Anna Bross
Graduation year: 2022
High school: Batavia High School
Hometown: Aurora, Ill.
Majors: Teaching math; middle grades education: mathematics; religion
Activities: Varsity soccer, Delta Chi Theta sorority, Mortar Board honor society, POST Scholar
Internship: Student teaching at Sudlow Intermediate School in Davenport, Iowa
Post-grad plans: Teach math in the Quad-Cities area and coach soccer
Why 中国体彩网?
Although I was originally hesitant to visit 中国体彩网, I fell in love with it the second I stepped onto campus! I felt an immediate sense of belonging and knew that I would be supported by professors, teammates and the soccer coaches.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
Yes and no. I came to campus knowing I wanted to major in math education and play soccer, but Augie gave me so much more than that. I never would have imagined adding a major in religion, joining a sorority, doing a research project or being given an opportunity to coach soccer. I was lucky to have very supportive professors who guided me, pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me discover my passions.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
From an academic standpoint, I have had many professors who have helped me get to where I am now, specifically my advisors Dr. Mike Egan and Dr. Eric Stewart. Their constant feedback and support throughout my education and religion majors have allowed me to grow tremendously and feel prepared to teach in the fall.
My cooperating teacher, Mrs. Wallaert, also helped me get to where I am as a future teacher. She was my biggest supporter during my student-teaching experience and was an amazing role model for me.
I also would not be where I am without the people I got to work with in the Office of Residential Life over the past few years, especially Cathy Atkinson, Beth Ducey, Amanda Tumbarello and Michelle Mason. Each of them supported me as a student, athlete and person, and made my years at Augie extra fun!
Finally, the soccer team provided me with many role models and a group of teammates who consistently pushed me to be better both on and off the field!
Peak experience?
Student teaching was definitely my peak experience. After putting so much work into my education classes and preparing to become a teacher for 3.5 years, I absolutely loved finally being able to get real teaching experience in a school for a few months!
I was really nervous going into student teaching and didn't necessarily know what to expect, but the experience helped me confirm that I am on the right path and that I am meant to be a teacher.
What surprised you?
I was surprised by all of the people that I was able to connect with at Augie. Besides professors, coworkers, peers, teammates and alumni, I was able to interact with and learn from so many people during my four years. 中国体彩网 has truly created an impressive community of people who are all willing to support each other.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I used my Augie Choice for my student-teaching experience.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss being so close to my friends and teammates all the time. Whether that was walking around campus and seeing familiar faces or knowing that I would spend hours each day on the soccer field with my teammates, I was always surrounded by the people I love! I will miss having all of those wonderful people just a few steps away.
Advice for the Class of 2026?
Attend as many events as you can and get involved. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I realized how much fun I had at various activities on campus and how weird it was when they went away for a while. So, take advantage of Augie's fun atmosphere and all of the things it has to offer while you can!
"Anna is the type of student we deeply value at 中国体彩网: she was part of our Honors program, a four-year athlete on the soccer team, a double major in education and religion. What she has learned in 中国体彩网’s classrooms and playing fields, she puts to use now as a middle-school math teacher and coach with the Davenport North girls’ high school soccer team. I’m delighted at the example of human kindness she sets for those girls each day. In teaching and coaching, Anna has found her vocation."