Anna Tegge
Graduation year: 2018
Majors: International business, political science
Minor: Spanish
Activities: Varsity soccer, Symphonic Orchestra, Opportunity Kicks Tutoring, Model United Nations, Students for Life, Augie Catholic, Omicron Delta Kappa (leadership), Pi Sigma Alpha (political science), Phi Beta Kappa
Internships: I interned with Administer Justice, a legal non-profit in Elgin, Ill. The organization provides services to meet the needs of low-income individuals facing civil legal matters.
Post-grad plans: I am applying to think tanks in Washington, D.C. I would love to work for one that positively shapes our national security debate.
Why Augustana?
My town's mayor, my chemistry teacher and my very best high school soccer coaches were Augustana graduates. Not only were these people successful in their fields, they were generous, intelligent and kind people committed to making an impact on their community. I wanted to be a part of that alumni culture one day!
Are you where you thought you’d be when you first came to campus?
No! I never believed I would end up double-majoring. I never anticipated how much I would value my friendships with my teammates. I never knew how much I would enjoy research in the comparative politics department. I never thought that my professors could have such an incredibly positive impact on my college experience.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
My admissions counselor, Courtney Wallace, played a large role in where I am today. From my first admissions interview, she immediately saw me as a “whole person” applicant. Courtney recognized that some characteristics like thoughtfulness, motivation, compassion and perseverance might not always be measured by test scores. She was an amazing supporter and friend throughout my four years.
Peak experience?
Leading an on-campus organization called Opportunity Kicks Tutoring was my peak experience. The club is a combined soccer and tutoring program that works for the educational advancement of refugees in the Quad Cities. Working with these kids initiated a passion for the refugee community, and the kids taught me a lot about grace, hard work and leadership, and we shared so many laughs over the course of four years.
What surprised you?
I never anticipated that learning Spanish would be such a rewarding part of my college experience. The Spanish department gave me the opportunity to enroll in a Spanish university, serve as an interpreter in a legal setting, and even the ability to build relationships through common languages on a flight to Nicaragua!
How did you use Augie Choice?
During my junior year, I studied abroad for five months in Seville, Spain. My host family became my second family. I traveled throughout Europe, learned to flamenco dance and got to observe Spain’s Holy Week celebration from my host family’s rooftop patio!
What will you miss the most?
I will miss being surrounded by such diverse, passionate and kind friends. My Augustana friendships include doctors, engineers, teachers, musicians and friends from Vietnam. I will miss their academic, emotional and personal influence on my life every day.
Advice for the Class of 2022?
Never be afraid to be independent!
“Anna is one of the most talented students I have had in my 15 years at Augustana. As a first-year student, she was already incredibly mature and intellectually curious, and we would have deep conversations about international affairs, domestic politics and life in general. As a research partner, Anna stands head-and-shoulders above every other student I’ve worked with, exhibiting an outstanding work ethic that will serve her extremely well after she graduates. Finally, Anna is the most generous, thoughtful and considerate student I have mentored in over 20 years of teaching.”