My love letter to Augustana College

Growing up in the Quad Cities, I used to drive past Augustana College a lot. Back then, I never thought I’d get the chance to actually go to school there. I had a bunch of doubts about myself, my family’s money situation, and doubted I would fit in. 

Looking back, it’s pretty cool to see all the things I’ve accomplished that I didn’t give myself enough credit for. Something I never really thought about before is how small your world feels when you’re a kid. You pretty much only know the people from your hometown and school. 

Going to Augustana College changed that view for me, in the best way possible. I’ve met amazing people from Morocco, Vietnam, and other countries along with people from all over the United States. It’s crazy to think I wouldn’t have met them if it wasn’t for Augustana College and I feel very lucky to attend this college. 

Right now, I’m a junior, and I’m planning to graduate in the fall of 2024. There’s something special about knowing I kind of wish I wasn’t graduating early. I’d be leaving behind some of my favorite people. Even though I know I can and will see them again, it feels a bit like the heartbreak you get in high school when you graduate and don’t see everyone in the same place anymore. 

These awesome people I’ve met at Augustana College are not just classmates—they’re future leaders who have really shaped my world. Even though I don’t know everyone at the college, I know enough to say that I feel super lucky to be part of this community.

*This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Augustana chapter.