Lexie Seten

High school: Centennial High School

Hometown: Champaign, Ill.

Majors: Biology; kinesiology

Minor: Sociology and anthropology

Activities: Varsity women's swimming and diving, Sports Medicine, Sierra Club, Sigma Pi Delta sorority

Post-grad plans: Work as a health care tech during my gap year before applying to physician assistant programs

Why Augustana?

Augustana didn't become a top contender for me until my first visit. I came to campus on one of the coldest days in January, and still fell in love. I could tell the professors had real and deep connections with their students through the way they spoke about alumni. This coupled with the intense familial culture the swim team has made me realize that Augustana was a place I could call comfortably call home while still be challenged to become the best version of myself.

Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?

In some ways yes, but not entirely. I have been fortunate enough to win two CCIW swimming championships with our women's swim team, spend a J-term in Japan and meet people who I know will be lifelong friends. What has stayed constant is my dream of becoming a physician assistant, and this dream has become more achievable because of the faculty who believed in me and pushed me throughout my studies.

Who helped you get to where you are now?

All of the professors I have had certainly impacted me academically, but I would say specifically my advisors Dr. Edmonds, Dr. Mettler and Dr. Brosius. They have always been there to answer my endless questions and help me develop my path while at Augustana and my plan after graduation.

Also Dr. Croll, who helped me discover a passion for sociology and anthropology that I never knew I had. Had it not been for his introduction course, I would have never decided to continue studying SOAN.

My swim coaches, Ramsey Vens and Amy Feltz, who pushed me both in the pool and in my studies. I would not have had nearly as much success or growth during my time at Augustana without them.

Dr. Boquin, Dr. Geedey, Dr. Wegman-Geedey, Chikahida and Miyuki Komura, Sean Faulkner, Denise Yoder, Don Umland, my parents and my roommates. I would not be half the person I am today without these people and am forever grateful of the impact they have had on my life.

Peak experience?

Getting to be a part of the women's varsity swim team these past four years. It has been unreal to be on such a high achieving team, both academically and athletically — not only being named CSCAA Scholar All-American multiple times, but also winning the conference title in two of the four years I have been on the team has been amazing. The bond we have with one another is truly like a family and is something I hope continues for years to come.

What surprised you?

I was surprised by how much I still had yet to learn coming into college. I thought I had my whole life figured out and knew exactly what my plan was and where I needed to be. Very early on, I found that this was not the case. Instead, I learned to take things on as they come and not worry too much about the unknown.

How did you use your Augie Choice?

I used my Augie Choice to study abroad in Japan this most recent J-term with Dr. Edmonds, Chikahida Komura and Miyuki Komura. I was taking the course "Japan, Sport, and Culture," and was able to not only watch but also participate in many different traditional Japanese forms of sport.

What will you miss the most?

What I will miss most are the familiar faces I see every day on campus. I have not quite comes to terms with the fact that I won't be just a few minutes walk from so many students and faculty at any moment. The people I have met here have shaped me into who I am today, and I will forever be grateful that I came to Augustana and found a community that became my home away from home.

Advice for the Class of 2030?

Challenge yourselves. Most of us are more capable than we give ourselves credit for. Don't shy away from difficulty and adversity. Take the hard classes, strive for the A bundles, but also make sure to take care of yourself in the in-between. You are your best cheerleader and biggest advocate.