Emily Murphy
Graduation year: 2017
Majors: Psychology and sociology
Activities: Sigma Pi Delta sorority, Psychology Club, Royal Neighbors, OSL Leadership Academy
Internship: Clinical experience at Robert Young Mental Health Center
Post-grad plans: Pursue a master's in clinical mental health counseling at Northern Illinois University
Why Augustana?
I chose Augustana because I saw the potential for it to be my home away from home. The faculty and staff here are invested in you as a student and as a graduate. I saw the potential for me to have some amazing experiences here, and when I look back, I know I am going to be able to say these were an amazing four years.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you first came to campus?
I am not where I thought I was going to be, but I think that is a good thing. It shows that I have grown. When I first came to Augustana, I was as undecided as you can get. I had interests all over the board, and I was not sure how I was going to get involved. With the help of a couple different offices on campus, I was able to work my way toward picking a major. With the help of some amazing friends, I was able to start branching out and join organizations. I am now setting up a path for myself that will lead into a really amazing career, and I have a lot of people to thank for that.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
There are a lot of people who have helped me get to where I am today. My professors, my friends, my bosses and my family have been an amazing help. They supported me in all of my academic endeavors and made amazing recommendations for how to get where I wanted to go. The friends that I have made here have become an essential part of my support system, and my experience at Augustana would have been completely different without them.
A peak experience?
I can’t pick a peak experience. I have a lot of fun moments to look back on. Each year at Augustana brought new experiences, new friends, new things to learn and so much more.
What surprised you?
I was surprised to learn that I am a more confident person than I give myself credit for. I was able to go through college and make some pretty big decisions, which is something I have always struggled with.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I used my Augie Choice to study abroad in Guatemala with the psychology department. We studied child development, trauma, education and the Mayan culture. It was an experience I will never forget!
What will you miss the most?
I will miss the people the most. The friends that I have made here at Augie have changed me for the better. The faculty who have mentored me here at Augie have allowed me to open my mind to new ideas. I can't thank them all enough for what they have taught me.
Advice for the Class of 2021?
There are so many opportunities here to get involved, try new things and meet new people. Going to dinner with someone on your floor may introduce you to a new group of friends. Joining a group could bring you new connections and open doors for you academically or in your future career. There is so much that Augie offers, and being open to it all will provide you the best experience.
“Emily is a fantastic student who really shined in her Senior Inquiry project for sociology. She surveyed Augustana students to find out if there is a stigma against mental health at Augustana and if students are aware of the accommodations available to them. This original research project combined the best of her sociology and psychology interests in an integrated senior capstone. We know Emily will go on to do great things, and we wish her all the best!”