Back to College

Today’s guest has the job of creating a place for students to connect with one another while being active. It sounds so lame when it’s said like that but trust me, what this person has created is so much more than simply a place to workout. Since the recording of this episode, this person has retired from the director of Recreational Services after serving in the role at Augustana for 36 years. Congratulations Mark Hecht on your amazing service to the students of Augustana University. Your 3 and a half decades of devotion has built this incredible community where people make life-long friends, become leaders of the future, and create everlasting memories.I hope the listener are as excited as I am to hear from one of the most influential staff members Augustana has ever had and the journey he has been on. Enjoy this remarkable conversation as we go back to college with Mark.SHOW LINKSFollow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Zac on Insta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen to the podcast onSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/366U9QQazfrR7VMoOHE6Ru?si=a3a4691e4d8d457eApple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/back-to-college/id1704626461YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Back_to_CollegeFind your bold at Augustana: https://www.augie.edu/Chapters:00:00 Trailer2:21 Intro4:40 Welcome Mark5:06 Director of Rec Services6:27 Starting in the 80's9:37 35 Years of Growth12:44 The exclusive "Late Night" events17:15 For Students By Students18:31 Not Letting the Students Have All the Fun21:55 Adopting a Student Perspective23:33 Attract People, Build Leaders26:58 Making a Real Impact on Students29:50 96%33:45 The Greatest Sport You Didn't Know Existed38:27 The Hardest Part about Mark's Job40:17 What Kept Mark Going43:30 Mark's Letter Grade45:10 Advice For Mark Right Out of College

Today’s guest actually started college in her home Country. We hear about it was like moving away from home to attend university at Ecuador’s capital, Quito, changing from a medical student to studying economics, doing a high school exchange to the US, transferring from University in Ecuador to College in the America, challenging religious and personal beliefs, participating in debates at the model UN, working in the trust fund industry, getting married, dreams for the future, discovering personal truth… and everything in between.I was honestly quite amazed at the life journey this person has been on to become the person she is today. Her curiosity through learning and understanding has and continues to allow her to overcome obstacles and find her truth.There’s a wonderful feeling I have every time I get to see this person. She has an incredibly warm, welcoming aura. She really just an awesome person.I hope that you enjoy our conversation as we go back to College with Samy.SHOW LINKSFollow ⁠⁠⁠⁠Samy on Insta⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow⁠⁠⁠⁠ Zac on Insta⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen to the podcast onSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/366U9QQazfrR7VMoOHE6Ru?si=a3a4691e4d8d457eApple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/back-to-college/id1704626461YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Back_to_CollegeFind your bold at Augustana: https://www.augie.edu/Chapters:00:00 Trailer2:15 Intro4:48 Welcome Samy6:26 Growing Up in Ecuador7:58 Starting Uni in Ecuador8:59 Wanting to Become a Doctor11:08 Wanting Other Things in Life12:40 Switching to Economics15:15 Getting a Taste for South Dakota18:05 Decision to Study in the US20:17 Transferring to the US22:10 Ecuadorian Food VS American Food25:10 Studying in America28:44 College in America VS University in Ecuador31:19 The US Classes33:57 Government Club35:16 So Much to Learn45:16 Samy's Letter Grade46:29 The Non-Obvious Highlights51:31 What makes Augie Special for International Students54:49 Working in Wealth57:06 Samy's Dream58:27 Getting Married61:10 What Would Samy Tell her High school Self?

Today’s guest comes is a Sioux Falls local. We hear all about what the local South Dakota culture is like, growing up a theatre kid in high school, coming to college on a bet, the pursuit of a career in publication, why living on campus is so unique, the elaborate plan to move to Austin, working as a freelance photographer doing senior pics and weddings as well as creating music videos for Sioux Falls artists, the sporadic skillset of a content coordinator… and everything in between. It wasn’t until later on in our college journeys we met each other in the photography lab. I find it remarkable that we’re both now working deep in the creative industry, especially since that wasn’t the direction either of us were heading at the beginning of college. I’m proud of the growth this person has had as a creative and as a person since our time in photo class. She has a strong creative spirit that continues to shine brighter overtime. Please enjoy this conversation as we go back to College with Katelyn. SHOW LINKS Follow ⁠⁠⁠Katelyn on Insta⁠⁠⁠ Follow⁠⁠⁠ Zac on Insta⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the podcast on; Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/366U9QQazfrR7VMoOHE6Ru?si=a3a4691e4d8d457e Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/back-to-college/id1704626461 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Back_to_College Augustana University: Find your bold at Augustana: https://www.augie.edu/ Chapters: 00:00 Trailer 1:44 Intro 3:35 Welcome Katelyn 5:28 Meeting in the Photo Lab 7:07 Working as a Content Coordinator 8:35 Wanting to be a Writer 10:50 Sioux Falls Local 12:18 Highschool in South Dakota (Band) 15:23 Deciding a College on a Bet 18:04 Aspirations for College 18:42 American Highschool Vs American College 21:35 Living On and Off Campus 23:57 Plans to Move to Austin Texas 28:07 Drive Through Graduation 31:28 Zac's Personal Graduation 34:04 Zac's Abrupt End to College 37:26 Freelance Photography 41:12 Photography Vs Videography 43:24 What Makes Photography Special 45:56 Katelyn's Dream Job 47:25 No Shortcutting Experience 49:44 Katelyn's Letter Grade 53:12 Everybody Knows Everybody 54:39 Advice to High school Katelyn

