More Than I Imagined

“Teaching should never be taken lightly, and if you do, then you are in the wrong major.”

“What I learned about myself over the last four years is that I am a deeply curious person, always wanting to know how and why things work.”

“After much discussion with mentors, faculty and my closest friends about nursing and medical school, I arrived at a decision of pursing medicine with a more holistic approach.”

“I discovered interests here I never knew I had, I discovered how I can best help the communities I am involved in, and from it all, I feel I am much better off.”

“I appreciate how much support Augustana students show for their peers, whether it is showing up to watch each other compete, perform or present research. I will truly miss the sense of community at Augustana the most. 
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“If you study and get involved in the things you are passionate about, then you will have an amazing college experience.”

“I am no longer the shy girl who arrived on campus four years ago.”

“CORE helped me understand the framework of a résumé freshman year and provided me support all the way through senior year in evaluating job offers.”

“I always thought I would work with young children, but my clinical experience at the Robert Young Center exposed me to counseling adolescents, and I found out I loved it.”

“I’ve known for a while that I want to teach abroad, and the faculty and staff at Augustana helped me to realize that dream.”

“If you go in for the experiences, you will come out of Augustana with so much more to offer everyone around you.”

“I have come to value the notion that everything is connected and how we can see so many different disciplines intersecting with one another.”

“I came to Augustana with an ambition to learn about myself and grow as an individual, but I'm leaving with a vocation to help serve others and make a valuable impact on my community.”

“Dr. Heidi Storl taught me that the 'useless' disciplines (like philosophy) are the most useful in practical — not just abstract — situations.”

“It’s been incredible being at a college where I can double major in two completely different fields, and then also be able to be in top choirs and the lead in the musical.”

“Take your time at Augustana to do what you love. If you love a sport, find a way to play that sport. If you love business, join a business club. I would definitely suggest getting involved.”

“My professors have truly helped me realize that I am a biologist at heart. Without all of their help and advice, I would not have the confidence I do today about my decision to take a gap year and pursue biology.”

“Learn to think critically and teach someone else how to; you’ll change their perspective, and they’ll change yours.”

“I know if I had a question, concern or wonderment that I could go to any one of the professors within my department, and they would put down whatever they were doing in order to help me, calm me or answer any of my questions.”

“I did not expect to become emotionally attached to Augustana, to find some of my best friends and to be as involved as I became.”

“Be spontaneous—you have no idea where the next adventure(s) will take you!”

“Pursue what makes your heart sing and your soul smile. When you are unapologetic for the things that make you feel at peace, the rest of the world falls into place.”

“Don’t miss out on the opportunities to grow as a person. Build deep relationships. Get out of your comfort zone. Study abroad. Find your passion.”

“My one piece of advice is ‘Do it.' There are so many opportunities here, and too much time is wasted wondering whether to give it a try.”