Linnea Johansen
Graduation year: 2024
High school: Parkway South High School
Hometown: Manchester, Mo.
Major: Music education (instrumental)
Minors: Spanish, music performance
Activities: Varsity women's basketball, Augustana Symphony Orchestra, Chi Alpha Pi sorority, ACME pre-professional club
Post-grad plans: Teaching orchestra
Why Augustana?
I chose Augustana because it was a place that allowed me to compete in athletics (women's basketball) and major in music education. Music education is a very demanding major, and the faculty in both the athletic and music departments were very accommodating and flexible in my desire to do both music and basketball.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
I have successfully completed my goal of majoring in music education and participating in basketball. There were many bumps along the way, but the people at Augustana helped me to achieve my original goals.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
My viola professor, Deb Dakin, was always a steady person in my career at Augustana. She helped me to take initiative of my personal growth and give myself grace. She taught me an important life lesson that will stick with me forever: "You have all the time you need." Sometimes it feels like I am running out of time to accomplish my goals or finish a phrase in a piece of music. She reminds me that I have all the time that I need to be successful.
Peak experience?
Traveling abroad with the basketball team to Athens, Greece. We played professional basketball teams as well as explored the rich culture and history of Greece. I spent a lot of quality time with my teammates and experienced a culture very different from my own.
What surprised you?
Coming in freshman year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was unsure how the rest of my time would go. I never expected to rush, but I eventually did and joined the Chi Alpha Pi sorority. As restrictions were eventually lifted, I was surprised with how much Greek life had to offer at Augustana. Greek life led me to meet some of my closest friends at Augustana.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I used my Augie Choice to go to Greece with the women's basketball team.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss the people who made Augie feel like home. My roommates, teammates, friends and professors helped me through tough times like sophomore year when I tore my ACL and celebrated me in my successes like my senior viola recital. These people taught me to see the world through different lenses, how to ask for and receive help, and how to stay true to myself.
Advice for the Class of 2028?
Get involved! Augustana has activities/clubs for everyone. Try things out and see what you like! If you set your mind to it, you can achieve your goals. Persevere through the long nights and hectic schedules, and make sure to leave time for yourself, too.
"Linnea is a focused, driven and curious student. She has worked hard during her time here at Augie to manage a music education degree while also earning a minor in Spanish and playing varsity basketball. She balances all of her commitments and performs at a high level in her courses; she consistently exceeds expectations. Most significant, though, is that beyond this Linnea is a caring, supportive person with a great sense of humor. She is going to be an amazing teacher!"