Augustana College Top Questions

My advice would be simply this: be yourself. In college I learned a lot more about myself than I knew in high school, and that is because I chose to be myself and find others that were similar, not to try to fit into a preconcieved mold. By doing this I found great friends that I still consider my best even to this day, and I learned more about what drives me to be who I am, and what my interests are. By being myself I learned of my passion in mathematics, and was able to fan the embers of my interest into a career, doing something that I find interesting and rewarding. Without being myself, I would have simply done what others had wanted me to do and not been happy with my life, unlike I am now.

Never give up; accept failure and use it to fuel an undying passion to push forward. Life will toss you huge curveballs and you can't let it take you out of the game. Stand up and walk it off. Make sure the next go is better than the last.

As a first generation college student, figuring out college was a task for me. The most important piece of advice is to utilize resources in high school like academic counselors or teachers. It's important to think proactively about the future by looking at proseptive univeristies junior year and visit those locations. Before entering college, the summer before begin financial preparations and make a check-list of necessary items to buy or take with. Once on campus, be proactive about getting involved! It's a great way to meet new friends with similar interests and helps you grow as an individual. Try new things! College is all about self-exploration so join new clubs, volunteer and don't just stay in the campus bubble. The first two years, begin to plan your major and keep those grades up! Once you reach junior or senior standing, apply for jobs and internships. to gain hands-on experience and attract employers before you even graduate. Lastly, enjoy it! College truly does go by fast-- so make it memorable!

The advice that I would give to myself would be to develop a system of time management.Things move so fast at the college level and if you don't prioritize your time, you will definately fall behind in your couse work. In addition to time management, seek out help from your professors and tutors when you need it. This is so critical in your success.

Hey 17 year old Amy, Here is the low down for college: be outgoing. Yes, it is hard starting a new school where you don't know many people but you will know them and in order for them to like you, you have to get out of your shell. Get involved in what you want even if your friends aren't interested. You will make friends within the groups, too. Don't be afraid to branch out. There are so many awesome people here and awesome groups that you will make lasting connections with. Let people see the real you the first time they meet you not three months in to sitting next to you in class. One other thing, try to get a decent amount of sleep. Staying up until 3am most nights when you have an 8:30 class is not smart. Naps will not always make you feel better and you complain less when you are well rested. Enjoy your first year. It will be filled with many ups and downs but just stay positive and strong and it will be one of your best years yet. Love, 18 year old Amy

Make sure that you stay true to yourself. There will be times when you might lose hope about the future, but trust me, it turns out just fine. Life will not turn out how you wanted it and when you wanted it to happen; it will be better.

I come from a town where there is a lot of arguing and people not getting along. Here, at Augie, everyone welcomes eachother. The staff are friendly and personal and they don't treat us like we're just another set of students rolling by. There is also the manner of diversity in the students. I have yet to come across a single moment of hatred on this campus. Everyone seems to get along and its refreshing. I have to admit that my outlook on humanity has been dreery in my past years in high school, but Agugie has changed that. I now feel that theres hope for us and our future generations. I couldn't imagine being anything but a Viking.

I have learned to prioritize my life in a new way that I wouldn't have gotten if I did not attend. I also have met new people and made so many connections that will make it easier to enter the work force. Going to Augustana changed my life.

My college experience has opened my eyes to other people's views of things. I've gotten to meet new people that have been or are going through the same things that I have been through. College has made me think in a different way than before and I think that is the sole reason that college is so valuable. It should make people feel as if the world doesn't revolve them and make them more sensitive to other's situations.

In all the time I've attended Augustana College I've gained more friends and memories than I thought I'd ever have. I became involved in the Phi Rho sorority as well as the dance company on campus. Becoming a part of these two organizations were the best decisions I made in my time at Augustana. The Phi Rho sorority has taught me how to be patient and how to work well in very large groups efficiently. It has taught me that sometimes I need to depend on others and not just take on a task alone. Another valuable lesson I've gained is the ability to bounce ideas back and forth from one another and come up with an idea that involves everyone. The dance company taught me to stand back and let others lead and to be respectful of others ideas and creations. Putting on two productions a year in a student run organization is not an easy task but we do it every year. I've gained so much from my experience at Augustana College and I would recommend that anyone go there to gain not only knowledge about life but about yourself as well.