Today’s guest comes from Sioux City Iowa. A mere 1 and a half hour drive from Augustana. We hear from this Religion and Psych major, about her tough time deciding on a college, how she discovered her majors, whether to pursue soccer or swimming at college, athletic identity and coping after retirement, discovering what to study, a vivid recall of her first college class, the unique skill no other college teaches, working at the Elmen in rec services, her time at grad school, becoming a therapist… and everything in between. Seeing how this person has grown from the first day of college, where we sat next to each other feeling scared out of our minds, to now, where she is working as a full time therapist helping people with their own mental health, is extraordinary. It was honour to have shared my time at college with someone so devoted to helping and serving others. Making them feel heard, understood, and welcomed. It’s time to go back to College with Maggie. SHOW LINKS Follow ⁠⁠Bammi on Insta⁠⁠ Follow⁠⁠ Zac on Insta⁠⁠ Listen to the podcast on; Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/366U9QQazfrR7VMoOHE6Ru?si=a3a4691e4d8d457e Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/back-to-college/id1704626461 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Back_to_College Augustana University: Find your bold at Augustana: https://www.augie.edu/ Chapters: 00:00 Trailer 02:11 Intro 04:07 Welcome Maggie 05:25 Deciding on Psychology and Religion 08:04 Scared Together in First Class at College 12:10 Knack for Writing 13:52 Deciding on a College (Not Easy) 18:35 Decision to Pursue Soccer or Swimming 23:46 Trailblazing Swimming at Augie 30:19 Doing it for you. Walk On Athlete 33:43 Closure to Athletic Career 36:23 Finding Identity After Being an Athlete 38:15 Working out in the Real World (After College) 44:40 Food Intolerances 47:34 Working in Rec Services 51:48 Professional Role in the Elmen 55:29 The secret that elevated EVERY part of College 58:57 Religious Hoes and Athletic CEOs Thesis 01:04:49 Maggie's Letter Grade 01:07:33 Grad School 01:09:18 Working as a Therapist 01:14:10 Storytelling 01:17:04 Advice for 18 Year Old Maggie

In this episode we are unlocking a new continent! This will be our very first guest from Africa. I wasn’t kidding when I told you I had friends from all over the world. In this conversation we talk about why someone would leave Addis Ababa to study in the US, how to find a US college from Ethiopia, the challenges of picking a major, becoming more chill towards elders, obtaining a H-1B work visa, working on campus as a data analyst post graduation, plans for the future… and much more. This was a really fun conversation and I hope that shines through for you. Every time I would see this person on campus my day would be better. It’s impossible to not be in a good mood with this person’s playful personality. Prepare for your emotional state to be enlightened, as we go back to college with Bammi. SHOW LINKS Follow ⁠Bammi on Insta⁠ Follow⁠ Zac on Insta⁠ Listen to the podcast on; Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/366U9QQazfrR7VMoOHE6Ru?si=a3a4691e4d8d457e Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/back-to-college/id1704626461 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Back_to_College Augustana University: Find your bold at Augustana: https://www.augie.edu/ Chapters: 00:00 Trailer 1:55 Intro 3:26 Welcome Bammi 3:47 Now Working at Augustana 5:05 H1B Visa 7:19 Growing up in Ethiopia 9:53 Addis Ababa 12:44 First Homo sapien Discovery 14:48 Drive to come to the US 16:53 What if Bammi stayed in Ethiopia? 18:43 Discovering Augustana 21:50 Deciding on what to study 25:35 The benefits of a liberal arts college 28:16 Tapping into creativity 30:32 Big Time Culture Shock 34:30 Adjusting to College 35:45 Individualistic vs Collectivistic Cultures 37:17 Highlights from College 40:32 The Tough Moments at College 45:14 On Campus Leader 48:41 Bammi's Letter Grade 51:29 The parts that maybe could have been better 54:02 Advice to Younger Bammi

Today’s guest is from the iconic city of Rio De Janeiro. When this episode was recorded in December 2023, this person had just graduated with their Computer Science major and Data Science minor. In this conversation we talk about the factors the swayed this person to studying abroad in America, how they came across Augustana, Adjusting to the new culture both right away but also many years later, Computer Science classes, Starting a clothing brand, taking classes from the New multimedia and entrepreneurship major, their future in music… and much more. I’m super glad I was able to reconnect with this person on the podcast. It’s a fun dynamic catching up after a few years very quickly right before we hit record. I admire this person’s creative spirit but most of all the growth he has had during his time at college. Join me, as we go back to college with Danny. SHOW LINKS Follow Danny on Insta Follow Zac on Insta Listen to the podcast on; Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/366U9QQazfrR7VMoOHE6Ru?si=a3a4691e4d8d457e Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/back-to-college/id1704626461 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Back_to_College Augustana University: Find your bold at Augustana: https://www.augie.edu/ Chapters: 00:00 Trailer 1:28 Intro 2:58 Welcome Danny 6:00 Looking for Colleges in the US 7:49 Brazil Geography Lesson 9:12 Desire to go abroad to US 11:46 College Criteria 13:49 Landing on Augie 15:12 Coming to US 17:45 Adjusting to college 20:43 Coping with Classes 24:33 Computer Science Classes 27:57 To know our future we must study the past 31:43 Starting a Business at College 34:55 The music in me 35:51 New Multimedia Classes about Audio Engineering 41:23 Future in Music? 45:20 Living in Contrast of Culture 48:07 Brazil or US? 48:46 Danny's Letter Grade 51:03 Advice for Students thinking about studying in the US 52:00 Self-reflection on transformation

