Akla Gebreselassie
Graduation year: 2026
High school: British International School
Hometown: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Majors: Neuroscience; accounting
Minor: Chemistry
Activities: Ethiopian Student Union, Augustana Student Government, Sports Medicine, Residential Advisor, Viking Mentor, Phi Rho sorority
Internship: Texas Medical Center
Post-grad plans: Take a gap year to gain more experience before applying for graduate school.
Why Augustana?
Augustana stood out to me because it gave me the flexibility to pursue all of my interests rather than forcing me to choose one path. I was especially drawn to the ability to double major, which allowed me to combine my interests in neuroscience and accounting.
The availability of a neuroscience major was also a key factor, as it was not commonly offered at many of the schools I was considering. All in all, Augustana felt like a place where I could grow into the best version of myself.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
Honestly, no. When I came to Augustana, I struggled to believe in myself so I never expected to be involved in as much as I am today. I thought I would stay under the radar, finish my classes and graduate.
Even my career path has shifted. I originally planned on medical school, but after my sophomore year, I discovered a stronger interest in research and potentially pursuing patent law. So I would say I am in a better place than I expected.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
First and foremost, God has been the foundation of everything I am today. Another one would be my family — especially my mother. She set a standard that made me believe I could do anything I set my mind to. She is my inspiration on a daily basis, and at times when I have a full schedule and am not sure I can get through it.
Her teachings of work ethics, balance and kindness got me through every single time. She made sure I got the opportunities she never did and supported me through it; she is my biggest cheerleader.
On campus, my professors and career coaches have been my biggest supporters. Sometimes I think they believed in me more than I believed in myself. Coming into college, I never believed I was smart enough for half of the things I have accomplished now, but the unwavering support of my professors instilled a new confidence in myself that made it all possible.
Where I am now is thanks to all these people, and I am grateful our paths crossed.
Peak experience?
A peak experience was receiving funding from Augustana's student research group and the Iowa Psychology Foundation for my honors in neuroscience project. I initially worried I could not afford it or secure funding, so being awarded the grant was incredibly validating. Although the research has been stressful at times, it has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my academic journey.
What surprised you?
How fulfilled and happy college made me. My last four years never felt like a chore; I enjoyed every class and every moment in between. This has made me grow so much as a person, even more than I anticipated. Being in charge of my own future was a pleasant surprise I didn't expect post-high school.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I used my Augie Choice for my Texas Med internship!
What will you miss the most?
The community I built around me. My friends who have turned into family. My mentors, who have seen me at my lowest, but supported me regardless. All the kind people that I met between freshman year and now. Augie's community is truly one-of-a-kind, filled with exceptional people. This experience would not be half as good without the community at Augie.
Advice for the Class of 2030?
Don’t forget to pour into yourself. Classes can be a lot; although manageable, they are still demanding, so make sure you take time for yourself. Use your breaks to truly rest, and approach everything with positivity. It really makes all the difference.
"I met Akla in Statistics two years ago where she was a very enthusiastic student, even though it's a class most students aren't that excited to take. I could tell she loved research already! Last year, we worked on a research project together that she co-presented at a professional conference. And now I get to supervise her honors thesis in neuroscience. She has come up with a sophisticated and interesting experiment and will be presenting it at another conference this spring."