Eric Huizinga
Graduation year: 2019
Hometown: Batavia, Ill.
Majors: French, history
Minor: Political science
Activities: French Club, Phi Beta Kappa
Internship: State Historical Fund at History Colorado
Post-grad plans: I hope to spend the next year in France teaching English to French students as part of the TAPIF program. Then I want to pursue a master’s in French and business.
Why Augustana?
The first thing that struck me about Augustana was the feel of the campus. I immediately felt comfortable here, which really helped the transition into college. I also was very impressed with the academic and professional opportunities that Augustana had to offer, and they did not disappoint.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you first came to campus?
I came to campus without having any idea of what I wanted to major in and what I wanted to pursue in the future. The people I have met at Augustana helped me find my interests and shaped who I have become over the past four years. I did not know what to expect when I first arrived on campus, but I can now confidently say I am in a great position for the future that I am working toward.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
There are so many people who have helped me throughout my time at Augustana; it would be impossible to mention them all. All of my professors have contributed to my growth in one way or another. My advisors for my Senior Inquiry projects really made a lasting impact on me and helped me succeed in the classroom.
Dr. Kosnick advised me for my French Senior Inquiry. They have always gone out of their way to make sure I had everything I needed to succeed. They have suggested programs and introduced me to professional connections that will greatly benefit me later in life. I know I would not have found the path I am now pursuing if it had not been for Dr. Kosnick.
Dr. Simonsen guided me through my Senior Inquiry project in history. She always had a unique perspective on my project that helped me find new ways to use the research I had already gathered. Her meaningful feedback always helped me improve my project in ways I had overlooked.
In my experience at Augustana, the faculty go above and beyond for their students. They made a lasting impact on me and gave me so much confidence in pursuing my future goals.
Peak experience?
My trimester-long internship in Denver with History Colorado really helped me figure out what I wanted to do in the future. It gave me tremendous professional experience in a beautiful city, while also providing me the opportunity to live on my own in a big city. The program is structured in a way that makes it easy to jump right in and enjoy your time off campus and give you a taste of what life could be like after school. This internship gave me opportunities to explore both the city and the state and create memories I will never forget.
What surprised you?
The courses I took at Augustana really forced me to define my values. They ask difficult questions that make you discover your views of the world. I feel that I have established a stronger sense of identity that grew during my time here because of these difficult questions. They allowed me to have honest conversations with myself about what I am capable of and what I want to do.
How did you use Augie Choice?
I used my Augie Choice as part of my internship with the State Historical Fund at History Colorado.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss the sense of community and family that I have developed here. Living with my closest friends really made Augustana feel like home.
Advice for the Class of 2023?
Enjoy your time here. It goes faster than you could ever imagine. Take advantage of all the opportunities Augustana has to offer because they have something for everything.
“Eric exhibits thoroughness, attention to detail and careful, synthetic thought in all of his work. He's developed the crucial capacity to view events from multiple perspectives, to understand the ways that power works, and how global events affect both national and individual memory and identities. Eric understands that empathy, global perspective and the ability to understand the roots of contemporary problems have a place in the realm of business. The business world will be better because Eric is in it.”