viewpoints: a message from president rob oliver
As a high school student, odds are you’ve had friends, family and teachers ask you a question that goes something like this:
“What’s next for you after graduation?”
If you say “college,” chances are they’ll say “where?”
Followed by: “And what are you going to major in?”
You may already have answers to these questions.
But, the reality is, many students don’t.
Yet.
I can relate because I, too, have heard the question, “what’s next for you,” quite often lately as I near the end of my tenure at Augustana and prepare to begin retirement.
And, to tell you the truth, I don’t have an answer.
Yet.
I have been thinking a lot about it, though. And for me, it’s been helpful to frame my thoughts not around what I’m going to “do next,” but rather to think about what I’m looking for as I begin the next stage of my life.
This line of thinking caused me to consider that the same approach could work for you, too.
When it comes to life after high school, perhaps rather than thinking about what you’re going to do next, maybe you should think about what it is you’re looking for.
Are you looking for a college?
Or, are you looking for a place with the potential to rock your world? A place where you’re encouraged to ask questions, and more questions, and pushed to discover not just the “what” but the “when, where and why?”
Are you looking for an education that will get you a job?
Or, are you looking for opportunities to create experiences as you build experience? A place where you’re encouraged to knock down walls, build bridges and seek better solutions?
Are you looking for one career?
Or, are you looking for a foundation that will equip you with the knowledge and confidence you’ll need for a lifetime of career opportunities?
Are you looking to stay unchanged?
Or, do you want to be an agent for change?
If you’ve read this far, I think you know what you’re looking for. You’re looking for the place for possibilities.
You’re looking for Augustana University.
I hope you’ll visit us at Augustana to experience the excitement, community and momentum alive here. Once you do, I’m certain you will want to board the ship, Be a Viking and chart the course for your life's journey.