keeps busy with studies, but is someone who also makes time to have fun and go to events around campus.

“No matter what you do with Caroline, I guarantee that the fact that she is there will make it more fun.  From eating lunch to studying in the library to leading a campus event, her delightful conversation and sense of humor will brighten your day and lift the weight of your homework load,” Senior Morgan Timm said.

“Caroline is a genuinely good person. She takes the time to care about others and leads by example. She’s also very driven and passionate about the things she is interested in. Caroline knows how to balance life and academics and I think she is a fantastic role model,” Senior Eric Hanson said.

Caroline was recently the recipient of the Donald G. Paterson from the Minnesota Psychological Association, which is given out to one Minnesota undergraduate student for their high achievement in psychology.

After Gustavus, Caroline will be attending the PhD program in Developmental and Brain Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Boston focusing on behavioral neuroendocrinology, which deals with hormones and behaviour.

She finds herself fortunate to have incredible faculty mentors and great friends at Gustavus, and cherishes the liberal arts experience having had the opportunity to take classes in many disciplines.

“Do things that scare you. Take classes in multiple departments. Try to take as many classes as possible from professors on the bucket list. Pick a couple things that you really enjoy and do them well. Get enough sleep. Be a compassionate friend and always find a reason to laugh!” Caroline said as advice to other students at Gustavus.