Claire Kim
Graduation year: 2023
High school: Mundelein High School
Hometown: Mundelein, Ill.
Major: Multimedia journalism and mass communication
Activities: Delta Chi Theta sorority, Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Enactus, varsity women's lacrosse
Internship: Augustana EDGE Center journalism intern
Post-grad plans: Social media coordinator at Crate & Barrel
Why Augustana?
Augustana has made me feel at home from the moment I visited. While lacrosse brought me to campus, I could tell that the students were successful because of the way the faculty and student body pushed each other to reach their full potential.
I knew that by coming to Augie, I would grow in ways I could have never imagined.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
I am most definitely not the same person when I first came to Augie. I have been given so many opportunities for growth and learned so much from all my involvements. I am so thankful that I chose to go to a school that had so many different ways to get involved and become my own person.
I was able to break out of my bubble and meet so many new people, create new memories and gain so many incredible skills from my time here.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
I was lucky enough to be a part of so many groups that welcomed me with open arms and pushed me to be the best version of myself.
The women's lacrosse team has been family since Day 1 of stepping onto campus. Since my freshman year here, I have been continuously uplifted, encouraged and strengthened by every player and coach on the team. They saw me at my hardest moments and taught me how to bounce back and be better, which is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Coach Holder is the reason why I came to Augustana, and I will always be grateful for her guidance and willingness to shape me into the person I am today. I cannot put into words how much this program has done for me, and I am so incredibly thankful for every experience I had through lacrosse.
The members of Delta Chi Theta sorority have also been such strong figures in my time here. I have had such great role models in the group who taught me to act with kindness, grace and strength every day.
Peak experience?
One of the peak experiences I had was my internship with Augustana's EDGE Center. This was the first time I got to work hands-on in what I plan on doing after graduation, and I learned a ton. I grew in my foundational skills and gained new skills that I plan on carrying with me to my internship with Encore Global.
What surprised you?
I was surprised by how open I became while at Augustana. I joined new clubs, talked to new people and tried new things I never would've thought of before coming here. I am excited to experience the world now with the open mind I got from Augustana and to see where I continue to go.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
My Augie Choice went toward a trip the women's lacrosse team took to England this past summer, where we toured the area and played the Wales women's lacrosse team.
What will you miss the most?
Definitely all the people I've met since I've been here. When I think of Augustana, I think of how it became my home away from home and how many people made my experience here so comfortable and enjoyable. I always had a friendly face in class, and will greatly miss the second family I have here.
Advice for the Class of 2027?
Try new things! You never know what great things will come from it and the memories you will make.
"Claire has had an amazing four years with us on the lacrosse team. She's a compassionate and hardworking student-athlete. As a senior, she is one of two captains on the team. I have no doubt she will utilize everything she's learned here at Augie to be successful with her post-collegiate endeavors. She's been a great member of the Augustana community and will be missed when she graduates!"