Hi, I’m Tina Peterson. Thank you for selecting me as a Face of Big Lake! My husband and I grew up in Big Lake and have also raised our family here. I work as the Office Manager for the Big Lake Police Department. I have worked with the department for almost 20 years and enjoy everyone I get to work with. It is wonderful being able to work in the same community where we live and where we and our kids have gone to school. We love being a part of the Big Lake community and always enjoy getting to see friends no matter where we go!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband, Shaun, and I have 3 children – ranging in age from 27-20 – two sons and a daughter. Shaun and I were high school sweethearts and graduated from Big Lake High School. All 3 of our children also graduated from Big Lake.
Q: How long have you lived and/or worked in Big Lake?
I moved to Big Lake in 1984 from North Minneapolis. Shaun was born here and we both grew up here.
Q: Tell us about your current, past, or future career.
Currently, I am the Office Manager for the Big Lake Police Department. I have been with the department for almost 20 years. Prior to this, I worked in the Middle School for 9 years. It has been so nice to work close to home and within the community I grew up in. I absolutely love working for the police department and truly enjoy everyone I get to work with there.
Q: Have you ever had a nickname? What is it and why were you given it?
No I haven’t. My name is pretty difficult to change into a nickname since it is so short. However, Shaun has a nickname. Everyone calls him Tiny and if you know Shaun, you know he isn’t tiny!
Q: What is your favorite TV Show, Movie, Book? (Please list as many as you’d like!)
I love to read and will read just about any genre. I try to read as many of the popular books as I can. It’s fun to have something to talk to others about when we’ve read the same books. One of my favorite books is Where the Crawdads Sing. I don’t watch a lot of TV but I do like the true crimes shows like 48 Hours and Dateline.
Q: If you could only eat one food/meal and have one beverage for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I would have a steak dinner and a Malibu cocktail.
Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies or pastimes?
We love to camp and travel. One favorite trip was camping and visiting the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone with our family. I also enjoy walking and walk as much as I can with our two dogs – a Morki and a Shih Tzu. One of my greatest passions is baking and cooking and passing this love to my kids. We also enjoy our monthly cards night with our Card Club. We have been doing this for 25 years and they are our closest friends. Finally, I love vintage things and collect vintage glass. I think it is just beautiful.
Q: What is one thing on your bucket list?
I would travel even more! It would be great to visit England. I recently found out that many of my ancestors are from England so I’d like to see those areas.
Q: What would you buy/do if you won the lottery?
I would be able to spend more time with our kids. I also want to buy a Cookie House just like the Cookie House on the Carlton College campus. The home was donated by Dacie Moses upon her death and the college is able to use it as a home for people to go bake, hang out, etc. I want to have a place like this where people can come bake, spend time, and enjoy being together.
Q: What has been a challenge you have had to overcome? (Life, School, Work, etc.)
This isn’t necessarily a challenge I’ve overcome, but one challenge that I think we have in general is social media. So many people spend so much time on their phones that they aren’t truly meeting or getting to know people.
Q: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would have more time to do what I want to do. We spend a lot of time working – so it’s important to love what you do and who you work with – but not always enough time doing other things. I would like to have the time to volunteer more as well.
Q: Who has been a hero in your life?
My husband. He is the most patient and kind person I have ever met. He will give anyone the shirt off his back. When he takes a trip to Coborns I know it will take awhile because he will always see people he knows and enjoys talking with them. I also love that he has taught our children to be patient and giving people.
Q: What is something even your family and friends may not know about you?
I’m actually shy.
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
Definitely my 3 kids.
Q: What are a few of your favorite businesses / restaurants in Big Lake?
Willy’s, Lake Cafe – I worked there when I was a teenager, The Buff, P.S. I love You Occasionally, and Haven Bookstore
Q: What is one of your favorite things about Big Lake?
The connections we have here. Our teachers are amazing and you can get to know them and talk with them even after your kids are no longer in school. I like being able to go to Coborn’s and know people.
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Big Lake?
Get out and meet people. Reach out if you need help, support, or assistance.
Q: Who is an interesting person in our community that you’ve met and deserves to be included in The Faces of Big Lake project?
Dee and Norm Leslie, Betty Wold, and Mike Hill
