Jason Eicher
Graduation year: 2025
High school: Freeport High School
Hometown: Freeport, Ill.
Major: Middle grades math education
Activities: Peer mentor, Gen Ed Committee
Internship: Student teaching
Post-grad plans: Searching for a position in education
Why Augustana?
I'm from a small town, and I love where I come from. Augustana and the surrounding area felt like that for me, but with the benefits of a more urban setting. When I got here, I almost couldn't believe the beauty of our campus. Now I was in a place that felt like home, and looked like home but more gorgeous.
I'd heard Augie had a great education program. When I met the faculty behind that education department, the rumors proved true. The great people here confirmed that Augie was home.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
Not at all. I was lost when I landed here. I was a transfer student from a community college with little direction or self assuredness. I couldn't conceive my own potential. My time here has changed me.
The sum of my learning from my excellent variety of courses changed the way I think and how I view the world. The relationships with the faculty and friends who brought that out of me kept me accountable and appreciative. I'm confident my time here has refined me into the best version of myself.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
Dr. Mike Egan - From helping me plan my academic roadmap my first day on campus, to guiding me the entire way through. I so endlessly appreciate you.
Dr. Christopher Morales - For expanding my worldview through exposure to new literature and ways of thinking. I will always appreciate the multifaceted conversations and thoughtfulness I found in your class.
Dr. Mike Schroeder - Your way of approaching educating through questioning has fully infected me. Thank you for always deeply analyzing my writing and leading amazing+thoughtful courses.
Dr. Brooke Randazzo - For simply being an amazing educator. Thank you for taking the time to make sure students in your courses succeed. I appreciate you so much.
Dr. Carolyn Yaschur - My time in Gen Ed Committee was useful and enjoyable. Thank you for leading us. It was a pleasure to meet and spend time with every one of you.
Dr. Nick Dobson - Thank you for reconnecting me with my love of German language and culture. Your personality is marvelous.
Peak experience?
When I had time in my schedule to pick electives and learn freely without requirements. I didn't need an astronomy course on planets, but from day one Dr. Lee Carkner made the class consistently memorable. I appreciate how my time in the campus planetarium helped me find a curiosity for the universe in myself.
What surprised you?
The depths those in this community will go to to see you succeed. It's uncommon to see such a commitment to the betterment of strangers, and I value how often I ran into that at Augie.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
For my study abroad trip to Jamaica. This trip and what I learned about Jamaican history and culture leading up to it are experiences I would never trade. It made the trip too affordable to say no to.
What will you miss the most?
The density of interactions within a walking distance. I can walk to school, the gym, food, home, friends and professors, and have a beautiful view the whole way without interacting with my car.
Advice for the Class of 2029?
Use your opportunities here to make true long-lasting friends. If I regret anything, it's that I didn't do this enough. Don't allow your post-graduate life to be one of loneliness.
"Jason is the rare individual who focuses on the 'learning and growing' aspect of education rather than the 'earning grades and credentials' aspect. This was evident in his efforts as a student where he exhibited strong curiosity, and he even served on the faculty’s General Education Committee, which wrestles with the question of 'What should all Augustana students learn?' It also showed in his student-teaching experience where he tirelessly strove to facilitate true understanding among his middle school students."