'Perfect time to move on'

It's been 10 years since Laura Anderson graduated from Staples-Motley High School. Now 28, Anderson said she's a different person than she thought she'd be 10 years ago.

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"I've done everything I said I'd never do," Anderson said, "and I've done it without regret."

Anderson, who has spent most of 28 years in the Brainerd lakes area, is 24 hours away from packing up her car and moving to the big city. No, not those Cities. Anderson is moving further south, to Nashville, Tenn. "I know this is going to be a big change," Anderson said. "I feel like it's a good fit for me."

Anderson first made her way to Nashville when her younger brother, Gabe, moved to the Music City to pursue a career in, what else, music. Anderson said visiting her brother last fall got her wheels turning about a future move.

Baxter resident Laura Anderson is getting ready to find her wings outside of the Brainerd lakes area. On Tuesday morning she will pack up her car and head to Nashville, Tenn.

Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls

"I just love the small town feel in the big city," she said. "I kept thinking, 'I really feel like I could live here someday.'"

Anderson said she is thankful for the roots growing up in Staples gave her. The Anderson family moved to the area from the Twin Cities when Laura was in fourth grade, when her father was hired as the director of Camp Shamineau, a Christian camp near Motley. The only girl in her family, Anderson is the oldest of four. Her other brothers live in the Cities.

Anderson said after graduating high school she attended Central Lakes College and earned her associate's degree in arts while volunteering with Lakewood Church's student ministries. In 2002, Anderson was hired at the church. While working full-time with Lakewood, Anderson earned her bachelor's degree in Christian ministry from Crown College in St. Bonifatius through a long distance program.

In July, Anderson finished her master's degree in marriage and family counseling, which she plans to pursue upon moving to Nashville.

Laura Anderson

The fatal flaw: While Laura said her favorite food is, hands down, ice cream, she can't stand the sound of a person scraping the last bit of ice cream from their bowl. It makes me crazy, she said.

Childhood scars: Shortly after Laura moved to the Brainerd area, she was run over by a hay wagon full of people. Welcome to the country, city girl.

Favorite movie: Laura said she has two favorite movies - Princess Bride and Father of the Bride. Not on the list: Princess Diaries.

Most influential teacher: Laura said two of her high school teachers had the greatest impact on her and both were choir teachers. Mr. Carlson taught me how to sing, and Mr. Lathe believed in me, she said. They expected more from me than I expected from myself.

"That's one of those things I never saw myself doing - getting my master's," Anderson said. "But I'm proud to say I finished."

Anderson said like many young graduates, she wanted to pursue a life outside of her hometown but chose to wait because she wanted it to be the right time. Between pursing her degree and working in full-time ministry, Anderson found herself deepening her roots.

"It took me a long time to be OK with staying here but it's been so rewarding." she said. "Now that I'm content, it feels like the perfect time to move on."

Anderson knows life in Nashville will be a new experience and she is looking forward to finding new way to express her creativity and finding more about who she is.

"I'm open to the options," she said. "I'll just keep adding to the list of things I said I'd never do, and keep doing them."

SARAH NELSON may be reached at sarah.nelson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5879.