Guest post by Austin Laugen, graduating senior in computer engineering
My time at Iowa State is coming to a close, and I’ll soon be walking across the stage at graduation and entering the “real world.” There will be no more homework, no more icy walks to class, and no more late night meetings (or at least I hope not). While I’m excited for these few things, I’m going to miss my adventure as an Iowa State engineering student.
Over my four years, I’ve had numerous opportunities to grow. My time in the classroom has prepared me for work, providing the technical skills as well as the knowledge needed for a career in engineering. My experience in student organizations has helped me develop the soft skills I need not just for work, but for starting a family as well. I’m leaving soon, but I feel prepared for whatever the next step may bring.
Iowa State is blessed with a lot of amazing people, and I’m happy to have developed many lifelong friendships. From trying to start a business to volunteering in another country, we all have different adventures. However, we all share our time at Iowa State along with many great stories that will keep us together no matter where we go next.
Even though I’m no longer going to be a student, Iowa State has become part of my life. Becoming an alumnus provides different opportunities to be involved, but it doesn’t mean my time as a Cyclone has to end.
About the author: Laugen is from Davenport, Iowa. He was recently named Wallace E. Barron scholar, one of the most prestigious honors a graduating senior can obtain at Iowa State University. Laugen served on the 2012 Executive Board of the Engineering Student Council and participated in several other student activities while at Iowa State. He will be working for John Deere in the Quad Cities after graduation.