Karina Huerta
Graduation year: 2017
Majors: Sociology (social welfare) and Spanish
Minor: Latin American studies
Activities: Latinx Unidos, Office of Multicultural Student Life, Phi Beta Kappa
Internships: Palomares Social Justice Center in Moline, Ill., and the Honorary Consulate of Mexico in Seville, Spain
Post-grad plans: Pursue a master’s in social work at The University of Chicago
Why Augustana?
I chose Augie because I went to a small high school, and I wanted the same environment for my undergraduate studies. I also needed to get away from the city, and I fell in love with the campus.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you first came to campus?
No, I was undecided about what I wanted to study. I never imagined that I was going to double major or that I was going to visit three countries (Spain, Portugal and Morocco).
Who helped you get to where you are now?
My mother has supported me tremendously throughout my four years at Augie. Dr. Araceli Masterson-Algar and Dr. Sonia Zarco-Real have supported me inside and outside the classroom. Rebecca Marion-Flesch, Lucas Street and Samuel Payan helped me with the graduate school application process.
A peak experience?
My independent study with Dr. Sonia Zarco-Real was one of my peak experiences at Augie. I was able to study the transnational relationships between Spain and Mexico! Another peak experience at Augie was creating my own survey questions for my sociology Senior Inquiry. I am looking forward to presenting both of my Senior Inquiry projects!
What surprised you?
I learned so much about my personal identity at Augie, especially in my Spanish classes. Also, I learned that I love all of the social science classes!
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I used my Augie Choice to study abroad in Seville, Spain.
What will you miss the most?
I will definitely miss going to my classes and learning new material from different fields. I will also miss seeing my professors and friends on campus.
Advice for the Class of 2021?
Augustana provides you with many opportunities! Ask about these opportunities. Talk with your professors about your interests. There are a lot of wonderful people at Augustana who want to help you with your goals.
“Karina will leave a long-lasting impact at Augustana, and in my career as a professor. She is able to look at the large picture, finding specific ways in which complex social, political and economic processes affect people on the ground. Her hard work, a continued drive to better understand social processes, a balanced combination of flexibility and discipline, and a genuine interest in experiences and perspectives different from her own pave the way for Karina’s wonderful journey ahead.”