Oracle Online

O: I heard you’re studying abroad next year in the fall; where?

ES: Dakar, [the capital of] Senegal. It’s been a dream of mine to go to West Africa for a long time to study French and maybe do something with Anthropology there, too. I’m really excited.

O: Everyone who studies abroad has to take Crossing Borders I and II. How’s that going?

ES: I wasn’t looking forward to it when I signed up, but I actually have been enjoying it. For example, we had a potluck, with the Crossing Borders II class, and so everybody from Crossing Borders I and Crossing Borders II brought a dish from the country that they went to or are going to and it was a lot of fun. We get to hear from the Crossing Borders II people about their experience... and about what shots we need, stuff like that.

O: So, what shots do you need?

ES: Oh my God, a lot. Like, I can’t even think of all the shots...I’m actually more scared for the shots than for going to Senegal.

O: Do you know any fun facts about Senegal?

ES: I’m really excited to go there because everyone I’ve talked to that’s either from Senegal, somewhere in West Africa or whose been to Senegal, says it’s the most amazing place. It’s called... the country of hospitality, so that tells you a little something about Senegal.

O: You’re going to Senegal next year, have you traveled anywhere else?

ES: Yes, I went to Peru last January with Skip Mes
senger... that was so awesome. I was a little worried because I didn’t speak any Spanish, but I picked some up. It was my first real trip abroad... before that, canoeing in Canada and the Winnipeg Folk Festival.

O: What groups are you involved in on campus?

ES: I’m in the Hamline A Cappella Choir, me and my friend Anne [Bergren] just started a French club on campus. We’re just trying to get that going.

O: Where do you meet?

ES: We meet [on Saturday] at [La] Pētisserie, on Randolph and Snelling, so far. We might add some other activities. Right now, it’s just based around conversation.

O: So, is singing a hobby or do you want to do it professionally?

ES: I don’t know yet...I’ve always wanted to sing in a group with my sisters. I have three sisters, three brothers, and everybody in my family sings. It’s kinda fun lately now that my little brothers’ voices are changing and so now we have, like, a whole choir.

O: What’s your hometown?

ES: St. Cloud.

O: And what’s St. Cloud like?

ES: You know, there are a lot of bad rumors about St. Cloud...but there are also some good people there if you know St. Cloud. It’s a beautiful place to live.

O: So do you want to go back there?

ES: Well, no...maybe down south somewhere. I was born in North Carolina... there’s the beach and mountains, it’s a nice place to live.

O: Anything else you want to add?

ES: Sure, I guess I better talk about Karl [Rotto]. He’s my fiance, we’ve been engaged for over two years now. We’ve known each other since seventh grade... I first noticed him because he had this really cool red t-shirt with Cat in the Hat on it... but we didn’t start dating 'til senior year. We’re going to get married summer after [we graduate].