Brittany Reece
Graduation year: 2012
Major: Elementary education
Minor: Religion
Activities: Varsity tennis and Young Life
Post-grad plans: Teach elementary-age students
Why did you choose Augustana?
It provided me with the opportunity to play college tennis, do Young Life, and it had a beautiful campus with small class sizes.
Are you where you thought you’d be four years ago?
Yes, however Augustana provided me with much more than I could have ever asked for. Being at Augustana, I met great friends, competed on the varsity tennis team, student-taught first graders, traveled to Kentucky for mission trips, and had wonderful professors.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
My parents encouraged and guided me throughout my four years here, lovingly giving advice and support. I am so thankful for my parents. My professors made learning exciting and took an interest in me as a student and as an individual.
A peak experience?
My peak experience was getting my student teaching placement to teach first grade at Ridgewood Elementary. I loved the students and the staff at Ridgewood. Everyone there was extremely welcoming and willing to help me with anything. My students were both challenging and amazing. They showed me so much love, which made teaching them exciting.
What did you learn about yourself in these past four years that surprised you?
I learned the importance of getting involved in activities on campus. I also learned that God placed me at Augustana purposefully so that I could meet wonderful people and experience the joys of being on a team and working with students.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss the wonderful people I have met here, the professors who impacted my education, and the opportunity to play tennis on a college team.
Advice for this fall’s incoming class (Class of 2016)?
Take the opportunity to get to know a lot of people at Augustana because you can learn a lot from each one of them.
“Brittany has been a tremendous player on the tennis team. Her competitive spirit and will is shown every time she plays an opponent and is a reason why she surpassed 100 wins during her career at Augustana. That will and determination also is shown daily in practice as she looks to improve, and by doing so, pushes her teammates to get better.”