Joonsoo Lee

High school: Wisconsin Lutheran High School

Hometown: Seoul, South Korea

Major: Computer science

Activities: Augustana's EDGE Center Web Guild, Augustana Symphony Orchestra, Sloughfest Executive Board, al-Khwarizmi Society, Gamma Alpha Beta fraternity

Internship: EDGE Center Webguild Web Developer

Post-grad plans: Take a full-time position in technical sales and apply for a master's program

Why Augustana?

I knew that Augustana is known to be one of the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. With the variety of education Augustana offers, I knew I will be growing much more here. On top of that, Augustana has a balanced ratio between faculty and students — unlike big universities — and this allows students to be engaged more with the faculty.

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

Not at all. For an international student from South Korea with no experience in coding, I never expected to be nominated as an "Accomplished Senior in Computer Science."

Who helped you get to where you are now?

I can't even mention all the people who have helped me to get to where I am now. From my friends to faculty and staff members from CORE and OISSS, there are too many people who shaped me into the person I am. 

However, I want to give a special shoutout to Dr. Stonedahl for his dedication in his teaching. Also, I want to thank Andy and Doug from the EDGE Center for providing me with such a great experience as a web developer intern. The EDGE Center became my home within the Augustana community. 

I would like to thank Shelby Olson, who was my professor for the Career to Success class during J-term. Even though it was only a month-long class, she helped me to strategize and plan my future better. She offered me sincere feedback on how to expand and maximize my career options.

Last but not least, my parents who sacrificed themselves for my well-being. I cannot thank them enough.

Peak experience?

My peak experience is definitely when I performed at Sloughfest with my friends. It was the best time of my life when the guys and I were just jamming music late in the night. It was such a great experience to perform in front of so many people and provide them with a good time. I will forever cherish this moment.

What surprised you?

I am surprised with how time flies by. I had an unusual college experience compared to others. I remember going back to South Korea to fulfill my duty of serving in the military after freshman year. So, it did take me six years to graduate, including those two years in military, but it feels like that my freshman year was yesterday. Time flies.

How did you use your Augie Choice?

I used my Augie Choice while I was a web developer intern at the EDGE Center Web Guild during the summer of 2023.

What will you miss the most?

I will miss my friends and the family that I grew while at Augie. I will miss those fun nights with my friends; I will miss my PepsiCo basketball boys who I hooped with all four years; and I will definitely miss the late-night grinding before exams and presentations.

Advice for the Class of 2028?

Make the most out of your time at Augie. These four years will pass by faster than you think. Cherish every moment, and don't let fear dictate you. Get out there and absorb as much as you can. The memories and lessons will last forever. Also, go to classes.