Seniors reflect on college experience with wisdom for incoming freshmen
As the academic year draws to a close, Augustana seniors are at the threshold of a significant transition. With graduation just a few weeks away, they are at a unique point in their lives — able to look back at their college journey with the wisdom of experience while also preparing to step into the next chapter of their lives as “proper adults.”
For many, the path from freshman move-in day to senior capstone projects has been filled with unexpected turns and valuable lessons. Several graduating seniors reflected on their college experience with a simple question: “If you had the chance, what would you tell your freshman self?”
Their answers reveal personal insights gained from their time at Augustana and might also offer useful advice to current and incoming students who are still early in their college journey.
Angelica Morales
Sociology
If I could speak to my freshman self, I would tell her that she will grow so much in the next four years. She’ll find a love for sociology (completely different from the biology major I came in with, haha) and find assurance in becoming a professor in this field. I would also tell her not to be so hard on herself. She won’t have to change who she is and be a part of a whole bunch of groups on campus to find her support system in college.
Annie Johnston
Government & international affairs and history
Life goes on, and it’s really not all that serious. So, say ‘yes’ more than ‘no,’ and bite off more than you can chew. Also, visit your professors more — they are the biggest nerds with a semi-decent candy selection.
Liz Walter
Business administration, government & international affairs and Spanish
I would tell my freshman self to enjoy each moment and the people around you while living in it because senior year will come way faster than you think.
Sammie Kross
Environmental studies and anthropology
Don’t hold on too tightly to your mistakes or successes. Instead, go on a walk, give thanks, let it go and be with friends.
Azam Shaik
Data science, quantitative economics, and finance
I would tell my freshman self to be more patient and to spend more time listening than talking. It is easy to get caught up in trying to prove yourself in different aspects of life, but real growth happens when you slow down, take things in and really listen to your professors, your teammates, your friends and even yourself. The more you listen, the more you realize how much you still have to learn, and that is where everything starts to open up.
Norah Grace DeBoer
Government & international affairs, classics and philosophy
Looking back on all that I have experienced at Augustana, I have but only one regret — I did not slow down enough. College is supposed to be a time for fun, fallibility, and of course, fulfilment of goals. However, I would tell my freshman self to really enjoy all of the little moments in life, take life day by day and say yes to only those things which I would genuinely enjoy doing (except for those things which I must do). Now that I am a senior, although grades are important, I am going to miss the connections I made with my friends more than my academic prowess, and I wish I would have really taken in the little moments with my loved ones.
Feven Admasu
Nursing
If I had the chance, I would tell my freshman self to give myself some grace and have some fun. I spent so much time stressing over every little thing — grades, fitting in, trying to have everything figured out. But looking back, I wish I had trusted the process a bit more and allowed myself to enjoy the journey. I’d remind myself that it’s okay to not have all the answers right away, that mistakes are part of growth, and that rest is just as important as hustle. I’d say, “You’re doing better than you think, so take a deep breath, be kind to yourself, and make time for the little joys too — laugh with friends, try new things, and don’t let fear hold you back.” College is more than a checklist — it’s a season of discovery. And you deserve to experience all of it fully, not just the pressure-filled parts.
Barrett Lloyd
Psychology
If I had the chance, I’d tell my freshman self to keep branching out. The things I love most about Augustana have been opportunities where I put myself out there and stretched myself to meet more people or connect through new interests. I would also say, don’t stress so hard. No assignment is life or death, so try your best but don’t confuse a grade with your value.
Anne Sprecher
Business administration and psychology
I think that I would tell myself not to put such an emphasis on grades. Although they seem important, they are not what defines a successful college career. The experiences that you gain tell so much more of the story.
Lara Matuck
Biology and environmental studies
If I had the chance, I would tell my freshman self to enjoy the little things and not worry so much. Time goes by so fast and in the end, everything works out how it’s supposed to.
Gabi Jancikova
Sociology and environmental studies
Do not worry if you still don’t know what to do with your life — you still don’t know your senior year and that is okay. Enjoy your time in college and do not stress about assignments because at the end of the day, you live only once, and you know that. Be nice to yourself and care about those who truly reciprocate your love and friendship.
Sneha Acharya
Biology
You are going to do great. Keep working hard, and don’t give up. Challenges will come and go, and it is through them that you are going to grow. Be patient with yourself, and don’t forget to take care of your body and mind. You already are good, and from now on, you will always be better.
