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Back to College
By Zac StevensonSociety & Culture
Back to College episodes
- #32 🇺🇸 The Lifelong Legacy of Attracting People & Building Leaders - Mark Hecht (4K)
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 LINKS
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
Find 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
49 min - #31 🇪🇨 Wrestling with Religion, Trust Fund Baby, Being Open to Change - Samy Lopez (4K)
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 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
Find your bold at Augustana: https://www.augie.edu/
Chapters:
00:00 Trailer
2:15 Intro
4:48 Welcome Samy
6:26 Growing Up in Ecuador
7:58 Starting Uni in Ecuador
8:59 Wanting to Become a Doctor
11:08 Wanting Other Things in Life
12:40 Switching to Economics
15:15 Getting a Taste for South Dakota
18:05 Decision to Study in the US
20:17 Transferring to the US
22:10 Ecuadorian Food VS American Food
25:10 Studying in America
28:44 College in America VS University in Ecuador
31:19 The US Classes
33:57 Government Club
35:16 So Much to Learn
45:16 Samy's Letter Grade
46:29 The Non-Obvious Highlights
51:31 What makes Augie Special for International Students
54:49 Working in Wealth
57:06 Samy's Dream
58:27 Getting Married
61:10 What Would Samy Tell her High school Self?
1 hr 4 min - #30 🇺🇸 Professional Photo/Video, Drive Through Graduation, Love of Literature - Katelyn Clement (4K)
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 InstaFollow Zac on InstaListen to the podcast on;Spotify - 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_CollegeAugustana University:Find your bold at Augustana: https://www.augie.edu/Chapters:00:00 Trailer
1:44 Intro3:35 Welcome Katelyn5:28 Meeting in the Photo Lab7:07 Working as a Content Coordinator8:35 Wanting to be a Writer10:50 Sioux Falls Local12:18 Highschool in South Dakota (Band)15:23 Deciding a College on a Bet18:04 Aspirations for College18:42 American Highschool Vs American College21:35 Living On and Off Campus23:57 Plans to Move to Austin Texas28:07 Drive Through Graduation31:28 Zac's Personal Graduation34:04 Zac's Abrupt End to College37:26 Freelance Photography41:12 Photography Vs Videography43:24 What Makes Photography Special45:56 Katelyn's Dream Job47:25 No Shortcutting Experience49:44 Katelyn's Letter Grade53:12 Everybody Knows Everybody54:39 Advice to High school Katelyn56 min - #29 🇺🇸 Swim Team Founding Member, Athletic Identity, Mastering The Art of Wondering - Maggie Oberg (4K)
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 InstaFollow Zac on InstaListen to the podcast on;Spotify - 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_CollegeAugustana University:Find your bold at Augustana: https://www.augie.edu/Chapters:00:00 Trailer
02:11 Intro04:07 Welcome Maggie05:25 Deciding on Psychology and Religion08:04 Scared Together in First Class at College12:10 Knack for Writing13:52 Deciding on a College (Not Easy)18:35 Decision to Pursue Soccer or Swimming23:46 Trailblazing Swimming at Augie30:19 Doing it for you. Walk On Athlete33:43 Closure to Athletic Career36:23 Finding Identity After Being an Athlete38:15 Working out in the Real World (After College)44:40 Food Intolerances47:34 Working in Rec Services51:48 Professional Role in the Elmen55:29 The secret that elevated EVERY part of College58:57 Religious Hoes and Athletic CEOs Thesis01:04:49 Maggie's Letter Grade01:07:33 Grad School01:09:18 Working as a Therapist01:14:10 Storytelling01:17:04 Advice for 18 Year Old Maggie1 hr 19 min - #27 🇪🇹 Africa to Augie, H-1B Work Visa, Pushing Yourself - Bammi Abate (4K)
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 InstaFollow Zac on InstaListen to the podcast on;Spotify - 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_CollegeAugustana University:Find your bold at Augustana: https://www.augie.edu/Chapters:00:00 Trailer
1:55 Intro3:26 Welcome Bammi3:47 Now Working at Augustana5:05 H1B Visa7:19 Growing up in Ethiopia9:53 Addis Ababa12:44 First Homo sapien Discovery14:48 Drive to come to the US16:53 What if Bammi stayed in Ethiopia?18:43 Discovering Augustana21:50 Deciding on what to study25:35 The benefits of a liberal arts college28:16 Tapping into creativity30:32 Big Time Culture Shock34:30 Adjusting to College35:45 Individualistic vs Collectivistic Cultures37:17 Highlights from College40:32 The Tough Moments at College45:14 On Campus Leader48:41 Bammi's Letter Grade51:29 The parts that maybe could have been better54:02 Advice to Younger Bammi56 min - #26 🇧🇷 Passionate Music Producer, Technology Tinkerer, Evolving Empathy - Daniel Leite (4K
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 InstaFollow Zac on InstaListen to the podcast on;Spotify - 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_CollegeAugustana University:Find your bold at Augustana: https://www.augie.edu/Chapters:00:00 Trailer
