Hi, I’m Andrea Gerdts and my family and I have lived in Big Lake for 25 years. After raising our daughters, I started working in the Big Lake schools and still do so today. I love getting to know so many of the students here as the Full Time Building Substitute at the high school. We love being a part of this community and the relationships and friendships we have made.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband, Mike, and I were married in August of 1996. We have two beautiful daughters, Sonja – 25 and Janelle – 19. Sonja Sonja lives in Brooklyn Park and is a study director for a company called NAMSA. Janelle is attending college at UW-River Falls. I am the youngest of three siblings and was born in Nebraska and moved to Henning, MN when I was 6 years old.
Q: How long have you lived and/or worked in Big Lake?
We have been in Big Lake for 25 years. Prior to that, I lived in Iowa and graduated from University of Northern Iowa and then spent some time in Florida.
Q: Tell us about your current, past, or future career.
After college I worked for staffing companies for 7 years. I then was a stay-at-home mom with my girls for 18 years. I started substitute teaching at Big Lake schools and did that for 7 years. For the last two years I have been the full time building substitute at the High School. In addition to my career, I also have volunteered on the Boys and Girls High School Lacrosse Booster Club and was a Confirmation School volunteer while my girls were in school. In the future, I hope to retire – in 5 years – and spend 5 months at our home in Belize and 7 months in Minnesota.
Q: Have you ever had a nickname? What is it and why were you given it?
Yes! My parents call me Hodamin or Hody. They still will refer to me as Hody.
Q: What is your favorite TV Show, Movie, Book? (Please list as many as you’d like!)
I like Friends, Seinfeld – just feel good TV shows. For movies, I like Top Gun – both of them, Sound of Music, Grease, and Inception.
Q: If you could only eat one food/meal and have one beverage for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I love variety so only one food would be sad. But if I had to choose it would be pizza and coffee.
Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies or pastimes?
I enjoy cooking, baking, swimming, fishing, and just being outdoors. I also like playing cards and reading.
Q: What is one thing on your bucket list?
I want to go to Germany and see the castles.
Q: What would you buy/do if you won the lottery?
I would travel with my family and would donate to a variety of charities.
Q: What has been a challenge you have had to overcome? (Life, School, Work, etc.)
I have truly been blessed my whole life. But, I have struggled with anxiety.
Q: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I wish I had a greater capacity for handling stress.
Q: Who has been a hero in your life?
My parents. They have always been great examples of love and service to others. They have always been there for me. Another hero in my life is my husband. He is my rock.
Q: What is something even your family and friends may not know about you?
I really am an open book so I don’t think there is a lot people don’t know about me.
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
Definitely my daughters.
Q: What are a few of your favorite businesses / restaurants in Big Lake?
We love #1 China, Pizza Factory, Willy’s on the Water, and French Twist.
Q: What is one of your favorite things about Big Lake?
The small town feel. It’s nice getting to know people here. We have plenty of businesses, restaurants, etc. but it still feels like a small town. I also like our smaller school sizes.
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Big Lake?
Join something – an organization or local group. And most importantly, support our young people.
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?
There are so many! Mandi Sabourin, Molly Schroeder, John Bruns, and Mindy Weber.
