Alexis Jones
Graduation year: 2020
High school: Marist High School
Hometown: Chicago
Majors: Political science, French
Activities: Varsity basketball (d3hoops.com all-Central Region team), Augustana Observer student newspaper
Internship: LegalTrek law program at DePaul University
Post-grad plans: Continue my athletic and academic career at graduate school in London
Why Augustana?
I chose Augustana because of its reputation of producing well-rounded student-athletes. I wanted to have the flexibility to be a high achiever in my sport as well as do things like study abroad or attend lectures and symposiums to grow intellectually. Overall, I chose Augustana because it offered me a lot of opportunities to experience new things.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
Not at all. I think I exceeded my own expectations of what I could accomplish in a four-year span. I have been to three different countries, served as a captain for an amazing team for two years, and become a more well-rounded individual through the classes I have taken and the different people I have encountered around campus and in the community.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
I had some pretty amazing faculty advisors as well as coaches who helped me in my four years here. (Special shoutouts to Dr. Kiki Kosnick, Dr. Xiaowen Zhang and Dr. Taddy Kalas.) Part of the reason why Augustana is so special is because you can build relationships with faculty that extend beyond academics. My advisors helped me find tools to be more successful and manage my time more wisely. Playing a sport and being a high academic achiever is a difficult role, and without these people, I am not sure I would have been as successful as I am now.
In addition to my advisors, my coaches and my parents served important roles in helping me grow as an individual. I feel like they allowed me the space to explore while giving me guidance along the way to come into my role as a leader. I can say I have a pretty great support system!
Peak experience?
Definitely traveling to Spain with the basketball team. Not only was I able to use some of the speaking skills I gained from my Spanish courses, but I got to play a different style of basketball, which was pretty cool.
What surprised you?
How caring the professors are here. In high school you hear horror stories about how tough college professors can be, but in my experience the professors here understand that there is life outside of academics, and they are willing to work with you to help you get the most out of your educational experience.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I went to Spain for a month over the summer to play basketball and do various volunteer events promoting sports for children.
What will you miss the most?
Free access to the library databases. Just kidding! I will probably miss my friends the most or seeing people around campus that I may not necessarily be close with, but I still have conversations with them to catch up and check in on them. That's one thing I liked about being on a small campus—having the ability to form connections with people of varying backgrounds and gain different value perspectives.
Advice for the Class of 2024?
Use your Augie Choice and study abroad! Other than that, I would say take advantage of opportunities given to you. Augie is going to blast you with a million emails so maybe read one or two every once in a while. You never know what you'll discover.
“Alexis is one of the most outstanding young people I have ever had the opportunity to know in all my years of coaching! She has been a blessing to this program and to Augustana College. As much as she has accomplished through her hard work and talents, she has impacted everyone she has come across even more because of her heart. This campus was made better because of Alexis.”