When she was younger, Brita’s favorite activity was chasing the ice cream man. She now brings that same vivacious attitude to her campus endeavors. Her love of singing led her to become a member of the Gustavus Choir, and she also serves as a chapel apprentice.

As a little girl,  Junior Nursing Major Brita Gilyard always knew she would one day become a Gustie. Her parents, who both attended Gustavus, took her to football games and other activities on campus, where she always felt welcome and comfortable. It comes as no surprise that she is now an active member of our community here on the hill. One of her most important responsibilities at Gustavus, however, is as a Peer Assistant (PA).

“I wanted to become a PA because I wanted to be able to act as a resource to students on campus,” Brita said. “My experience has given me a better picture of what Gustavus is like on the whole, and I absolutely love working with the other PAs.”

Apart from these organizations, Brita has also followed her desire to serve others here at Gustavus. Brita participates in a variety of volunteer organizations on campus. She helps out with Gustie Buddies and enjoys spending time with her Little Partner.

Her passion for service has led Brita to participate in two January Interim trips in her time at Gustavus: Tanzania in 2009 and, most recently, Peru in 2010.

“Brita’s gentle and welcoming spirit made her a wonderful student with whom to travel,”  Associate Professor of Nursing and accompanying professor on the Tanzania trip Barb Zust said. “Her thoughtfulness, generosity and kindness are qualities that are much needed in her chosen profession of nursing.”

While in Tanzania, Brita was “instrumental” in helping elementary school children. “She went above and beyond the course expectations in embracing the Tanzanian culture,” Zust said.

As mentioned, Brita was also one of the 21 students who traveled to Peru this past January Interim. While there, she spent the first two weeks teaching English, visiting clinics and helping out at a hospice center. During this time, Brita was able to meet many of the native people and learn much about Peruvian culture.

In the last half of the trip, however, she and her fellow students were met with significant setbacks. Extreme flooding caused the group to be stranded near Machu Picchu. This part of the trip, which was initially supposed to last one day, ended with the students being airlifted out of the country after a four-day ordeal.

Brita insists that the students were always taken care of and had access to adequate food, water and shelter. Although parts of the trip were a bit unnerving, she remains satisfied with the trip as a whole. She encourages other Gustavus students to take advantage of the incredible study abroad program here, as these trips provide copious opportunities for self-growth, as well as firsthand experience with other cultures.

After graduation, Brita plans to pursue a career in nursing.

“My dad was diagnosed with leukemia my junior year [of high school] and was in the hospital for about four months. I realized the amazing ability and opportunity nurses have to interact closely with patients during the most difficult times of their lives. Nurses are able to form trusting relationships with patients and not only help them with their physical ailments, but also with their mental and spiritual struggles as well,” Brita said. “Overall, I love helping people when they are in need, and as a nurse I will be able to do that.”

As the weather gets warmer and the end of the school year approaches, you are most likely to find Brita enjoying some of her favorite activities at Gustavus: hanging out in the PA office, reading on the hill outside of Old Main, taking a stroll through the Arb or sipping a chai tea latté from the Courtyard Café.

“As a friend, Brita is the person everyone goes to for advice because she truly cares and loves to listen,” Senior Nursing Major Rachel Ludwig said. “She is constantly brainstorming, researching and experiencing how she can make a difference, use her talents to benefit others or simply get to know a new face.”

As Brita graduates next spring, there is no doubt that her compassion for others and desire to make the world a better place will take her far.