1:28 Intro2:58 Welcome Danny6:00 Looking for Colleges in the US7:49 Brazil Geography Lesson9:12 Desire to go abroad to US11:46 College Criteria13:49 Landing on Augie15:12 Coming to US17:45 Adjusting to college20:43 Coping with Classes24:33 Computer Science Classes27:57 To know our future we must study the past31:43 Starting a Business at College34:55 The music in me35:51 New Multimedia Classes about Audio Engineering41:23 Future in Music?45:20 Living in Contrast of Culture48:07 Brazil or US?48:46 Danny's Letter Grade51:03 Advice for Students thinking about studying in the US52:00 Self-reflection on transformation58 min - #25 🇨🇳 Lost in Darkness, Growing Up Alone in US, Living a College Dream - Shirley Wang (4K)
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 LINKSFollow 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=a3a4691e4d8d457eApple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/back-to-college/id1704626461YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Back_to_CollegeAugustana University:Find your bold at Augustana: https://www.augie.edu/Chapters:00:00 Trailer1:08 Intro3:37 Welcome Shirley4:10 Coming to the US alone at 127:21 First Day of US Middle school12:29 Coping with Culture Shock as an 8th Grader14:55 I don't Want to Live Anymore20:41 Middle school in China vs US28:23 A College Visit that left an Impression35:53 Turning down the Big Universities37:34 Changing from Pred-Med to Psych & Bio40:51 Discovering Neuroscience & Philosophy43:39 Shirley's Bike Club Mistake49:24 Working at the IPO54:45 Shirley's Lettergrade60:51 Plan's After Graduating1 hr 10 min - #24 🇺🇸🇺🇸 Managing International Students // Co-Directors of the IPO - Erin Kane & Heather Reed (4K)
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 LINKSFollow the IPO on InstagramFollow Zac on Instagram
Listen to the podcast
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Augustana University:Find your bold at Augustana: https://www.augie.edu/Chapters:0:00 Trailer2:14 Intro4:48 Welcome Erin & Heather5:13 Roles as Co-Directors of IPO8:44 Fostering a Family10:27 Heather's Studying Abroad Experiences13:14 Erin's Study Abroad Experiences15:26 The importance of Sending Students Abroad16:53 Preparing for J-Term19:45 Most Common Questions Students Ask21:53 Resources to Help Students Financially23:35 Their "why"26:02 Not Just Regular Students28:31 A True Community30:01 Small Enough to Actually Make a Big Impact32:04 Challenges Navigating Students in a Volitile World35:52 Erin and Heather's Lettergrade39:28 Things that would make the job better40:20 This is Why You Should Choose Augustana42:48 Why Studying Abroad at College is a MUST45 min - #23 🇺🇸🇭🇳 First Generation American, Identity Crisis, Becoming a Doctor - Lincy Smith Méndez (4K)
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 InstagramFollow Zac on Instagram
Listen to the podcast
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Chapters:
0:00 Trailer
1:59 Intro3:22 Welcome Lincy6:01 Honduran born in Sioux Falls7:44 Growing up in South Dakota13:45 Nobody looks like me15:25 Finding other international students21:25 Picking a college31:41 Transition to college38:36 Connecting with international students42:42 Not being able to study abroad45:19 Pre vs post covid college49:30 Mental Health55:56 Finding others with faith1:00:00 Augie Worship night1:01:18 New Perspectives on beliefs & values1:06:02 Lincy's faith1:08:13 Lincy's Lettergrade1:10:16 Zac's Personal Graduation1:11:35 Working life1:14:28 Journey to becoming a doctor1:17:37 Changes Lincy would make1 hr 25 min - #22 🇺🇸 6’10” Top Highschool Recruit, College Basketball, Big Shoes to Fill - Bodey Behrends (4K)
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 InstagramFollow Zac on Instagram
Listen to the podcastSpotifyApple Podcasts
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Chapters:
0:00 Trailer2:07 Intro4:23 Welcome Bodey4:48 Catching up at last nights game6:48 Zac's Height vs Bodey's Height8:09 Getting into Basketball11:33 Growing up in small town Minnesota14:17 Highschool Basketball in Australia vs US20:27 College Recruitment22:27 Getting Recognised25:10 Basketball Pathways in Australia27:20 College players can't get paid28:51 Full time athlete29:33 Bodey's College Criteria32:18 Two Colleges, 1 Choice35:44 Discovering a brand new major39:29 Feeding South Dakota44:32 NEVER miss film50:42 Replacing a Legacy1:00:07 Dealing with unmet expectations1:07:06 Student Athlete vs Regular Student1:09:15 Ball isn't life1:11:33 Playing Against Duke University1:15:30 We miss basketball1:18:07 Zac's first points in college1:21:19 Bodey's Lettergrade1:24:05 Advice for Basketball Student Athletes1 hr 26 min
About Back to College
From the publisher's feed
Ever wondered what College in America is really like?
Join me, Zac Stevenson, as we dive into deep conversation with my classmates from all over the world. Hear how their ambition to study in US not only landed them a degree but transformed them into the people they always dreamed of becoming. Pack your bags - it’s time to go Back to College!
Featured Countries 🇦🇺🇳🇴🇪🇨🇯🇵🇨🇳🇸🇻🇺🇸🇹🇳🇧🇷🇻🇳🇷🇺🇵🇪🇵🇰🇸🇬🇭🇳🇪🇹🇳🇵