Lisa Tann Erlandson
School, Year: St. Olaf College, Junior
Majors: Chemistry and Asian Studies
Xcel Energy Foundation Scholarship, ING Foundation Scholarship
What are you doing right now?
I have been interning for the summer at 3M as a part of its Technical Aide Program.
Lisa grew up in Maplewood and attended North St. Paul High School. When she began looking at colleges, she knew she wanted a different experience from her suburban upbringing. "St. Olaf College was the first school I attended during Minnesota Private College Week. I really liked the smaller size campus and Northfield’s small-town feel. I visited again in the fall of my senior year and I was completely sold, it’s so beautiful at that time of year."
Two years later when it came time for Lisa’s younger brother David to choose a college, he chose Gustavus Adolphus College. "It’s been a challenge for our family to support two kids in college, with the knowledge that there are still two more behind us," she said. "My parents think that Minnesota’s Private Colleges are worth the investment. The scholarships have really helped our family offset some of the expense of attending college."
A truly memorable moment for Lisa came last year when her Asian studies class traveled to China, "We’re this tight cohort of 20 students who had all been studying the language and culture for the past year and a half. Then, there we all were, actually walking through the streets of Shanghai, using the language. Being there changed my perspective. I am very proud of my ethnic Chinese heritage and I hope to go back to China and work using my chemistry major and my language skills."