Today is quite a unique episode because this person is a stranger. I only met this person the day before I started recording. I met this person on campus in the IPO. This person stuck out to me as someone who had a fascinating back story. She struggled from a very young age in China, having a lot of pressure put on her, and she was actually sent to the US for better life when she was just 12 years old. In this episode we're going to explore exactly how this person was able to cope with a change. And ultimately, how she found a home at Augustana University. At the time of recording, which was almost one year ago, this person, was just in her last year before she graduated with psychology and biology as her majors. So please join me as we try and fit these puzzle pieces together of this person's remarkable college journey. It's time to go back to college with Shirley. SHOW LINKS Follow Shirley on Insta - https://www.instagram.com/yue_shirley_54a/ Follow Zac on Insta - https://www.instagram.com/zac.stevenson_/ Listen to the podcast on; Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/366U9QQazfrR7VMoOHE6Ru?si=a3a4691e4d8d457e Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/back-to-college/id1704626461 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Back_to_College Augustana University: Find your bold at Augustana: https://www.augie.edu/ Chapters: 00:00 Trailer 1:08 Intro 3:37 Welcome Shirley 4:10 Coming to the US alone at 12 7:21 First Day of US Middle school 12:29 Coping with Culture Shock as an 8th Grader 14:55 I don't Want to Live Anymore 20:41 Middle school in China vs US 28:23 A College Visit that left an Impression 35:53 Turning down the Big Universities 37:34 Changing from Pred-Med to Psych & Bio 40:51 Discovering Neuroscience & Philosophy 43:39 Shirley's Bike Club Mistake 49:24 Working at the IPO 54:45 Shirley's Lettergrade 60:51 Plan's After Graduating

Today is actually a very big milestone. Any guesses as to what we are celebrating today? This podcast is now 1 year old! In that year we’ve had 23 guests who came from 13 different countries but we are very much just getting started. Many more episodes have already been recorded and just between you and me, I may have a plan to record a few more in the not too distant future. Stay tuned. In this episode we’re breaking all the rules. We have not one guest but two. And… they’re not classmates of mine. In a Back to College first, we are sitting down with the Co-Direcors of the IPO (International Programs Office). These two take the lead of managing and looking after all the International students coming into Augustana, whether they are 4 year degree seekers like myself, international transfer students, or students on a study away program from other countries. On the flip side they also organise all the study abroad courses for students enrolled at Augustana University. It’s a massive operation but that alone is not what makes the IPO one-of-a-kind. I can’t stress enough how unusual it is to have such rich diversity at a college that would otherwise be more vanilla than your ice-cream. That’s all thanks to the IPO. With each guest having grown up in the midwest, we’ll hear about each of their study abroad experiences and how it transformed them into people with pure passion and care towards the work they do today. They are the unofficial mothers of the IPO, it’s time to go back to college with Erin & Heather. SHOW LINKS Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠the IPO ⁠⁠⁠⁠on Insta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gram Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zac⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Augustana University: Find your bold at Augustana: https://www.augie.edu/ Chapters: 0:00 Trailer 2:14 Intro 4:48 Welcome Erin & Heather 5:13 Roles as Co-Directors of IPO 8:44 Fostering a Family 10:27 Heather's Studying Abroad Experiences 13:14 Erin's Study Abroad Experiences 15:26 The importance of Sending Students Abroad 16:53 Preparing for J-Term 19:45 Most Common Questions Students Ask 21:53 Resources to Help Students Financially 23:35 Their "why" 26:02 Not Just Regular Students 28:31 A True Community 30:01 Small Enough to Actually Make a Big Impact 32:04 Challenges Navigating Students in a Volitile World 35:52 Erin and Heather's Lettergrade 39:28 Things that would make the job better 40:20 This is Why You Should Choose Augustana 42:48 Why Studying Abroad at College is a MUST

Today’s guest is from the small town of Brandon South Dakota. Being the eldest child, first generation American, and first in her family to attend college, this person was faced with a lot of uncertainty throughout her high school years and particularly when choosing a college. Financial constraints played a big role in determining where this person would study. She wasn’t even sure if it would be feasible. After graduating Augustana with a Psychology major, this person is still on the way to fulfilling her childhood dream of becoming a doctor, waiting to commence med school. However she has already got a lot inside experience rubbing shoulders with the doctors and nurses at the Avera Hospital, working as translator for spanish speaking patients. I had a blast catching up with this person. Her positive energy is contagious and I know someday she will make an amazing doctor based on the way she cares for people. Especially her friends. Ok, the time has come! Let’s go back to college with Lincy. SHOW LINKS Follow ⁠⁠⁠Lincy ⁠⁠⁠on Insta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gram Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zac⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chapters: 0:00 Trailer 1:59 Intro 3:22 Welcome Lincy 6:01 Honduran born in Sioux Falls 7:44 Growing up in South Dakota 13:45 Nobody looks like me 15:25 Finding other international students 21:25 Picking a college 31:41 Transition to college 38:36 Connecting with international students 42:42 Not being able to study abroad 45:19 Pre vs post covid college 49:30 Mental Health 55:56 Finding others with faith 1:00:00 Augie Worship night 1:01:18 New Perspectives on beliefs & values 1:06:02 Lincy's faith 1:08:13 Lincy's Lettergrade 1:10:16 Zac's Personal Graduation 1:11:35 Working life 1:14:28 Journey to becoming a doctor 1:17:37 Changes Lincy would make

