Amy Zeigler

High school: Sterling High School

Hometown: Sterling, Ill.

Majors: Mathematics, English

Minor: Computer science

Activities: Symphonic Band, Reading/Writing Center peer tutor

Internship: Iowa State Math Research

Post-grad plans: Law school

Why Augustana?

I chose Augustana largely because I wanted to continue playing music. When I visited Augie my senior year of high school, I sat in on a Symphonic Band rehearsal, and I knew that I wanted to be a part of that ensemble. 

Additionally, I was excited about the liberal arts education. I was an undecided major coming into college, but I knew that my interests were varied, and I wanted the opportunity to explore many different academic fields.

Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?

Definitely not. When I got here, I had no clue what I might do as a career. Four years later, I'm a math and English major with a computer science minor — and I never thought I would like computer science! I also hadn't seriously considered law school until fall of this year. I am glad that I was able and willing to try so many academic areas.

Who helped you get to where you are now?

Dr. Stacey Rodman was such a big early supporter of mine. She encouraged me to become a pure math major, which I have loved and has changed the way I think. She enabled me to conduct math research at Iowa State, which was an opportunity I really enjoyed and helped me learn more about my career interests.

Keri Bass in CORE has supported me through countless career counseling sessions. She helped me decide my interests, my majors and now my career path.

Dr. Meg Gillette has been a wonderful advisor. I loved taking the English Senior Inquiry with her, and her career-planning conversations helped me to seriously consider law school.

Dr. Andrew Sward has pushed me academically, and always supported my academic decisions, even when they veered away from math (and most importantly, kept me entertained).

Dr. James Lambrecht has been a wonderful director for all four years, and he always reminds us to put in our best effort. Rehearsals and conversations with him inspire me to keep caring and working hard.

Peak experience?

This may sound silly, but I have to say my Pride and Prejudice paper in the Developing English Novel class with Dr. Laura Greene and Dr. Ann Boaden. I wrote a paper on Elizabeth marrying Darcy for power and financial security rather than love, and I was really proud of how it turned out. 

Dr. Greene is a notoriously hard grader, so I was extremely excited by her high praise of that essay. I've had many academic accomplishments over the last few years, but I don't think anything can top that!

What surprised you?

Honestly, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed college. I am terrible with change, so when I graduated high school, I felt completely unprepared and unexcited to go away to college. Once I got here, though, I immediately made some close, lasting friendships, and I really did find my place here. I'm so glad I was able to make the leap.

How did you use your Augie Choice?

I used my Augie Choice to go to Japan on tour with the Symphonic Band during my sophomore year!

What will you miss the most?

I will probably miss Symphonic Band the most. Although I've found many good friends here, I know that with effort, I can stay connected with those people throughout my life. Playing in this ensemble, though, is an entirely unique experience that I know I will never have again. I love playing with these people and being a part of making something beautiful.

Advice for the Class of 2029?

There is such a thing as doing too much. Don't get me wrong, you should try new things — but after you try all of those things, don't be afraid to quit something if you're not passionate about it. It's way more important to save your time and energy for the things you actually care about.