Emily Gad

High school: Lockport Township High School

Hometown: Orland Park, Ill.

Majors: English education; middle grades education: English

Activities: Varsity softball, Delta Chi Theta sorority

Internship: Student teaching at Bettendorf (Iowa) High School

Post-grad plans: Teach high school in the Chicago suburbs

Why Augustana?

When I was in high school, I was unsure of my future college career. I knew I loved playing softball and English, but that was it. I felt lost. 

Luckily, I came to Augustana on a softball visit. My tour guide was on the softball team, and I was instantly struck by how many people she knew on campus. This, along with a gorgeous campus, small class sizes and a close community, sealed the deal for me. I knew this was the place I belonged. Committing to Augie was the best choice I have ever made!

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

I am in a better place than I ever thought I could be. Augustana's education and English programs helped spark my passions and helped me find my calling in life: teaching. I also am more involved than I ever imagined. 

Playing a sport can take up a lot of time, so I wasn’t sure if I would have time for anything else. Thanks to Augie, I also joined a sorority, studied, worked different jobs, completed various clinical placements around the Quad Cities, hung out with friends and traveled.

Who helped you get to where you are now?

It feels impossible to name everyone who has helped me get to where I am now. To start, I have to thank all my professors in the English and education departments for all of their guidance, especially Joe McDowell and David Crowe. My professors have pushed me to be better and helped me achieve things I hadn't dreamed of. More importantly, they have been a support system academically and personally that I could turn to whenever I was struggling.

I would also like to give a special shoutout to my advisor, Katie Hanson. Katie is truly passionate about what she does, and she cares deeply for all of her students. She has always held me to a higher expectation than I had of myself and expected nothing but my best. She is also my biggest supporter; she never stopped believing in me. Her confidence in me has pushed me to become the person I am today.

I also have my family and friends to thank for supporting me unconditionally. I would not be here without them. I also want to thank my softball coach, John Nelson, for supporting me and helping me grow as a person and player. He provided structure, support and guidance when I needed it most.

Peak experience?

My peak experience was traveling to Costa Rica with the softball team over the summer. This trip allowed me to travel with my best friends, explore a new place and culture, and play the sport I love. 

We experienced zip-lining, white-water rafting, eating traditional Costa Rican food, playing softball against the Costa Rica National Team, and holding a softball camp for people in the community who wanted to learn more about the sport.

What surprised you?

I was surprised by how big the Augie community is for such a small school. There is always something going on either on campus or around campus in the Quad Cities, which makes the community feel very lively. 

When I meet Augie alumni, they're always so excited to hear about my experience at school and what's going on. I feel supported by the Augie community everywhere!

How did you use your Augie Choice?

I used my Augie Choice to study in Ireland for an Irish literature course. It was incredible to visit many of the places we read about in class and be immersed in Irish culture. All of the people I met, the places I saw, and the amazing things I got to experience truly changed my life.

What will you miss the most?

Without a doubt, I am going to miss my friends the most. I formed lifelong friendships at Augustana. I became best friends with girls on the softball team, I made friends in my sorority, and I became close with people in my classes, which make leaving Augustana feel impossible.

It's a total cliché, but I really found my people at Augustana. I am grateful for all the memories I made here. Now that I have met them, I can’t imagine my life without them!

Advice for the Class of 2030?

You do not have to be perfect! College is a time of new experiences, which can be scary because things feel unknown. It is okay to mess up because you don't have to know everything right now. College is something you will remember for the rest of your life, so put yourself out there and have fun!