Linn Dale ’07, Norway, Pictured with Pres. Anderson in Norway.
Linn’s family moved from Gjovik, Norway to Minnesota where her father served as Pastor at Mindekirken, the Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church in Minneapolis. She graduated from St. Olaf in 2007 with a major in psychology and a concentration in biomedical studies. She is pursuing a nursing degree from Diakonhjemmet Høgskolen in Oslo.
How did you learn about St. Olaf and why did you choose to study here?
I think my dad was the first one to tell me about St. Olaf. Then I checked it out online, and went there to visit. My family was living in Minnesota, so it was close by. I chose to study at St. Olaf because it seemed like a great school (beautiful campus with strong academic program), it has a Nordic ski team, and it has great scholarships for Norwegian students. I also liked the fact that it is a small liberal arts college.
What were you involved in at St. Olaf?
I did cross country running, cross country skiing and track all four years at St. Olaf. Skiing and running were definitely my favorite parts about college! There were seventy women on the running team my freshman year, and it was so much fun to get to know so many wonderful women, and at the same time stay in shape. I also loved the Nordic ski team, which had five women and five men on the traveling team. We had ski races every weekend during (January) interim and got to know each other really well through all the traveling and social activities we did together. I have so many fun memories with the ski team, and I would recommend it to everyone who likes to ski. (Note: Linn was a U.S. nationally ranked skier.)
Linn also participated in a Lilly Grant International Service Learning Program to Thailand in June 2006.
What do you miss most about St. Olaf?
The things I miss the most are the Nordic ski team, and all my great friends there. I also miss the St. Olaf atmosphere (everyone is so nice), the beautiful campus, and the awesome cafeteria.
What advice would you give to international students and American Third Culture Kids who are considering St. Olaf? Why should they choose St. Olaf?
Get involved! St. Olaf has tons of activities you can join and it is such a great way to make friends. Attending St. Olaf is the best decision I have ever made. It is such an awesome school with great people and excellent academics.