"My parents used to sing ŒUm Ya Ya' to me as a lullaby," said senior Kate Lefevere, a Social Work major with a Women's Studies concentration. It was only natural then that Lefevere, a native of Minnetonka, would follow the line of parents, grandparents and other relatives to St. Olaf.

But her experiences since she's been here have been truly unique, just like her. If the St. Olaf fight song put her to sleep as a child, she's been able to develop some excellent listening skills since then. Soon, she will make a career out of communicating with other people­even if that just means listening or being there for someone else.

She is currently doing a Social Work Practicum in Faribault in which she is involved with family development and listens to what other people need. "I've always had a passion for people," said Lefevere. "I like to just sit down and hear what's going on in their lives. Some people just need someone who will listen."

Lefevere isn't a typical student, considering her internship keeps her off-campus most of the time. But this has given her a better perspective for life after graduation. "It's a perfect transition in that I get to do the real world job and come back to the support of my friends in Pod 177."

After being with Lefevere, it doesn't take to long to understand her effect on people. In the Caf, and without any prompting, junior Emily Hohag stated that "she is the most genuinely sweet person I know." "I want to be completely selfless," said Lefevere, "because it's what other people deserve."

Her genuine compassion and embracing smile make her goal a reality. She is human and has her own needs, but some advice she received from a friend puts her life into perspective. "She told me that if you completely let go of all your needs [while helping others] and they let go of theirs, then your needs are met and you are serving people," Lefevere explained.

Lefevere's faith in God was clarified for her when she came to St. Olaf and made new friends. "The number one thing in my life is God," she said. "I made some amazing friends my first year and they've helped me find an amazing faith and the joy and happiness that comes with it."

Lefevere has been very active during her years at St. Olaf. Not surprisingly, her love of people and interaction in various settings has led her to leadership positions in various organizations on campus. She is one of the co-leaders of Care Ministry, a Christian organization with 20 members who have been trained to "listen about anything and we don't have to give advice or opinion."

Although she is also involved in Selah on Sundays, Fellowship of Christian Athletes on Tuesdays, and prayer group on Thursdays, the Care Ministry is something that Lefevere takes a lot of pride in. "There are some amazing people out there and being a part of this is incredible."

She loves volleyball and was a JC in Ellingson last year. "We had so much fun," said Lefevere, who teamed with Meg Egan. "We had the most amazing women and it was one of the best decisions I've made at Olaf."

She's also explored the globe and went to Costa Rica for a month last year. "It was a life changing experience," she said. "The people are so giving, even if they didn't have anything to give."

What's up next is graduation. After that? She's got a few ideas. "I'll probably be a camp counselor next summer and then I really want to go to Seattle and work with the Lutheran Volunteer Corp."

Why Seattle? "No idea. I've never been there, but it's always been in the back of my mind," said Lefevere. "I'd have five roommates and we'd have our housing paid for while we go and do our job in Seattle. It's kinda like the Real WorldŠ but not at all," she laughed.

Lefevere seems content with the opportunities given to her and doesn't obsess about the luxuries of life. The coming years should be very exciting for her as she enters a field that she truly loves and goes into it with the attitude that with God's guidance, her needs will be met as long as she helps other people meet theirs.