Sean Abracia-Wendel

High school: Genoa-Kingston High School

Hometown: Genoa, Ill.

Major: Computer science

Minor: Philosophy

Activities: STEM/Q Center tutor, Augustana Jazz Ensemble, Chess Club, men's varsity track & field (former)

Post-grad plans: Special projects coordinator at Graphics and Industrial Circuits, LLC

Why Augustana?

The opportunity to be involved in so many different activities and the flexibility to take a wider variety of classes than at a non-liberal arts school appealed to me. I wanted to have more personal classes and be part of a smaller, tighter-knit community in general.

Its location is close but definitely not too close to home. I also received great scholarships that allowed me to attend college at all, something other universities couldn't hold a candle to. Every factor made Augie make sense.

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

NOPE, and all the better for it! When I got here, I thought that I would just grind, get internship after internship, then get a quiet job behind a desk. I underestimated the breadth of what it meant to be a liberal arts student. 

Becoming educated in multiple areas not only improved my professional education and knowledge, but also made me more well-rounded in every other aspect of my life. Now I have talents, accomplishments and experience in places I didn't know existed.

Who helped you get to where you are now?

Dr. Hall is the only professor who taught me all eight semesters. Through him, I've learned what it means to put real effort into my work and focus on even the most minute details. He was tough on me when I've needed it and open to giving me the reigns to my own education.

Dr. Bonzon made me question what it means to have character. With all of his eccentricities, he was capable of defending all of his weird actions and beliefs wholeheartedly. I learned that to grow, I had to also be capable of acting in accordance with my values, closing the gap between how I thought of myself and who I present myself to be.

Dr. Stonedahl gave me some of the most rigorous exams I've taken here. With him as my major advisor, we've had a lot of discussion about ethics and the developments of our field. His biggest impact on me was opening my mind to opportunities outside of simple software engineering in computer science. That mindset shift alone has altered the course of my professional life.

Peak experience?

Those nights where my friends and I would be in the library late at night panicking to complete a project gave me a mixed rush of excitement and fear I haven't been able to replicate anywhere else.

Screaming loudly while playing card games, going out to eat and peaceful walks around campus will be among memories I'll never forget.

What surprised you?

The willingness of professors and faculty to come forward to me first surprised me. They really do pay attention to you and understand your strengths and ambitions and desires. Whether it was Dr. Gould approaching me to help restart the Chess Club, being recommended as a tutor by Professor Mueller or Kai Swanson teaching me how to tie a tie, they give selflessly, big and small.

What will you miss the most?

The people. I will miss having a small conversation with 10 people on a single walk back from class. I will miss professors going on long tangents about the subjects they love most on earth.

Listening to my friends' dreams and hopes will stay on my mind for as long as I live, and I know it will be hard to find the opportunity to be surrounded by so many incredible people like this again.

Advice for the Class of 2030?

Smile and talk to new people, and take the class you aren't sure if you should take or not. College gives you your first taste of independence, but that comes with the responsibility of taking control of your life. Surprise yourself with new people and paths in life you've never anticipated.