Mary Sabo

High school: Larkin High School

Hometown: Elgin, Ill.

Major: English

Minor: Sociology and anthropology (SOAN)

Activities: Sociology & Anthropology Society, Chi Omega Gamma honorary member

Post-grad plans: I will be attending University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s ISchool to pursue a master's in library and information science.

Why Augustana?

I chose Augustana because of its tight-knit community. I felt as though I could come out as a well-rounded, capable adult, who was intellectually competent in many areas of study. 

The campus portrayed itself to 18-year-old me to be like a home away from home. Being close to my family was essential for me, so the proximity of Augustana to my home in Elgin was paramount. 

Looking back, Augustana has provided me with incredible opportunities and connections that I’ll treasure forever.

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

I have excelled beyond my wildest dreams at Augustana and gained a real rapport with my areas of study. Going into college, I knew I wanted to study English to prepare me for a master's in library science. 

What I didn’t expect was to be drawn to sociology and anthropology (SOAN). I found a real home in the SOAN department, as the classes and faculty provided a safe space for me inside and outside of class. I went on to be the SOAN office worker for three years, and eventually the vice president of the SOAN Society.

Who helped you get to where you are now?

So many professors and advisors have led me to where I am now. First, my English advisor Dr. Joseph McDowell, who always fostered a fun learning environment. I was able to study abroad in Ireland with Dr. McDowell as well, which was an incredibly fun experience. 

Dr. Laura Greene always pushed me and encouraged me to be the best version of myself. Dr. Greene was my biggest influence in my English studies. She introduced me to so many incredible pieces of literature, and taught me to analyze them deeply, and critically. 

Lastly, I’d like to mention all five of the SOAN professors: Dr. Adam Kaul, Dr. Rachel Horner Brackett, Dr. Paul Croll, Dr. Katherine Brown and Dr. Çağlar Çetin-Ayşe. Each one of these professors was pivotal in my success. I am so lucky to have known each of them intellectually and personally. They have all forever changed the way I view the human experience, and have acted as a reliable support system from the moment I met them.

Peak experience?

Revitalizing the SOAN Society at Augustana and connecting and cultivating a group of like-minded individuals. I never thought of myself as a leader, but the SOAN Society showed me how capable I truly am of leadership. 

In February 2024, the SOAN Society hosted two successful fundraisers: Flowers for Palestine and the World Relief Benefit Concert. We were able to raise $2,500 for each cause. These causes are near and dear to my heart.

What surprised you?

What surprises me most is just how much I am going to miss being here. I am already nostalgic about it, and I still have three months left. The connections I have made here, both with friendships and mentorships, will stay with me forever.

How did you use your Augie Choice?

I used my Augie Choice in June 2024 for Dr. McDowell’s Ireland trip. I made lasting memories in Ireland and cultivated friendships with people I’d never previously connected with. My appreciation for Irish culture and literature has only grown since.

What will you miss the most?

I will definitely miss the Augustana faculty the most, specifically those I previously mentioned. These professors inspired something within me that I never knew was possible. My hunger for knowledge will continue because of their influence.

Advice for the Class of 2029? 

Declare a SOAN major/minor. You won’t regret it.