Staff Spotlight - Michael Palgen

Hi! My name is Michael Palgen. I'm from Manhattan, Illinois, which is about an hour south of Chicago. I'm in my sophomore year at the University of Illinois where I'm studying Actuarial Science. There I'm involved in my fraternity, Sigma Nu.

I enjoy playing pick-up games of basketball and sand volleyball in my free time.  This will be my second summer at North Star. At camp, you can find me on the basketball courts or at the rock wall.

Editor's Note: Michael will have some extra pressure this summer as he'd been our chief recruiter at the University of Illinois. He's done a great job helping us land a few great new staff members!

More about Michael

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what are three things you'd bring?

- Bear Grylls, matches, and a knife.

Favorite special program at camp

- Espionage

Your favorite TV or movie character

- Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory

Your best memory of camp

- Hearing Simon Crane tell me he passed the swim test after saying he would never be able to do it.

Favorite Sports Teams

- Bears, Bulls, Cubs, and the Fighting Illini.

What would you choose for your last meal?

- My mom’s Shepherds Pie

If you could be any animal, what would you be?

- A bird

Your two favorite books

- To Kill A Mockingbird and The Giver

How has camp impacted you?

- I can shake my eyes.

How has camp impacted you?

- Camp has taught me the importance of putting technology away for a while and really enjoying the outdoors.  It has also helped me realize that the only person that can decide what’s “cool” is one’s self- don’t let other people shape your thoughts and opinions.  I also learned how to be a better leader and role model.