Kaitlyn Czerwonka
Graduation year: 2015
Major: Elementary education
Minor: Communication studies
Activities: Varsity golf, Reading/Writing Center
Post-grad plans: I plan to pursue a career in teaching, but also continue to advocate for the visually impaired through presenting at various conferences nationwide.
Why did you choose Augustana?
I chose to attend Augustana because it offered everything that I wanted to do: elementary education major, golf, tutoring. I found all my passions were at Augie.
Are you where you thought you'd be four years ago?
In some ways yes, as I will be graduating as an elementary education major. In other ways no...I never thought I would have had as many amazing opportunities as I did during my time here.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
Dr. Bracke, Dr. Hengst, Dr. Hyser, Virginia Johnson and Lucas Street have all been amazing advisors to me throughout my time at Augustana. They helped to challenge me academically and have provided me with special, irreplaceable opportunities.
A peak experience?
My research experience at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind. This experience gave me the opportunity to write and Braille a children's book showcasing the amazing talents that people with visual impairments have.
What did you learn about yourself in these past four years that surprised you?
I have more patience then I thought. I was surprised at how many opportunities and various organizations you can be a part of.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
Traveling to the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind in Jacksonville, Fla.
What will you miss the most?
The community surrounding Augustana, the opportunities I was given as a student and finally, the support from friends, professors and coaches.
Advice for the Class of 2019?
Get involved in as many things as possible! This is the time to try out everything and anything you have an interest in.
“Kaitlyn possesses irresistible enthusiasm for teaching and boundless creativity for finding ways to reach each learner. If one learning method seems to frustrate her student, she quickly assesses the situation, then offers another method that better matches that student. She engages students in active learning as she asks questions more than gives answers. These qualities have made her an excellent peer tutor and will make her an exceptional classroom teacher.”