Riley Scrivner
Graduation year: 2024
High school: Bartlett High School
Hometown: Bartlett, Ill.
Majors: Political science; psychology
Activities: Psych Club, Psi Chi Honor Society in Psychology, Legal Association, Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society in Political Science
Internship: Biasly, a media bias agency
Post-grad plans: I am taking a gap year before I go to law school. I will apply to law schools in the fall. During my gap year, I hope to get an internship in the public interest sector.
Why Augustana?
I chose Augustana because of how much the campus and staff resonated with me on a Visit Day. I was looking for an institution that cared about my individual growth as a student, but also as an overall human being. Walking around Augustana's campus and talking to students/professors showed me that the environment here was truly made for self-improvement.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
I believe I am where I thought I would be. I envisioned myself as a student who got the most out of their college experience and I feel like I have done that. I have been involved on campus and have made great relationships with students and faculty. However, I do feel more prepared for my future endeavors than maybe I thought I would be freshman year.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
Dr. Baumgardner is someone who helped me considerably to get to where I am now. He has aided in my law school journey in a plethora of helpful ways, and I am very grateful!
I would be remiss if I did not mention Dr. Magalhães, Dr. Szafran and Claire Brakel Packer, who have all been exceptionally great in helping me figure out my way as I graduate from Augie. They have all helped me grow into the student and person I am today.
I am a first-generation student, and my family has been my backbone for getting me to where I am now. My mother and Nonny have truly bolstered my growth, and I could not have done my journey without them.
Peak experience?
A meaningful experience for me was participating in supervised research with Dr. Corts my senior year and presenting it at the Midwestern Psychological Association in Chicago. Our particular research topic solidified for me what kind of law I want to go into, and it was a great experience to be able to share the results with other students.
What surprised you?
Something that surprised me is how quickly Augustana felt like home. The sense of community really does serve a substantial purpose on campus and makes the transition to college life much easier.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I used my Augie Choice to fund an unpaid summer internship I did as a political science analyst for a media bias company.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss the opportunities to talk to faculty the most. It was valuable to be able to go to professors for help and advice. They were a great tool for my professional development at Augustana and beyond.
Advice for the Class of 2028?
Do not procrastinate getting involved on campus, especially being on executive boards. It is a whole new experience to be able to help students on campus. The friendships and bonds that come from being on an executive board are a really great experience.
"Not only is Riley motivated and enthusiastic about learning, she has taken advantage of the opportunities that Augustana offers our students to examine issues from multiple lenses. I am constantly impressed with how she ties these experiences together inside and outside of the classroom. She has conducted supervised research in psychology, completed a political science internship and held leadership positions across campus. Riley has also embodied perseverance and is deserving of the success that she has had and the success that she will have."