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Carly Adams
More Than I Imagined Seniors reflect on accomplishments and look ahead

Carly Adams

Graduation year: 2017

Majors: Biology (pre-nursing) and public health

Minor: Psychology

Activities: ACHOO, JETS, AS-MRC, Sports Medicine Club, Sigma Pi Delta sorority (honorary), sports medicine first responder–charge

Internships: Arrowhead Ranch–Juvenile Residential Treatment Center; UnityPoint Health Trinity–Infection Prevention; Robert Young Center– Mental Health; Scott County Jail–Mental Health

Post-grad plans: Enroll in the Generalists Entry Master’s Program at Rush University-College of Nursing. After completing my master’s, I hope to earn my doctorate and become a nurse practitioner.

Why Augustana?

Augustana set itself apart from the other colleges in two major ways. First, the history and background of the biology department is top-notch. I knew completing this program would allow me to excel in my future goals. Second, I felt comfortable and “at home” on campus. The campus offers a very friendly and beautiful atmosphere. These two factors helped me determine that Augustana was the perfect match for me.

Are you where you thought you’d be when you first came to campus?

I am beyond where I thought I would be when I first came to campus. The opportunities that I have been given have allowed me to be involved in many unique experiences. My involvement on campus and participation in internships helped me to develop in ways that I never thought was possible. I am extremely proud and thankful for the ways I have grown, both as a student and as a person.

Who helped you get to where you are now?

I have to give my family, friends, advisors/CORE, professors and bosses the credit for allowing me to get to where I am today. These individuals showed endless support, pushed me towards success and taught me more than I ever thought I would know. Without them I would not be anywhere close to where I am today.

A peak experience?

My favorite experience was the two-week medical service-learning trip to Nicaragua. On this trip, I gained a great deal of medical knowledge, cultural competency, and I gained an appreciation for the opportunities we have in the United States. This opportunity really allowed me to develop as a person in ways that I never could have here in the United States. The people I met and the memories made will forever have an impression on me.

What surprised you?

Throughout these past four years, I have discovered who I am and my purpose in life. These are two huge topics that take some people a lifetime to figure out, but with the help of the Augustana community, I have been able to set myself a solid foundation.

How did you use Augie Choice?

I used Augie Choice to fund my study abroad trip to Nicaragua.

What will you miss the most?

I will miss the beautiful campus and friendly atmosphere. There is truly not another place like it.

Advice for the Class of 2021?

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere. Do not be afraid to get involved, try new things or hang out with new people. You will get the most out of your experience if you are willing to push yourself out of your comfort zone.

“I met Carly in fall 2014 when she became involved with ACHOO (Augustana Community Health Outreach Organization)—little did I know then just what a force for health outreach she’d become during her time at Augie! Carly was part of the Nicaragua JETS Healthcare Service-Learning trip in July 2015 and also completed an experiential internship that summer at a residential home for at-risk youth to better understand psychiatric nursing. As one of our first public health majors, Carly undertook her Senior Inquiry project with the Infection Prevention team at UnityPoint Health Trinity Hospital in Rock Island: she used new surveillance methods to determine if equipment used for taking vital signs by multiple technicians was being cleaned properly between patients, and her final report will help the IP team improve cleaning protocols and minimize accidental germ transmission. Carly’s not the type to stand back when there’s work to be done—I look forward to hearing of the many ways I’m sure she’ll continue to promote healthcare outreach in her career as a nurse.”

– Dr. Dara Wegman-Geedey, professor, biology