This episode is a special one because the reason why I went to college in America in the first place was to play basketball. Today’s guest is one of my basketball teammates. He’s from the small town of Lakefield Minnesota just 1 hour away from Sioux Falls. Today’s teammate was slower than most in picking up a basketball. He didn’t start playing until he was 12 year old. During this conversation we hear this person’s journey from playing middle school basketball with his friends, to being sought after by college coaches, to signing and playing at one of the top NCAA division 2 schools in the country. This person graduated with a double major in both media studies and communication. Upon graduating this person tried a few jobs before discovering his current roll as a social media manager at Feeding South Dakota; where he is able to feed his soul by helping to feed the homeless. We hear the stories of the worlds best athletes but what about the ones who never quite “make it”? In this conversation both our guest and myself open up and share our basketball experiences throughout our life and at college. Growing up playing basketball in America looks entirely different compared to playing basketball in Australia. During our time at college together, I developed a deep admiration for this person. Even in his darkest hour, he’d always find a way through. I was surprised this time when I met up with him. It was almost like I’d forgotten how much we experienced together and how much I enjoy hanging out with him. Please welcome my dear friend and brother in arms… It’s time to go Back to College with Bodey. SHOW LINKS Follow ⁠⁠Bodey ⁠⁠on Insta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gram Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zac⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chapters: 0:00 Trailer 2:07 Intro 4:23 Welcome Bodey 4:48 Catching up at last nights game 6:48 Zac's Height vs Bodey's Height 8:09 Getting into Basketball 11:33 Growing up in small town Minnesota 14:17 Highschool Basketball in Australia vs US 20:27 College Recruitment 22:27 Getting Recognised 25:10 Basketball Pathways in Australia 27:20 College players can't get paid 28:51 Full time athlete 29:33 Bodey's College Criteria 32:18 Two Colleges, 1 Choice 35:44 Discovering a brand new major 39:29 Feeding South Dakota 44:32 NEVER miss film 50:42 Replacing a Legacy 1:00:07 Dealing with unmet expectations 1:07:06 Student Athlete vs Regular Student 1:09:15 Ball isn't life 1:11:33 Playing Against Duke University 1:15:30 We miss basketball 1:18:07 Zac's first points in college 1:21:19 Bodey's Lettergrade 1:24:05 Advice for Basketball Student Athletes

In this episode we are joined by someone who was unsure about her future after high school. Following the persuasion from her Father she finally decided to give the U.S. a try, where she took the leap of faith and never looked back. Her college experience took a hit when she got stuck back home in Singapore for her entire Sophomore year. Despite this major challenge she returned to the US for her Junior and Senior years; where she joined the dance team and finished off her Chemistry Major. After graduating this person hung around Sioux Falls and sat on the couch for 3 months waiting for her approval to be allowed to work in the country. A very rocky journey but one that shows great resilience. I love this person’s energy and it shines through in our conversation, listen for yourself. It’s time to go Back to College with Britney. SHOW LINKS Follow ⁠Britney ⁠Insta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gram Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zac⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chapters: 0:00 Trailer 1:48 Introduction 3:11 Welcome Britney 4:07 Not Allowed to Work for 3 Months 5:37 Getting a Driver's License and a Car 9:02 The Longest Spring Break Ever 12:11 Best Airport in the World 13:34 No Flights to the US 14:13 US College Online 17:03 Singapore Lockdowm 18:59 Growing up in Singapore 22:20 Schooling in Singapore 26:49 Highschool in Indonesia 28:48 Finding Augustana 34:23 In-Person College Visits 36:53 Deciding on Chemistry 40:54 Deeper Relationship with Professors 45:11 Dance Team 51:34 Sister at Augie 52:48 Working After Graduation 55:28 Britney's Letter Grade 1:00:16 Advice to International Student 1:01:52 International Student Talent Show

Today’s guest comes from Pakistan’s industrial and economic mecca know as Karachi. His drive to help people with computer science was the thread that run throughout this persons entire college journey. Stepping out of his comfort zone to make friends, taking challenging classes that involved the human brain, and wrestling moral dilemmas in photography class, were just a few of the side quests this person took to get their computer science & software engineering degree. This person is currently living out his adolescent dream of improving people’s lives with technology by engineering tablet-like devices to help farmers. Buckle up for a very informative conversation as we go Back to College with Taha. SHOW LINKS Follow Taha ⁠Insta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gram Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zac⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chapters: 0:00 Trailer 1:15 Introduction 3:01 Welcome Taha 3:25 Working in Tech 4:26 Raven Industries 6:06 Stumbling accross Augie 7:52 First Time in Sioux Falls 9:07 Growing up in Pakistan 9:32 Highschool 11:22 Spark for computer science 12:34 Factors when deciding on college 13:30 Why the US? 14:31 Do Pakistanis studying in US? 16:08 First time on campus1 8:53 Acclimatising as an Introvert 20:11 Computer Science Classes 21:33 What is computer science? 22:59 Artificial Intelligence in Computer Science 28:31 Social Media Changes your Thinking 30:03 On Campus Leadership 32:11 The Hult Prize Competition 33:59 Ethics of Photography 37:41 The Poop Class 39:31 The HARD Classes 41:51 Taha's Letter Grade 44:23 Landing the first internship 46:32 Staying Connected with Friends 48:25 What Taha Would Do Differently 49:33 #1 Podcast Fan? 50:30 Advice for International Students

