Senior
Kalona, Iowa
Why Central?
I chose Central for the people. Everyone truly cares about you here, wants to see you succeed, and is easy to get to know at a deeper level. The students I go to class with are fantastic, and it’s easy to get to know our professors. I know their favorite kinds of music and I’ve watched their kids for them. I discuss classic literature with an organic chemistry professor, and share my liking of Star Trek with another. This college is special. I love everyone who goes here. It’s hard to believe that I’ll be leaving soon.
Favorite professor and why?
Dr. Benedict--without a question--though there are 5 or 6 that tie for close seconds. Dr. B is an extraordinary man who can speak to animals. He also invests nearly his entire time molding students into what he calls “world-changers”. I have never seen anyone work harder for what they believe in. He leads by example, and is a straight-forward guy. He also demonstrates (very well) the amount of sass one professor with tenure can hand out.
In your iPod?
I’ve got everyone from Matchbox Twenty and Zac Brown Band to the Rolling Stones and John Denver (and some Bon Jovi). I have to listen to my Aretha Franklin playlist before every basketball game, and listen to Daughtry on the bus after every game. I also listened to Aretha before Ochem exams. I wish I could sing like Linda Ronstadt.
You’re majoring in biology because?
I like it. It answers so many questions I had as a kid; why is the grass green? How do people get sick? I’ve always been curious and wanted to find out things for myself; majoring in biology has given me the tools to do that. I like how this field requires a plethora of skills like speaking, writing, reading analysis, and unfortunately math and chemistry.
Best nickname you’ve ever been called?
I have been called Butterball and Margarine and I was once called Toast.
If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future?
I’d go to the future. Humphrey Bogart and the 1940s were great, but I’m curious to see what the world will be like 200 years from now. Maybe by then we’ll have found the guys who made the pyramids for the Egyptians.
Which teammate of yours would make the best U.S. President and why?
Maddi Hennessey without a question—she is the most patriotic of us all. She has the tattoo that proves it. All of her policies would benefit America as best as humanly possible.
Guilty pleasure Christmas candy or snack
I eat more cookie dough than I bake on Christmas Eve.
Who is your hero/inspiration?
I’ve always wanted to be that person that never gives up. Besides my parents, one of the most tenacious people I have met is Matt Diehl; he inspires me to do my best on and off the court every single day— I know he’s not taking reps off. I also want to read 12 books over Christmas break, like Dr. Dunne.
What do you value most in life and why?
I value my faith, because I don’t know how I would be living without it. I can see the bigger picture with it, I can work hard for it, and it has taught me how to deeply love others. If I do any good at all, it is from God finding a way to pour into me. I don’t have it all figured out, but I’m a lot closer to the Truth with faith than I am without it.
Favorite TV Show
From this Century: Parks and Rec. But from the past I really like The Honeymooners and I Love Lucy
The one thing people don’t know about Coach Petersen
Coach P is quite the yodel-er. She also has a pet chameleon. You don’t usually see it.
Why do you love Central basketball?
I wouldn’t trade playing this game with my teammates for anything in the world. The amount of love and respect that my teammates have shown me through the years is unbelievable, and I love them all very, very much. I love watching them goof around and being a part of all the inside jokes. I love the amount of selfless effort I see my teammates put out for the rest of the team. They have shown me how hard work truly pays off.
“Ten years from now I’ll...”
Be hiking and traveling all around the world and getting paid to do it. I will have also survived Emily Salvador’s payback by that time. I may have started a folk band by this time as well.
Favorite food from Central Market
Honestly I just really like coffee and Honey-Nut Cheerios and I am happy to say they have them both.
Bucket list
I don’t really have one. I’ve always wanted to take Route 66 to California and hit up all of the National Parks along the way. I also wouldn’t mind meeting Clint Eastwood or George Strait. I’d also like to live on a houseboat in Australia.
