Emily Martin
Graduation year: 2024
High school: Fort Zumwalt West High School
Hometown: Troy, Mo.
Majors: Environmental studies; geology
Activities: Varsity swimming, Udden Geology Club, Sierra Club, Club Rowing, herbarium cataloger
Post-grad plans: Working with the city of Moline¡¯s stormwater division
Why Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø?
The trees and natural beauty of the campus, along with the amazing opportunities that the environmental studies and geology programs offer really drove me to choose Augie. I wanted a smaller school with smaller classroom sizes for a more individualized learning environment. As soon as I stepped on campus, I knew that it was the right place for me.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
Growing up, I was very shy and reserved, and I was still this way when I started freshman year. Today, I am much more open and expressive; the people I met here are what made me who I am. Back in 2020, I also had ZERO clue what I wanted to do with my life beyond it being environmental-related. Now I have goals and know how to get there.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
Everyone I met at Augie helped me in some way, shape or form. My roommates taught me about friendship and happiness, my professors taught me to believe in myself and that it¡¯s okay to ask for help, my friends taught me about laughter and happiness. I wouldn¡¯t be anywhere without my parents and brother though.
Peak experience?
Being a part of the swim team that won conference for both men and women for the first time in school history was such a monumental and rewarding experience.
What surprised you?
I was surprised at how much everyone gets along. I was so excited when I experienced just how welcoming and loving everyone is.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I used my Augie Choice to go to Bonaire in the Caribbean as part of Geology 321: Island Geology to learn more about the nature of islands and threats upon them.
What will you miss the most?
I¡¯ll miss talks with my friends that have us standing in the middle of the Quad or in someone¡¯s house for hours, enjoying each other's company and conversation.
Advice for the Class of 2028?
Enjoy everything that comes your way; you won¡¯t get any more experiences quite like these.
"Emily challenges herself physically and academically ¡ª achieving Eagle Scout; National High Adventure Award¡¯s Triple Crown Winner; SCUBA-certification; two-time record holder, three-time Academic All-Conference as a four-year varsity swimmer; and conducting a physically demanding internship in remote Washington state. How fitting that Emily¡¯s Senior Inquiry research, assessing baseline radon gas emissions in the Quad-Cities area, went so swimmingly and showcased her ability to dive into a problem and go above and beyond. Emily¡¯s self-motivation, maturity and discipline will take her far!