In this episode we are joined by a someone who comes from one of the most exotic countries on the planet. This person was easily one of my best friends at college. But that crazy thing is, a lot of what we discuss in this episode, was completely new to me. We go very deep. During his second last year of highschool, he had his sights set on the US. It wasn’t until the moment he met Augustana at the University Fair, he made his decision to take the leap of faith and come to the heart of America & study in the midwest. His time at college was seriously tough. He struggled to connect to American culture and that left him feeling alone for a lot of his time at college. There was a real fear that this person would not be able to finish college because of his tough financial situation. Still to this day I am not entirely sure if he actually got his degree. Upon finishing college a semester early, this person found themselves in limbo not being able to work. Waiting years for his green card to be approved, he was stuck in the US with no way to earn an income. He used this time to learn coding of all things, completely unrelated to his studies, later on becoming a software engineer for a national company where he is working today. Last year this person became a father, triggering a new level of responsibility. I’m proud of how this person’s grit and determination has got him to where he is today. He doing everything in his power to be the best father possible despite the rollercoaster of a ride this person has been on. There is no stronger bond than a parent and their baby, but I think the relationship I share with this person is a close second. Strap yourselves in for an epic conversation. It’s time to go Back to College with Andrew. SHOW LINKS Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Andrew on ⁠Insta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gram Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zac⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chapters: 0:00 Trailer 1:51 Introduction 5:58 Welcome Andrew 6:57 Back on Campus 9:07 Life Lately (with a new baby) 11:23 Constant Up-skilling 15:02 The First mistake... Chemistry 18:05 The American Dream 21:15 Growing up in Ecuador 27:36 The decision to go abroad 30:48 JV Basketball 41:20 Not fitting in 47:14 Becoming closed off 51:19 Financial Struggle 57:58 Degree still in progress 59:49 Psychology Classes 1:04:29 Surprising highlight of college 1:09:06 Chess Wiz 1:23:50 Andrew's Letter Grade 1:28:20 Green card complications 1:30:48 Self-Development Journeys 1:34:20 Advice for International Student

In this episode we are joined by a someone who grew up in a small town in Minnesota with 3000 people just 3 hours away from campus. She decided to make the move to the “big” city of Sioux Falls, after falling in love with the idea of Augie on her 4th college visit. She is the only person I know to have built her own major. Yes, that’s a thing. And if there was one person to do it, it would be this guest. She graduated with an a three-way major, aka an interdisciplinary major. During her time at college she let her creative side take over and discovered a whole new world through a camera lens. Her passion for photography has recently become her full time job as she works with couples capturing their love. Speaking of love, I love this conversation and I hope you love it too. Get ready, it’s time to go Back to College with Raquel. SHOW LINKS Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Raquel on ⁠Insta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gram Follow Raquel's Photography on Instagram Raquel's Website Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zac⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chapters: 00:00 Trailer 01:15 Intro 03:34 Welcome Raquel 06:11 Growing up in small town 06:52 Visiting Peru 09:57 Looking for a college 12:03 Pressure to attend college 12:50 First Day 14:14 Build your own major 17:21 interdisciplinary degree 21:04 Thoughts on classes 23:40 Non-academic activities 25:04 Working at Rec Services 28:28 Working on campus 30:33 More on campus activities 31:23 Intramural sports 33:15 THE photography class 36:12 Why Photography? 37:40 Raquel's inspiration 40:28 Where the love of photo began 42:55 Creative by nature 45:02 Stepping into the workforce 50:10 First video shoot 54:12 Future Aspirations 56:25 Raquel's letter grade 59:31 Advice to American's looking at colleges 1:01:08 Studying Abroad in Costa Rica

The first 4 episodes of this season have been recorded in Kansas and Minnesota but this episode is incredibly special because this will be the first of MANY episodes to come, being recored on Campus at Augustana University (USA), which is where we all went to college. Without further a due let’s kick it off! In this episode we are joined by a someone who’s competitive nature drove her dream of playing Tennis at an American College. She grew up in a small town in Siberia, Russia and has just graduated this past weekend from Augustana University as a super senior. She’s finally been able to collect her major in Business, Economics and Computer Science, as well as her government minor. For me, it was surreal stepping back on campus again, even though I didn’t have too much time to soak it up just yet. I had to meet up right away with this amazing guest before she flew home. I loved this conversation and I hope you do to. Let’s go Back to College with Sasha. SHOW LINKS Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sasha⁠⁠ on ⁠Insta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gram Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠Zac⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chapters: 00:00 Trailer 1:34 Intro 4:03 Welcome Sasha 4:52 Super Senior 7:51 Sasha's tennis aspirations 14:03 The fire within 15:42 How Sasha discovered Augie 20:11 College tennis 23:36 Arriving on campus (horror story) 31:51 Fitting in 36:11 American food & cafeteria 39:19 College Athlete 41:59 Reason to stay 44:48 The beauty of liberal arts education 50:13 Career plans 53:55 Life after tennis 58:21 Political polarity 1:01:13 Sasha's Letter Grade 1:04:31 Advice to young Sasha 1:08:49 Becoming a Leader

