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emma anderson
More Than I Imagined Seniors reflect on accomplishments and look ahead

Emma Anderson

Graduation year: 2013

Majors: Sociology-social welfare, psychology

Activities: Delta Chi Theta sorority, Phi Beta Kappa

Post-grad plans: Ph.D. program for political sociology at the University of Iowa

Why did you choose to attend Augustana?

I chose Augustana because of the size and the opportunities that that would present me. Getting to know my professors and other faculty on a personal level has made all the difference in my success at Augustana and my acceptance to graduate school.

Are you where you thought you’d be four years ago? 

Although I have maintained the same majors throughout my four years at Augustana, my plans for next year have changed drastically. I never could have imagined I’d have the skills or confidence to be going into a Ph.D. program.  

Who helped you get to where you are now? 

I have had many great professors who have helped me. Dr. Peter Kivisto has been key in both my sociology courses as well as guiding me through the graduate school application process. As well, Dr. Croll was essential in helping me with the application process as well as being one of my mentors this past year. Lastly, I have Mark Salisbury, my boss in institutional research, to thank for much of my success. By giving me the opportunity to work in this department, as well as his constant encouragement and teaching, I have received great offers from graduate schools and feel prepared to take on the work of a Ph.D. program.

A peak experience?

My peak experience was when my research in collaboration with Mark Salisbury was accepted to be presented at the American Education Research Association’s national conference. I traveled to San Francisco in April to present my paper.

How did you use your Augie Choice?

I used my Augie Choice to study abroad in Greece last summer. The experience was one of the greatest in my life, and I encourage every Augustana student to study abroad if possible.

What did you learn about yourself in these past four years that surprised you? 

In the last four years, I have learned that I am a very driven student and am confident with my academic abilities. Although only a year ago attaining my Ph.D. seemed too scary and big of an undertaking, I now know that it is attainable if I use the skills and discipline I’ve learned here at Augustana.

What will you miss the most?

Without doubt, I will miss my Delta Chi sisters the most. They have been the most fun, kind, crazy, wonderful girls I have ever met, and they inspire me every day to be the best person I can be. I am so grateful to have them in my life.

Advice for the Class of 2017?

Never take even a single day for granted. Take chances and do things you never thought you would because you can't imagine how fast these four years go by.

"Emma has an impressive ability to think in complex ways about complicated ideas. She strives to put information into context and recognizes the way that this perspective shapes her understanding of it. She has matured with a quiet confidence. Emma has developed from a young student employee with promise to an emerging colleague. I think I’m looking forward to watching her future unfold almost as much as she is."

- Dr. Mark Salisbury Assistant Dean and Director of Institutional Research and Assessment