Lauryn Dick
Graduation year: 2011
Major: Music education
Activities: Symphony Orchestra, Club Ed, ASTA, MENC, SAI, ODK
Post-grad plans: Music teacher (full-time) in the Pleasant Valley School District in Bettendorf, Iowa
Are you where you thought you¡¯d be four years ago?
Words can¡¯t express how happy I am to have ended up where I am now after four years. I am definitely farther that I ever hoped to be.
Besides your family, who helped you get to where you are now?
Every person that I have met at Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø, whether it be a friend or a professor, has taught me a valuable lesson. I have learned patience, responsibility and dedication (among others). But I think the ones who taught me the most were the people who had faith in me and inspired me to have faith in myself.
A peak experience while at Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø?
I would have to say my student teaching experience. It was a huge challenge, but an even bigger feeling of accomplishment. When I was finished student teaching, I looked back and saw what I was capable of doing. The experience reassured my passion for the career path I chose and gave me the confidence I needed to step out into the real world.
What did you learn about yourself in these past four years that surprised you?
I have learned that I have much more motivation when it¡¯s warm outside. I have learned that I can¡¯t work or think straight in a messy room. And I have learned that my personality hasn¡¯t changed one bit¡ªthat one surprised me.
Advice for this fall¡¯s incoming class (Class of 2015)?
Get involved and take advantage of as many opportunities as you can now because they won¡¯t always be available to you.
¡°Lauryn was an absolute model student at Augie¡ªcreative, enthusiastic and always ready to share ideas in class. She was also a true leader on campus. She¡¯ll bring the kind of dedication, energy and a sense of fun and adventure to her own classroom that will inspire future generations.¡±