What Graduating Students Have to Say

by ISHA GODARA

With the end of the semester around the corner, we wanted to hear from graduatign students on how they feel with that scary event (convocation) coming up! We interviewed Mikaila Perrino (Psychology Major) and Zarmina Shir (Kinesiology Major). Let’s see what they have to say!

• What do you like most about being a university student?

M: You get to leave your small, rural town and explore ideas and experiences that we’re restricted or inconceivable back home. You’re in charge of your life path, your education, and your free time. You don’t have to tell your mom why you’re leaving the house at midnight anymore.

Z: At Augustana specifically, I love how connected students are to their communities. Another advantage to being a student is the amount of information that you can learn, I love expanding my knowledge.

• What don’t you like about being a university student?

M: Being an adult is really hard. People also think you know what you’re doing with your life, but it’s honestly a miracle I remembered to put on pants before leaving the house.

Z: The amount of stress that comes with it, especially when you are involved in extracurricular activities on campus.

• What do you aspire to do after graduation?

M: My hope is to go on to complete a master’s in Speech-Language Pathology.

Z: After graduation I am going to into rehab medicine and then moving to the States to pursue medicine or something related in that field.

• What is your most memorable experience at Augustana?

M: It’s really hard to pick one memory in particular. I could say something cheesy like my first day, but the best times I had was staying up late with friends working on assignments and eating pizza.

Z: Most memorable experience at Augustana would be the friendships that I made. I feel every individual that I am friends with has impacted me and helped me grow into a mature adult.

• Any words of wisdom for current students?

M: Don’t take yourself too seriously and always keep yourself grounded. Everyone makes mistakes, you’re allowed to be lost, and we’re all learning. Don’t let anyone tell you what success is!

Z: Never give up! I know its cliché to say but success does come with failure. If you fail, get right back up and work harder. Make sure to surround yourself with positive people that give off positive energy. University is not about being popular or having the most friends, it’s about having a few genuine ones that will always be there when you are down or are struggling. Lastly, never look down on anyone and never think you are better than certain individuals. Stay humble, help your peers and be there for those who are struggling.  

• What courses did you like the most and why?

M: Creative Writing with Marina Endicott, any classes with Paula Marentette, and neuroscience classes with Tim Parker. Most of these have to do with my interests, but they also forced me to be better. The classes that I got Bs in were pinnacle in getting As later.

Z: Some of the courses that I liked were chemistry with James Kariuiki, cell biology with Terzin, Physiology with Jayne, Exercise Physiology with Gary, stats with Glennys, calculus with Hackborn and History with Rani. The list can go on and on, I loved most of my classes.

• Are there any issues which you feel should be addressed at Augustana?

M: I’ve made myself pretty transparent in what I think should be approved here on campus through my comics (laughing). The number one thing that needs to be addressed on more than just a shallow level is sexual assault. Awareness is a good first step and we need to push for stronger support.

Z: As a current Vice President Communications I have tried my best to advocate for mental health awareness. I do believe that mental health awareness should continue to be advocated as well as sexual violence awareness.