Luci Pelletier

High school: Wheaton Warrenville South High School

Hometown: Warrenville, Ill.

Major: Elementary education (with K-12 Reading Teacher Endorsement)

Activities: Delta Chi Theta sorority, Peer Mentor

Internship: Student teaching

Post-grad plans: Teaching elementary school in the Chicago suburbs

Why Augustana?

When applying to schools, I had no clue where I wanted to go or what I wanted out of my college experience. I committed to Augustana on a whim without even touring the campus. I knew people who went here, and it was still close to home, so I thought why not. 

Once I got here, I knew I had made the correct choice. The opportunities Augustana provides are unlike any other. I have taken on leadership roles, traveled abroad and created relationships, thanks to Augie.

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

If you would have told 18-year-old Luci that she would do half the things I have done during my time at Augustana, she would not have believed you for a second. I have involved myself, taken risks, asked for guidance and given guidance.

I didn’t know what to expect when I stepped on campus freshman year, but I’m glad I took every day as it came, and it got me to where I am. I am far more of a passionate, kind, excited and all-around better person after these four years. 

Who helped you get to where you are now?

I want to give my biggest thanks to the entire education department. They are a special group of people. They put their students first, and guide with grace.

Specifically, I want to thank Professor Shepherd and Dr. Delaney. Both new additions to the education department, both making significant change.

They helped me see who I am as a teacher; they guided me through every step of the clinical and student teaching process. They gave me confidence in my abilities to teach, and continued to remind me I was exactly where I was meant to be whenever this major got hard. I would not be half of the confident, outgoing and lovable teacher that I am without their guidance through it all.

Peak experience?

It is hard to pick just one, so I won’t! I have to say studying in Jamaica and student teaching go hand-in-hand as my top two experiences! Getting to immerse myself into the Jamaican culture AND do what I love was such a terrific experience. 

My student teaching experience was the most amazing four months of my college time! I got to find myself as an educator, and realize this is what I was made to do.

What surprised you?

What surprised me most is how welcoming this community is. I am a very social person, and I never had an issue talking to anyone on this campus or being a part of randomly assigned group projects. Being in a sorority opened many doors to meeting the diverse groups of students that are a part of our community, and I loved it!

How did you use your Augie Choice?

I used my Augie Choice to study abroad in Jamaica! I wouldn’t have been able to make that happen without Augie Choice. We spent 19 days on that terrific island, and I enjoyed every second of it. I learned so much about myself, and the Jamaican culture.

What will you miss the most?

I will miss just simply being on campus. I love when I get to walk on campus in the fall or spring, and sit in The Brew and do homework while I get to see people I haven’t seen in a while due to busy schedules. Just being on campus is one of the most exciting parts of college. It reminds you that you are part of a community bigger than yourself!

Advice for the Class of 2030?

Put yourself out there! Augie has many opportunities, social and service groups, clubs, internships, fairs, etc. Get out there and join clubs, apply for internships, study abroad, rush a Greek group, do a million things at a time. That is why college is so special!