Cristal Moreno Aguilar

High school: Addison Trail High School

Hometown: Addison, Ill.

Majors: International business (marketing), Asian studies

Minors: Economics, Chinese

Activities: EDGE Center, HerCampus, Mahjong, Chi Omega Gamma sorority, Advertising Developers Club, Latinx Unidos, Omicron Delta Kappa leadership honor society, Best Buddies, UNYK Multicultural Dance Troupe

Internships: Renewal by Andersen marketing intern (5/2024-2/2025)

Post-grad plans: Renewal by Andersen let me continue my internship through the school year. A full-time events coordinator position opened, and I am working part-time until I graduate. Then I will transition into a full-time role at Renewal by Andersen.

Why Augustana?

I chose Augustana because it wasn't too far away from home where I couldn't go back in case of an emergency, but it was also far away enough where I could really embrace my independence. All of my other options were either commutable (within the Chicagoland area) or would require me to look at flights. 

I chose to attend Augie because a smaller school guaranteed that my professors would know my name and even care for my goals and aspirations.

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

I am not where I thought I'd be. A lot has changed over the last four years, and I am still processing it all. I have been reflecting on this much more lately, and I am proud of my perseverance, involvement and growth during my college years. I never expected to travel so much, if at all. I wasn't completely sure about what I would be studying, and I never saw myself being as busy as I was with extracurriculars.

Who helped you get to where you are now?

Many people helped me get to where I am now. These include my family, who continue to support me from back home. I call them frequently whenever I need any advice or motivation. I even study while on FaceTime with my brother. 

My friends at Augie have also been a huge support system during stressful and upsetting times. I've created lifelong friends here, and I am excited to see what the world has in store for us. 

I've also had the luxury of having many amazing professors and faculty throughout campus who have acknowledged my potential and pushed me to closer to reaching it. Doug Tschopp is a notable mention who was granted me numerous opportunities to advance my leadership skills, increase my travel experiences, and enhance both my résumé and network. 

Most of my professors were also generously understanding when I found myself in unexpected and difficult situations. They worked with me to accommodate life's challenges. I wouldn't be able to graduate without any of these people.

Peak experience?

My peak experience would most definitely have to be studying abroad in Hong Kong during the fall semester of my junior year. I met many people from all over the world and got to travel throughout Asia, diversifying my knowledge of other cultures. 

I acquired new skills and advanced others. These include adaptability, problem-solving, cross-cultural communication, creativity and proficiency in other languages. It was such a rewarding experience in more ways than I imagined.

What surprised you?

I was surprised by how much Augie had to offer. I joined numerous clubs and organizations that I didn't know Augie had prior to committing. I even held leadership roles in some of them. I also traveled abroad every year at Augie, which was something I didn't know was possible. I wouldn't have had the same opportunities at any other school.

How did you use your Augie Choice?

I used my Augie Choice to fund my foreign exchange semester at Lingnan University in Hong Kong. This, along with the Freistat Grant and other funding, were crucial to my ability to have such an experience.

What will you miss the most?

I will miss the people the most. I know that I won't see some of my closest friends as often as I do now. I will miss doing the smallest things with them such as cooking, working out, shopping and studying together. 

I have fond memories that I will cherish indefinitely. These four years flew by, but I am very grateful that I can say I will miss the people I've met here as well as Augie itself.

Advice for the Class of 2029?

Take care of yourself. Prioritize your mental health and your well-being. It is okay to say no and take breaks as needed. On another note, I recommend you start networking right away. Connections create opportunities. I would not be where I am now without them.