Alumni in 5
Abigail Austin 2026
1. Tell us about your journey since graduation.
After graduation, I spent the summer working with Grand Rapids
Public School's summer program and saving up money for my move abroad!
I was awarded the Rotary Global Scholarship to study at Queen's
University Belfast. I will complete my Masters of Conflict
Transformation and Social Justice in Northern Ireland 2026-2027. I am
so excited to help build mutual understanding and to challenge
polarization through my studies and advocacy work.
2. Share a favorite Grand Valley memory.
One of my favorite memories at Grand Valley was in my final year,
actually! As a non-traditional, adult student, I drove onto campus for
my classes and promptly left to make it to work. I didn't make
connections with classmates easily during lectures or class times, but
over the years, after meeting people in several classes and reaching
out again when we would have another class together, my friendships
really grew and it was great to finish my studies with a familiar
cohort. If I could do it again, I would make sure to make time for 1-2
extracurriculars in order to build more connections on campus.
3. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
It's not so much advice but a wish, "May your choices
reflect your hopes, not your fears." I lived much of my life
basing everything around protecting from what I was afraid of, I am
finally entering a season where I feel brave enough to start to orient
myself around hope instead. It can be scary but so worth it.
4. List three words you would use to describe your Grand
Valley experience.
Surprising, Investment, and Connections
5. What difference would you like to make in the world?
I am committed to building unity, community, and mutual
understanding through education & access to information. I would
like to help others navigate our complex world with a little more
compassion, confidence, and care for our fellow human.
May 2026
Interest Area(s)
Psychology, Philosophy
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