to think

Submitted By: '12
You know how you can read twenty pages and then not remember anything you just read? Your eyes just slide over the words and nothing happens. At Augustana, I finally found that place in myself where my mind becomes still and focused, I read and the words actually mean something. I call it "clean" reading, because I used to be a mess. The Reading/Writing Center really helped me with this.

Submitted By: Alicia Waite '10
I have taken several very challenging classes here at Augustana such as Anatomy and Organic Chemistry. At first I dreaded taking these classes but after taking them I now realize how much better of a student I have become. I have learned how to study more efficiently, to better work in group projects, and to challenge myself to work harder. I can now take these skills and apply them to other classes.

Submitted By: Anna Dundek '10
Before coming to Augie, I never really thought about how the liberal arts could affect me. But after taking a liberal studies course called “Human Impact on the Environment” my freshman year, I learned that studying at a liberal arts college affected me a great deal! Even though I am an elementary education major and my “Human Impact” course doesn’t directly relate to it, I am finding ways to incorporate what I have learned into my future classroom. Furthermore, I’ve become a better steward to the earth because of this course. I recently joined Global Affect (that’s us caving in the picture), the environmental group on campus. On top of that, I am more conscious about what I do and how it will affect the earth. It surprised me that one course could improve the way I act so much.

Submitted By: Hannah Schneider '11
One of my favorite things about Augie is its beautiful campus, especially in the fall. Walking through the quad or down the slough is the perfect place to think and reflect. I feel lucky to live on such a pretty campus.

Submitted By: Kim Hernandez '10
I love spending time on the quad, more so when it's warm outside! My friends and I grab a blanket and snacks and spend entire afternoons doing homework outside. It's a great place to read and discuss our classes. The group sessions allow me to think about my classes and the rest of my life in a place that is stimulating and beautiful.

Submitted By: Lucie VanHecke '09
I love walking around campus. I find it absolutely stress-relieving! At times it is cold but the brisk air helps to wake me up in the morning. It also gives me time to think about anything. I let my mind wander to subjects that may or may not have anything to do with my classes that day.

Submitted By: Kimberly Hedlin '11
The Wednesday night candelight services are one of the highlights of my week. The beautiful music and atmosphere provide such a wonderful chance to reflect during a hectic week and think about what is most important to me.

Submitted By: Ana Loane '10
Sometimes when I am really stressed and just need some time to to think I go for a walk down the slough path. No matter what season it is our campus is beautiful!!

Submitted By: Christi Sefton '10
In my Cell Biology class, we had a contest to see who could come up with the best Halloween costume that related to something we had learned about in class. As you can tell - everyone went to the extreme and a lot of thought was required to create a costume and then relate it to an idea previously learned in class! So much fun!

Submitted By: Emily Johnson '08
Augie has provided me with a lot of opportunities to think about my place in the world. Whether it's inspired by a reading in a lit. class or by standing in front of a castle in Edinburgh, Scotland, it's always valuable.

Submitted By: Cami Malecha '10
I had a history professor this year tell me that he doesn't want to teach his students "what to think, but how to think". His class has forced me to explore topics both inside and outside of the class room that relate to many aspects of my life. He has inspired me in many ways and my hope is that all students are able to discover this as well.

Submitted By: Lucie VanHecke '09
As a member of the Augustana Politics Club, I get to think everyday about what is going on in the world. I love discussing politics and government with my friends and hearing what other people have to say. Also, Politics Club allows me to participate in Model Illinois Government where I am currently on the Executive Board as this year's Comptroller. Through this state-wide organization, students get to debate actual bills that affect Illinois residents everyday and I am more aware about the people that are making decisions that impact my life because of it.

Submitted By: Donna Johnson '09
While on Augustana's Latin American term, I began to think differently. As cliche as it sounds, studying abroad really is a "life-changing" experience. After spending an entire term traveling through Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, and Mexico, I learned a lot about the world, the United States, and myself. In this picture, I have just reached Machu Picchu in Peru after hiking the Inca Trail - my favorite part of the trip.

Submitted By: Kayla Snoozy '11
To think on warmer days, I take a nice walk down the slough path. On the cold winter days I like to have a latte in Brew by the slough ("Java") and listen to calm music. These give me a chance to get away from all the busy college stuff and just enjoy relaxing on a short break. Then when I'm done, I feel rejuvinated to think some more about my classes and other activities.

Most of my classes are in Old Main, and it always happens: when I turn the corner to head down the stairs from the second floor, I'm caught by the gorgeous colored light shining from the stained glass window there. I think I must be special, and all I did was go to class.

At Augustana you'll find a hundred ways to explore and use your skills, gifts and talents. What do you like to do? Where do you want to go? Here we'll show you some of the places on campus you can go when you need to belong or to believe, to pursue or practice, to think or to act.