Get to know me

Tell us about some of your cultural experiences growing up in Fort Dodge.

I grew up enjoying musicals and dancing! I cheered and danced at United All Stars while I participated in Comedia Musicals and Stage Door! I loved every minute of being on stage…still do! I love to perform and make other people smile!

What have you most enjoyed about music and theater at St. Edmond’s?

The thing I have enjoyed most about music and theatre at St. Ed’s is the memories of people I have met along the way! While I wasn’t always the best singer in the choir, I knew no one else cared, they were just happy I was there! I enjoyed being surrounded by others who enjoyed my presence…and obviously getting to perform lots!

What are the biggest benefits for a child growing up in Fort Dodge that is involved in theatre and the arts, from your perspective?

I think growing up involved in theatre and arts, you grow much more confident and independent! Through music and theatre, I kind of have found that I am okay to be perfectly who I want to be! A child growing up around people who are all so different but there for one purpose (to put on a show) displays a new perspective of what life should be. It also transpires a great sense of confidence because you have to be completely comfortable with yourself in order to make everyone else love the show!

Where will Andee Barwin be in 25 years?

And what will she be doing? Hopefully…in 25 years, I will have made some sort of difference in the world. I will be 43 years old (woah crazy!) and would love to be a mother! I hope to have traveled the world as a travel nurse and speak publicly on issues globally affecting women and children. In 25 years, I hope to have made some long term changes to the foster care system, the education system, the medical care system, and the domestic violence system. Above all though, I hope in 25 years people see me as a kind soul. I hope I have made a lot of friends and loved hard. I hope that I am happy.

Who are some of your role models & why?

My mom is probably my biggest role model. She shows me strength and love every single day. She’s taught me more than anyone else ever could. I don’t think she realizes how much she means to me. She has sacrificed her whole world for my siblings and me and I hope to live so selflessly like her. Along with her, all the little kids in my life are my role models. They inspire me to be a better person everyday. As much as I hear people say they look up to me, little do they know, I have always looked up to them and their loving hearts even more.

What are your plans for the fall?

In the fall I plan to attend University of Nebraska-Omaha to continue my education and cheer career! I plan to major in pre-nursing and minor in political communications and social work! Afterwards, I plan to travel the world and spend time abroad!