We are joined by someone, who’s fear of missing out and uncertainty of life without college, pulled him to Augustana. He grew up in a Minneapolis, Minnesota and graduated college in January 2017 with both a Business and Spanish major. He has since lived and worked abroad in countless South American Countries, parts of Europe and Australia. Please enjoy this conversation as we go Back to College with my good friend, Dan. SHOW LINKS Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dan⁠ on ⁠Insta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gram Follow ⁠⁠⁠Zac⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chapters: 00:00 Trailer 01:01 Intro 02:42 Welcome Dan 04:04 Travel Enthusiast 05:20 How we met 06:52 Making international students feel welcome 08:15 Keeping the opportunities to travel 11:09 Growing up in Minneapolis 13:31 Underrated City 15:37 How Dan made it to Augie 18:44 Coming to college 21:22 FOMO is REAL 23:57 Peer Advisor 26:05 Back Alley Dances 27:13 Late Night events 28:35 Finals were fun 30:11 Dan the man with a van 31:18 Semester Shutdown 33:00 College credits in highschool 35:07 Zac's podcast quest 36:37 Do you need a degree? 37:56 Intention for attending college 39:36 Lack of global experience 42:59 Things going wrong 45:55 Major choices 48:33 Dan's thoughts on needing a degree 51:01 Favourite Country 53:13 Next country 54:43 Dan's Letter Grade 56:49 Letting go of friendships 01:01:11 Making adult friends 01:03:22 Pre-college advice

In this episode we are joined by a someone who’s plan from a young age was to leave her country and study abroad. She’s from the chaotic city of Hanoi in Vietnam and came to the US by herself when she was just 16. She graduated in 2023 with a double major in Accounting and Finance and is currently working as an accountant in a world renowned firm. I really hope you enjoy this story of this person’s self discovery as we talk about the cultural differences between east and west, individualism vs collectivism, and what success really looks like. Let’s go Back to College with Harley. SHOW LINKS Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Harley on ⁠Insta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gram Follow ⁠⁠Zac⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Today we are meeting up with someone who’s combination of curiosity and sense of adventure lead him to College in the US. He was always drawing as a kid and is ultimately how he graduated with not only a computer science major, but an art degree. After coming to college from Burgen Norway, he is currently working as a Software Engineer in Minneapolis where he has mapped out a future plan to go full time artist. I hope you enjoy the conversation as we go Back to College with Marcus. SHOW LINKS Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Marcus on ⁠Insta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gram Follow ⁠Zac⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Today we are joined by a someone who was destined to dance before she could even walk. She grew up in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and was on the dance team while at Augie. She graduated from Augustana with a double major in Anthropology and French and is currently pursuing a career in dance with the Kansas City Chiefs, one of the biggest teams in the National Football League. I couldn’t be more excited as we kick off season 2 going Back to College with Jayci. SHOW LINKS Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jayci on ⁠Insta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gram Follow Zac on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ever wondered what College in America is really like? Join me in Season 2 as we travel across the US and dive into deep conversation with my classmates from all over the world. This is my first time going back to college since graduating and the first time I got to see my friends after 3 and a half years. This was a trip of a lifetime and a huge effort to record all of these episodes. Make sure to subscribe or you will miss out!

Today in the classroom, we’re joined by someone who’s desire for living a life full of experience landed him in the US. He first came to South Dakota on exchange in middle school, before deciding to finish the rest of his high school years in the US. After considering options to move to a bigger city, this saw opportunity right in front of him and enrolled into Augustana University. Battling factors outside his control, this person returned back to his country of origin, just one year into his college journey. Becoming fed up with University in Taiwan, this person changed his trajectory again and leaped into the work force. Calling from Taiwan, please enjoy the conversation with Jerry. SHOW LINKS Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jerry on Insta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Zac on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Made by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RUKKUS Chapters 00:00:00 Trailer 00:00:52 Intro 00:01:52 Welcome Jerry 00:02:33 Chemistry Major 00:05:09 Asian Expectations 00:08:44 Parent's Influence 00:14:07 Schooling in Taiwan vs US 00:16:57 Taiwanese School System 00:23:40 US Exchange in Middleschool 00:31:06 Greatest Moment in Highschool 00:33:05 Culture Shock 00:37:08 Fitting in with US culture 00:41:27 Decision to keep studying in US 00:45:04 Different types of Student Visas 00:47:26 US Highschool to US College 00:51:58 Once in a lifetime experience 01:02:10 Studying the toughest major 01:04:31 Leaving College Early 01:12:30 Ankylosing Spondylitis 01:21:54 Advice for International Students 01:23:06 Letter Grade 01:25:28 Leaving College to Work 01:31:42 Dream Job 01:35:00 Do you need a college degree?

