Mia Fernandez
Graduation year: 2025
High school: Naperville North High School
Hometown: Naperville, Ill.
Majors: Communication sciences and disorders (CSD), psychology
Activities: Augustana Student Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASSHA), Chi Alpha Pi sorority, subject tutor for my two majors
Internship: Student clinician at the Barbara A. Roseman Center for Speech, Language, and Hearing
Post-grad plans: Attend graduate school for a master's in speech-language pathology at Augustana College
Why Augustana?
I chose Augustana because of its small class sizes, opportunities for close student-faculty relationships, and ways to be a leader in various organizations on campus. Each time I toured Augustana, I instantly felt welcomed and cared about! This is something that I did not feel at other institutions I toured.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
No, I am nowhere close to where I thought I would be. Going to college as a quieter person, I was nervous about branching out and meeting other people. Without the support and encouragement from my friends and faculty, I would never have seen myself as a co-rush chair in my social sorority, a subject tutor for my two majors and the biggest surprise of all: president of ASSHA! I am so proud of myself with the growth and accomplishments I have obtained.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
My family has consistently provided me with support and guidance to push through the good and rough times of college. They have always been there for me, whether that means a phone call or a surprise in-person visit!
The CSD department has helped me get to where I am now. Each professor is very knowledgeable and interested in the topics they teach. It has also been helpful that they are licensed clinicians who apply their clinical knowledge to what they teach.
The supervisors are also very knowledgeable and supportive as students continue to learn as growing clinicians. They help in the planning for sessions, collecting data in a session and documenting all that happened during a session (through a SOAP note).
Overall, this department is like no other, and it is the reason I am the person I am today: a confident and responsible student clinician who is ready for graduate school!
Peak experience?
A peak experience was traveling to Guatemala for J-term 2025. This was a part of the psychology department, focusing on childhood and the various topics relating to their psychological health. I was able to grow and learn more about another culture and my own culture — specifically, how I want to be in the future!
This experience showed me how important relationships and being in the present are to our overall well-being. I will never forget this trip and all that it gave me!
What surprised you?
I would have never pictured myself as the president of a group related to the field I am going into. But, with the support and guidance from friends, classmates and faculty, I was able to become a confident leader. This position has shown me that I can lead a group and be responsible for other people within the group.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I used my Augie Choice when I traveled to Guatemala for J-term 2025.
What will you miss the most?
My sorority siblings! I have loved the late-night McDonald's runs, constant laughing, and weekly meetings to debrief and be with each other. In general, this sorority has allowed me to grow with others and within myself (as a leader). I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Chi Alpha Pi!
I will also miss my CSD cohort! Throughout this process, it has been great to see us grow into successful clinicians who support each other and are so kind.
Advice for the Class of 2029?
Get involved! Right away, you will be invited to attend the Activities Fair. This fair is a great way to see the various organizations that you can be a part of. Know that there is a group for everyone and everything: cultural groups, Greek groups and service organizations.
"Mia is a remarkable student because she truly embraces each opportunity that comes her way. She is an exceptionally diligent and hard-working student. Beyond the classroom, Mia represents the best of Augustana by coupling her strong leadership skills with an interest in serving others, which has led her to shine in many roles, including president of the Augustana Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association. We are lucky that she plans to stay at Augustana to pursue her Master of Speech-Language Pathology!"