Katie Sanders

High school: Bartlett High School

Hometown: Bartlett, Ill.

Majors: Sociology and anthropology, history

Minors: Psychology, theatre

Activities: Sigma Alpha Iota music fraternity, History Club, Augustana Concert Band

Internship: Augustana Special Collections intern

Post-grad plans: Master's in museum studies at Johns Hopkins University

Why Augustana?

I chose Augustana because it offered the flexibility to explore all my interests. I knew coming in that I wanted to double major, and I knew that Augustana was committed to helping students do that. 

I also loved that I could engage in my creative passions such as music and theater while also pursuing my academic passions. 

Everyone I met was always so friendly when I came for campus tours, and I was excited to join such a welcoming community.

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

Not at all! Augustana gave me the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and try new things, which allowed me to find my true passion. I came to Augustana planning to become a lawyer, and now I will be getting a master's in museum studies because I had the chance to explore fields like history and anthropology. 

I also did not expect to be as involved in theatre as I am now, and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to be able to stay involved through work in the costume shop and my minor.

Who helped you get to where you are now?

I have had incredible support from my family as well as the amazing friends I met at Augustana. They have been there for me the whole way and have always been there to celebrate my successes and help me bounce back after a setback. I have met so many incredible friends through classes, extracurriculars and even my on-campus job! 

I have also received a ton of help from my professors and advisors. They have always been willing to discuss an interesting idea after class, recommend books they thought I'd find interesting, and help me reach my goals. 

I really appreciate how much the faculty truly care about the students here and want to see everyone succeed. I always knew I could turn to them for advice, and they were always there to celebrate with me after I found success. My professors have helped me find so many new opportunities, and I am so grateful for their support.

Peak experience?

I carried out independent ethnographic research on quilters in Johnson City, Tenn., in support of my sociology/anthropology Senior Inquiry project. I got to travel to Tennessee and spend the month of January getting to know the quilting community there and conducting interviews with the people I met.

This was an incredible experience as I felt confident in the skills I had learned in my classes and got the chance to put them to the test. Having the chance to conduct my own research was amazing.

What surprised you?

I was shocked at how much I was capable of when I got the chance to try new things. Augustana provided me with opportunities to try things like building costumes for theatre, conduct my own ethnographic research, create a museum exhibit and take on leadership positions. Having these opportunities taught me how to be confident in myself and how to be a good leader.

How did you use your Augie Choice?

I did a study abroad program where I took two classes on campus — Engineering Ethics and Music in Germany — and then traveled with the class to Germany and Switzerland in June. We spent three weeks traveling and seeing the sites we learned about in our classes and experiencing German culture.

What will you miss the most?

I will miss the community I have found myself in. I love being able to find friends in every class and chatting with professors about the things we learn in class. I also love always finding an interesting conversation with the people in my majors.

There is not a day that goes by where I do not find myself saying hello to the people I pass in the hallways, and I really love that about campus. This campus is so special, and I will miss the people who make it so.

Advice for the Class of 2029?

Talk to people! Some of the most interesting people I know I met just by talking before class or at work. I know more than I ever would have alone because I learn from my peers every day. The faculty also have so much to share, and talking to them will help you so much.