Today in the classroom, we’re continuing on with another in person guest. This person’s sense of adventure was what drove him to study abroad and land himself in the US. Starting in the Fall of 2019, this person was nothing but excited to start the next, year long chapter of his life at Augustana. If this person wasn’t busy in the Elmen taking PE classes for his Education major, he’d be staying active either upstairs in the weightroom, outside playing soccer, or with the Track and Field team training his shotput. Las Vegas, Chicago, Detroit, Toronto, Bozeman, were just some of the stops along the way on this persons college journey. Using his degree to become a teacher for 3 years in Norway, this person was again seeking a new adventure. He packed his life up into a suitcase and started fresh in Australia, where he is currently working with my brother Max in sales, please enjoy the conversation with Stig. SHOW LINKS Epic Norwegian Road Trip Lost in Montana Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠Stig on Insta⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Zac on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Made by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RUKKUS Chapters: 00:00 Episode Trailer 01:04 Who is Stig? 02:07 Welcome Stig 03:30 Finding Augustana from Norway 04:26 Continuing Education Studies 05:35 Journey to the US 07:18 The best trip ever (Black Hills) 13:06 What made US college unique? 13:55 The classes 15:00 The great American Road Trip1 8:35 Border Security 21:24 Vegas Invasion 24:57 American Food 28:22 Cheap thrills 30:20 Party like the movies 31:23 Making Friends 32:31 Sickness for the fitness 34:48 Get lost in Montana 40:09 Joining the Track Team 45:02 Practicum back home 47:07 Teaching post degree 47:41 Moving to Australia

Today in the classroom, we’re joined by our very first in person guest! This person’s dream from a young age was to play college basketball in the US. After hanging up the boots off the back of a super fun and successful debut basketball season, this person was left wanting a new challenge. Halfway through his junior year, he came to his senses and realised that the Midwest is best and transferred to Augustana University. Over coming a few hurdles to begin with, he quickly found his feet, got his degree done, but more importantly, had the time of his life. Finishing with a major in Business & a minor in finance, this person is currently working in Sales at a technology company in Sydney. Recording all the way from the land down under, please enjoy the conversation with my twin brother, Max. SHOW LINKS Follow ⁠⁠⁠Max on Insta⁠⁠⁠ Follow Zac on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Made by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RUKKUS Chapters: 00:00-Episode Trailer 01:42-Introduction 02:43-Welcome Max 04:34-Finding a College in America 06:54-Making the choice 10:33-Journey from Australia to US 14:11-First Friends 15:06-Other International Students 16:49-Highschool level classes? 20:27-Decision to transfer 23:05-College Basketball - Dream come true 27:57-Crazy basketball moments 34:36-Once in a lifetime experiences in Boston 36:16-Shifting Schools 38:46-Class at Augie Vs ENC 41:06-Australian Charm 42:38-Global Exports Intern 44:41-2AM Volleyball 46:25-Friends from all over the world 48:08-Elite Professors 52:01-School Events that are actually fun! 54:53-Letter Grade 56:10-Your unique journey

Today in the classroom, we’re are joined by someone who always had the dream of playing college sport in America. Growing up in the 4th Largest city in the world, this person came to the US with his family when he was 13. After battling an ACL tear when he was young, this person decided to step away from basketball and try a new sport. Little did he know that this would later grant him a scholarship to Augustana where he became a integral part of the football team as the kicker. With all the focus on football, this person came into college undecided what they would study. A few great professors and a couple of fascinating classes later, this person was inspired to pursue a philosophy major, & minor in business and entrepreneurship. Calling from Sao Paulo Brazil, please enjoy the conversation with Luis. SHOW LINKS Follow ⁠⁠Luis on Insta⁠⁠ Follow Zac on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Made by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RUKKUS

Today in the classroom, we’re are joined by someone who came from a small town in Tunisia. This person was itching for new experiences and didn’t hesitate when they got the chance to study in the US. His sense of adventure & desire to try new things lead him to discover his love for Sushi amongst the rides and rollercoasters in the Mall of America. You could always count on this person somehow getting even more jacked in the Elmen centre or playing soccer with his international & American friends. After his time at Augie, he finished his Bachelor’s degree back home where he made the decision to keep studying & to go abroad again. Calling from Vienna, Austria, where he is halfway through his PHD in Economics, please enjoy the conversation with Ramzi. SHOW LINKS Follow ⁠Ramzi on Insta⁠ Follow Zac on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Made by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RUKKUS⁠

Today in the classroom, we’re are joined by someone who straddles the line between international and domestic Student. This person moved from Ecuador to Sioux Falls when they were 12 years old spending many years struggling to fit in. It wasn’t until his time at college where he finally connected with other international students he felt comfortable and understood. This person is a well rounded genius graduating Augustana as a Religion & modern foreign languages major, with minors in Spanish & biology and unofficially philosophy. He has since become a Blue Devil attending one of the biggest colleges in the US, pursuing a graduate degree in Religious studies at Duke University. Calling from Duke in North Carolina, please enjoy the chat with Cesar. SHOW LINKS Follow Cesar on Insta Follow me, Zac Stevenson ⁠⁠⁠on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠on TikTok⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the podcast on; ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ Made by ⁠⁠⁠RUKKUS

