Sam Vasich
Graduation year: 2025
High school: Lisle Senior High School
Hometown: Lisle, Ill.
Majors: Psychology; sociology and anthropology
Activities: Augustana Baby and Child Development (ABCD) Lab, peer mentor, Psychology and Neuroscience Club, Psi Chi International Honor Society, Augustana Symphonic Band, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Augie Acres, International and Off-Campus Programs Committee, Institutional Review Board, Augustana Symphony Orchestra
Internships: Summer research fellow at the Menninger Clinic (Texas Medical Center Program); guest researcher at the Iowa Children's Museum (ABCD Lab)
Post-grad plans: I am searching for lab manager/coordinator roles in psychology labs focused on positive growth factors before I apply for a Ph.D. in counseling psychology! My goal is to balance community practice with teaching/mentoring at a small college.
Why Augustana?
I wanted a small school where I could really get to know my professors, where I could keep playing the French horn and study abroad! As soon as my tour guide took me down the Slough Path, I was set on coming to Augie.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
Definitely not! I've changed a lot since I came here four years ago. I find it important to stay open and adapt to whatever you experience because you literally never know where you'll end up. I came in with no interest in research, and tried it out once as a sophomore. I've been working with Dr. Megan Lorenz ever since!
Who helped you get to where you are now?
There are so many people I can thank! I'm so thankful for the support of my family and friends back home.
At Augie, I've been lucky enough to connect with so many wonderful people: my fellow musicians in the Symphonic Band (and Doc, of course), my French horn instructor Laurel Filzen Etzel, my lab mates, my Psi Chi exec boards, Dr. Adam Kaul, Dr. Lisa Szafran and Dr. Jessica Schultz.
Above all, the psychology and neuroscience department gave me an academic home at Augie. I want to especially thank Kara Meyer, the PAs and my Honors Committee.
I'm deeply grateful for Dr. Megan Lorenz, as I never would have made it as far without her. In my completely unbiased view, Dr. Lorenz represents the best in higher education: she's a passionate mentor who is deeply motivated to help you achieve your goals, an inspiring professor who genuinely loves what she teaches, and a compassionate person who celebrates every one of your victories.
Peak experience?
This is a tough question! In music, it was performing a concerto as a solo performer with the Symphony Orchestra. My instructor lent me her father's French horn, which he had played when he taught her.
In my academic life, I would say that attending professional conferences and conducting my Honors Thesis research have been very rewarding. I have also been fortunate enough to travel and study childhood risk and resilient in Guatemala, which was incredibly meaningful. It's hard to pick just one!
What surprised you?
I was definitely surprised by how invested I would become in my projects! Though it should come as no surprise, given how supportive the faculty and staff are at Augie. Ask me about my lofi hip hop project and my Honors Thesis if you need proof of this!
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I used my Augie Choice to help pay for the Symphonic Band's Japan tour (spring 2023). Had this funding not been available, I would have missed out on a deeply meaningful trip that helped me connect with some of my closest friends.
What will you miss the most?
Without a second thought, the people. I am beyond grateful for all of the guidance and memories that my professors and friends have shared with me. I would be nowhere close to who I am today if I had not had the opportunity to learn from all the different connections I made across our campus. You can go to college anywhere, but you can't find these kinds of connections anywhere but Augie.
Advice for the Class of 2029?
Approach life with an open mind! See what you can learn from the world around you. Every experience can teach you something new, so make sure that you're not letting it pass you by.
"Sam is a student who has fully leaned into every aspect of his Augustana experience. He has completed and presented on four different research projects with my lab (including a dynamite senior thesis!), all while serving as a peer mentor, leading the psychology club and playing in the orchestra. He is a true leader and remarkably driven student who is deeply dedicated to everything he does. I can’t wait to see him take the world by storm!"