Lizzie Garrigan

High school: Oswego High School

Hometown: Oswego, Ill.

Major: Elementary education

Internship: Student teaching at Eisenhower Elementary

Post-grad plans: Find an elementary school teaching job in the Bloomington-Normal area!

Why Augustana?

Coming to Augie was one of the best decisions of my life! This school has brought me so much. In my few years here, I have made lifelong friends and relationships. Augie has given me so many opportunities, and I have felt personally supported by every professor I have had.

Transferring here was nerve-wracking but immediately after stepping on campus, I felt like I belonged. Over the past three years, I have grown and learned so much, and I cannot imagine not doing it here at Augie!

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

Not at all. If I could go back and tell myself three years ago where I am now, I wouldn't have believed me. I transferred to Augustana after one year at Waubonsee Community College, and I was so scared. 

I was placed immediately into the Augie education department, and that is truly where I found my home on campus. I felt so supported by my classmates and professors. I learned so much about who am I as a person and as an educator. I am so grateful I go to do it with my Augie ed family by my side!

Who helped you get to where you are now?

That answer is very simple, my mom. My mom has been my number one supporter my entire life. She is the one who took me to my first visit to Augie and the one who convinced me to transfer here. My mom has been there to cheer me on for every milestone — from acing my first final to finishing my student teaching experience. I could not have done this without her support!

I also have to thank the Augie education department. They have pushed me out of my shell and supported me so much. There were times when I would doubt myself, especially during clinicals and student teaching, but Professors Shepherd and Delaney were always there to remind me that I got this, and that I am exactly where I need to be. 

To be truly known by your professors is such a special experience. All the professors in the education department have inspired me and pushed me to become the best version of myself. I have learned so much from them, and I couldn't have done this without them.

Peak experience?

My last day of student teaching. It was very bittersweet, and there were MANY tears shed. As sad as my last day was, it was also one of the most rewarding days. When saying bye to all my students and all the people at the school who inspired me and encouraged me, I knew that this was the right career for me. 

My heart felt so full, and I was so grateful for the experience I had during student teaching. I couldn't have imagined a better student teaching experience!

What surprised you?

How quickly my time here at Augie went by. I remember being told that it would go by in a blink of an eye, but I truly did not believe it. Now that I am about to graduate, I am surprised how true that statement is. Over the past three years, I have accomplished a lot and grown so much as a person. It is crazy how fast it went by, but I would not change a thing!

How did you use your Augie Choice?

I used my Augie Choice to go to Jamaica! I was so lucky that I got to study abroad during J-term 2026. We spent three weeks traveling around Jamaica and teaching in Kingston schools. I made so many incredible memories on that trip and found a new love for traveling and education.

What will you miss the most?

The people. I truly have found my people at Augie, and I am so lucky that I get to keep these friendships even after I graduate. I will miss walking around campus and getting to talk to all the people I know. Whether it is someone I only know through one class or one of my closest friends, I love getting to see them around campus!

Advice for the Class of 2030?

Experience everything you can, take every opportunity, make friends and appreciate every moment. My time here at Augie will always have a special place in my heart!