Arik Mistak
Graduation year: 2025
High school: Cary-Grove High School
Hometown: Fox River Grove, Ill.
Major: Kinesiology
Minor: Biology
Activities: Varsity football, TriBeta, Spikeball Club
Post-grad plans: Work as an EMT, gaining clinical hours to apply to physician assistant schools
Why Augustana?
I chose Augustana because it was a place where I could make friends through the sport I love. I also liked the idea of smaller class sizes, as I felt I could get more out of my education in a more personal setting.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
Not at all. My original major was secondary education, but now I’m preparing to work as an EMT. Since arriving on campus, I’ve grown in ways I never expected. My experiences abroad through Augustana have given me a greater cultural and global perspective, and I’ve gained confidence academically by succeeding in some of my more challenging courses.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
Many people have helped me get to where I am today. First, my parents — they were always there for me throughout my four years here. They provided a great support system, and I could always bounce my ideas off of them.
My professors also played a significant role in my growth by inspiring my curiosity and serving as great mentors. In particular, Dr. Edmonds and Dr. Mettler, my kinesiology professors, had a profound impact, and I’m grateful to have learned from them.
I also have great respect for my football coaches, especially Coach Jones, my positional coach. He has been there for me over the past four years and is a great role model as both a man and a father.
Peak experience?
My peak experience was studying abroad in Japan during J-term 2024. I took a kinesiology class called Japan: Sport and Culture, and it was so much more than I ever imagined. It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
What surprised you?
What surprised me was the impact that smaller class sizes had on me as a student. I knew they would be beneficial, but I didn’t fully realize what that would look like. It allowed me to engage with the material more deeply and build stronger relationships with my professors.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I used my Augie Choice for my football team's trip to Austria and Germany. During this nearly two-week trip, we not only experienced the culture but also competed against a German football team.
What will you miss the most?
What I will miss most is my friends and the strong sense of community I felt as part of the football team. I will also miss the Quad Cities, as I have a lot of family in the area and some of my favorite restaurants are here.
Advice for the Class of 2029?
Have faith in yourself. There were many times when I felt like I couldn't successfully get through a class or balance my schedule. Now that I’m close to graduating, I can confidently say it all worked out. Believing in yourself is half the battle.
"Arik has continued to grow and surprise me from year to year, developing not only increased engagement and academic strength in his courses, but also by taking on new challenges and expanding his comfort zone. It is precisely Arik’s steady development, natural curiosity and thoughtfulness that will serve him in both his future career and as a leader for his community."