Today in the classroom, we’re are joined by someone who came straight off the plane into the icy tundra of a South Dakota winter. He came to the US for 1 semester as part of the Global UGRAD program, where in his very first class learnt to ski. He had a blast because in his country there is no snow. After his semester at Augie, he came back to Sioux Falls at a later date to teach at a local Spanish school. Calling from his country of origin, El Salvador, please enjoy the chat, with Emerson. SHOW LINKS Follow Emerson on Instagram⁠⁠ Follow Zac on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Made by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RUKKUS

This episode we’re are joined by our first American guest! With Mexican and Maltese in her blood, this person was not shy hanging out with the international students. Following her sense of Adventure she did two study abroad trips to both Greece and Spain each unlocking new perspectives you can’t learn in a classroom. Officially finishing with Art and Spanish Majors and a entrepreneurship minor, this person decided to further here studies after Augustana. She obtained a certification in Kitchen and Bathroom Design which has helped her land her current role as Design assistant at a design/build firm. Calling from the land of 10,000 lakes, Minnesota, please enjoy this conversation with Sofia Preciado! SHOW LINKS Follow ⁠Sofia on Instagram⁠ Follow me, Zac Stevenson ⁠on Instagram⁠ and ⁠on TikTok⁠ Listen to the podcast on; ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠ Made by ⁠RUKKUS Chapters: 00:00:00 Episode Trailer 00:00:55 Intro 00:01:47 College Culture 00:05:02 College friends from high school 00:06:47 Options of colleges 00:09:32 Family in Sioux Falls 00:10:27 Goals in going to College 00:12:47 What was arriving day like? 00:17:27 Scared / Excited during Welcome Week? 00:19:07 Augies prestige and favourite classes 00:19:47 Dr. O’Hara — Favourite professor 00:20:47 Least favourite class 00:21:47 Studying abroad in Greece and Spain 00:28:17 Why Spanish Major? Why Spanish? 00:31:02 Fitting back in post Spain 00:33:30 Augie as a letter grade? 00:36:17 Why the international friendship group? 00:39:32 Dating in College and their relationship 00:45:47 Superman and Blonde wig during Halloween 00:46:37 Halloween Highlights 00:48:57 Hardest thing faced at College? 00:50:47 College Regrets 00:51:47 Struggle with depression 00:57:17 Using your degree 01:02:07 Was it all worth it? 01:04:32 Advice to people thinking about college

Today in the classroom, we’re are joined by someone who was super excited to come on the podcast. This person loved her college experience so much despite the low moments she faced. All the long hours at work and late nights finishing homework has grown her into the wonderful person she is today. Coming from such a close family in Ecuador it was incredibly difficult for her to say goodbye but after a few tears at the beginning her heart reminded her she was in the right place. The experience she gained working all her jobs at college combined with her Business and Economics degree, has lead to her working a dream level job at an experience consultancy acquiring new customers. Calling from the place where it all happened, Sioux Falls, please enjoy the conversation with Denni. SHOW LINKS ⁠⁠Follow Denni on Instagram⁠⁠ Follow Zac on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Made by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RUKKUS

Welcome Back to College! For this episode, make sure you've got your rulers out and your pencil sharpened because today in the classroom, we've got another amazing guest. Born in Japan and raised in China, I first met this person on the famous Black Hills trip where our bond has been tight every day since. He apparently loved college so much that after graduating with a degree in physics and engineering, he has continued his studies in the US with a Ph.D. almost within his grasp. Calling from Manhattan, Kansas. Please enjoy this conversation with Naoki Iwamoto! SHOW LINKS ⁠⁠Follow Naoki on Instagram⁠⁠ Follow Zac on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Made by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RUKKUS

In the classroom today, we've got a very special guest. This person was the second person I met in college who instantly became one of my best friends. As she introduced herself and told me the country she came from, I swear that was the first time in my life I'd ever heard of Ecuador. She is someone who displayed an enormous amount of determination with her big aspirations to come to the U.S. to study biochemistry. Since graduating, she has remained in South Dakota, where she is currently working in a histology lab. Calling from the city in which we shared all our college experiences together, please enjoy the conversation with Mica Tirado **SHOW LINKS** Follow Mica on Instagram Follow me, Zac Stevenson on Instagram and on TikTok

Welcome to the very first episode of The Back to College podcast with Kevin Hansen! I'm super excited to launch on this day because today, August 30th, 2023 is the first day of classes in the new academic year for Augustanian University, which is where I went to college. And that means it's been seven years, seven years since I started college, which may not seem like a lot for some, but for me, I would go back in a heartbeat. I had no idea that I'd be entering the best four years of my life, and that's why I wanted to start this podcast and reconnect with old friends and classmates and just relive the good times that we had. Joining us in the classroom today has been my best friend at Augustana, arrived from the get go, and that's how he owns the number one spot with the first episode, beginning his journey at the same time as me. He graduated one semester early with his English degree and has since changed routes, now working and studying in healthcare. Calling all the way from his country of origin, Norway. Please enjoy this very first episode of Back to College with Kevin Hansen. SHOW LINKS Follow ⁠⁠⁠Kevin on Insta⁠⁠⁠ Follow Zac on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Made by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RUKKUS

College, you really had to be there... Luckily for you, we're going back! Join me as we head back to college and listen to the crazy stories from my incredible classmates from all around the world! New episode every Wednesday!