Seniors reflect on past

As the 2023-2024 academic year draws to a close, Augustana seniors are looking ahead to their futures. Graduation, upcoming careers and perhaps even further education are likely on many of their minds. But as their journeys on campus come to an end, some are reflecting on the past four years —including what they wish they could tell their freshman selves.

Lauren Teller

Government/international affairs, English and Spanish triple major

“I would tell my freshman self to have faith that everything will work out in terms of my major, grades, life plans and even making connections on campus. 

I’d also tell my freshman self to focus on living more in the present, rather than thinking three steps ahead. Later on, during my time at Augie, I finally started to realize that my college years were going by quickly. 

I’ve found friends and other community members here who encourage me to enjoy the fun parts of college and soak in all of the aspects of college.”

Henry Sule

Finance and computer information systems double major

“Don’t limit yourself because you think you aren’t capable. It’s all in your head. Work hard, shoot your shot and don’t overstress. Most importantly, invest in GameStop and Bitcoin. Don’t believe the naysayers.”

Mariya Mamman

Business communications and economics double major                                

“Don’t wait for the semester to come around before you register for your classes. You could plan out your whole four, or even three years, by your freshman year. It makes registration a heck of a lot easier when it actually rolls around.”

Mary Christensen 

Exercise science major

“I would tell my freshman-year self to talk to my professors. Make personal relationships with them. They only want the best for us.”

Tom King

Religion and classics double major

“Be as involved as you can be. Join clubs, add another major, run for [Augustana Student Association], volunteer at Campus Cupboard; do anything and everything you can to be involved on campus. You have only four years to make Augustana a better place for folks like you. Don’t waste it.”

Nasteho Abdi

Psychology and sociology double major

“I would tell my freshman self to get out of her comfort zone and meet people and get to know people as much as possible. I would also tell her to get comfortable with being alone, going to places alone and trying things on her own.”

Michael Schmidt

Government and environmental science double major

“Things always have and always will change. The people you are friends with, the goals you have and your dreams can change, too. They are, after all, things.”

Benita Manzengo 

Government/international affairs and art double major

“If I could say something to my freshman self, I would tell her to continue to push the boundaries of her potential. I will tell her that potential is limitless. It continues to stretch as we continue to try. I will tell her that it’s okay if she makes mistakes because it is by putting herself out there that she will learn about herself and others. I will tell my freshman self that life is worth living.”

Liz Fossum

Communication studies, media studies and international studies triple major

“If I were to give my freshman self a piece of advice, I would tell her to worry less about what people think about you. 

In one of my favorite movies growing up, ‘High School Musical 3,’ Gabriella Montez said, ‘Do you remember in kindergarten how you’d meet a kid and know nothing about them, then 10 seconds later you’re playing like you’re best friends because you didn’t have to be anything but yourself?’ 

Freshman year is a lot like kindergarten, where you are suddenly by yourself surrounded by new people. In college, you are thrust out of your comfort zone to meet new people. There is no better time in life to be your true self. ”

Soniel Ngnotchue

Biology major

“Navigating college is hard and even more so when your first entry is during a global pandemic. I certainly was scared to try a lot of things and adventure into the new world I was exposed to, and now I wish I had done so during my free time. 

Nevertheless, having something to say to my freshman self is quite hard as there’s a lot I would say to young Soniel. But I’ll tell him to take every opportunity by the horns and explore more. 

As freshmen, we are usually free-headed and don’t have a sense of responsibility yet. I’ll also advise my young self not to be afraid to make mistakes and be vulnerable with close friends.”

Sam Skarstad

Elementary education and special education major

“I would tell my freshman self that it all works out in the end. It totally does. It will all solve itself out in the end.”