Hi! My name is Alexa, and I will be going into my third year of college. I am majoring in Biology and minoring in both Spanish and Studio Art. My favorite thing about Augsburg is that I have met so many incredible people and professors that continue to help and support me in any way they can. I am so excited to be a mentor this year once again because of the amazing experience I had last year during the AYTI week. I can’t wait to get to know more awesome young adults and help them have an awesome experience throughout the AYTI week!
Meet Mitchell-2018 AYTI Mentor
Hi! I’m Mitchell, and I’m from Saint Paul MN. I’m a Senior Theology and Public Leadership major. My favorite thing about Augsburg has been the people I’ve met and gotten to study alongside. As well as studying Theology with Mary Lowe–as hard as it might be. A future goal I have is to go to seminary within the next few years. Last year I had such a inspiring time being a mentor for AYTI, and I can’t wait to come back this year.
Meet O’Quba – AYTI Mentor
Greetings! My name is O’Quba Duressa, and I am from Minneapolis, Minnesota. I just finished my first year at Augsburg University, studying International Business with a minor in International Relations.
Personally, my favorite thing about Augsburg is the community and engagement it has. A few of my future career goals include running a small business of my own or perhaps working with youth from different backgrounds. As a mentor at the Augsburg Youth Theology Institute I am excited to see the oneness and fellowship we will be having!
MEET IAN-2018 AYTI MENTOR
Hello! My name is Ian Heseltine. I’m a first year at Augsburg University and am majoring in Music Business with a minor in Religion. I’m from Alexandria, Minnesota which is two hours west of Minneapolis. My favorite thing about Augsburg is our incredible Religion Department and our amazing Campus Ministry Staff. They are so welcoming and have helped me dive further into my faith this year. When I graduate, I would like to get a job working as an agent/manager for Popular Music Artists. I know one side of the AYTI story but I haven’t actually experienced it, so I’m super excited to go along this incredible journey with our students this summer!
Meet Fidelina – 2018 AYTI Mentor
Hi, My name is Fidelina Xinico. I am an international student from Guatemala. After this summer I will be a senior double majoring in international business and economics with a minor in management information system.
My favorite thing about Augsburg is that there are so many opportunities for you to get involved in what you are interested and passionate about. As an Augsburg student, I have participated in different student organizations and also have this amazing opportunity to be a mentor for the Augsburg Youth Theology Institute in 2017 and 2018. I have also been one of the AYTI Ambassadors for the academic year. These experiences have taught me that it is important to have a balance in your life. And AYTI has been helping me to do so by strengthening me mentally and spiritually.
I am excited about AYTI 2018; I will see you soon!
Meet Destyn- 2018 AYTI Mentor
Hi! I’m Destyn Land, and I’m from Saint Paul (Rondo/Frogtown Neighborhood). I’m currently a Junior here at Augsburg and I’m majoring in Communication Arts and Literature (Secondary Education Teaching Licensure). Augsburg is a place where everyone feels connected. It’s the kind of school where you will see your Dean of Students casually walking around campus, and sometimes even the President of the institution. Due to being at a smaller school, you get to build so many meaningful relationships with a diverse group of people. After graduating from Augsburg (2019), I hope to be a junior high or high school English teacher. After teaching for awhile I would like to go back to school and work with programs that are dear to my heart like Genesys Works, TRiO, Act Six, and College Possible. I’m so excited to learn, to be challenged, and to grow with you all as we explore our faith this summer!
Best,
Destyn
Meet Lidiya – 2018 AYTI Mentor
Hi! My name is Lidiya Ahmed, and I’m from Ethiopia. I am currently a sophomore double majoring in Space physics and Mathematics. Augsburg has given me the opportunity to learn more about vocation through multiple experiences. I couldn’t think of a place better than Augsburg to do my undergraduate degrees as I aspire to interact with people, work on community-based projects and learn about what’s outside of my research lab in order to impact people’s’ lives. I believe that scientists should serve their communities through science and service and I am glad that I get to do what I believe in as an Auggie. I will be pursuing my Ph.D. in space physics after graduation from Augsburg, and I see myself as a research scientist actively involved in community work while conducting research at national laboratories.
I’m excited to be a mentor for AYTI this year and to share with high school youth what I have learned about being a light in the world. I am hopeful that it will be a time for all of us at AYTI to be equipped in every dimension so that we can continue being change agents and light in the world!
Learn more about AYTI and this summer’s theme at http://www.augsburg.edu/ayti/