Incoming freshman Austin Aron’s decision to make Illinois State University his school of choice came pretty easily. After all, he had been to campus several times. It was music that brought him here during high school for state competitions. Music also played a big part in bringing him back for his undergraduate years.
“I came here all four years of high school for band competitions, so it was familiar,” Aron said. “I play percussion and will play cymbals in the Big Red Marching Machine”
Marching band was a motivating factor, but there was more that enticed this first-generation college student to become a Redbird.
“When I made my campus visit, I felt this good sense of community,” he said. “I also felt that this is a place that could bring out the best in me.”
He’s been involved in music since the fifth grade in his hometown of Tinley Park and was influenced early by another musician in the house. Theresa, his mother, is a flute player. In addition, Aron will be joined in Illinois State’s marching band by a couple of his friends from home.
Aron, 18, is also the recipient of the University Scholarship, which will be a big boost since his mother has had recent health challenges that have added some financial pressure for his parents.
“I feel very honored to see my hard work and support from my friends and family over the years pay off,” Aron said. “It means a lot to me and my family with what we’ve been through with my mom’s health. This will help cover my education for all four years.”
Aron said his mother, along with his father, Jeff, are proud that he is the first to go to college and set an example for his younger sister, Kat, who will be a sophomore in high school. He said his dad and his sister don’t seem too fazed by his upcoming departure, but not so for his mother.
“Mom is already emotional and has been since I committed in March,” he said. “Dad said he refuses to get emotional.”
Back home, among his friends, he’s known as “Double A,” a play on his alliterative first and last names. He even had a T-shirt made complete with an image of a AA battery. And going back to his hometown is part of the plan once he has completed his degree in special education. Aron’s goal is to work in his high school district or at the elementary school near his home.
“The staff and teachers at Millennium Elementary School, where I did an internship my senior year, helped me have a great experience,” he said. “I felt a connection with the staff and the kids. The kids opened up to me and made me feel like I had taught them something already.”
He credits the internship and all the good teachers he had in high school for helping him feel prepared for college. He said the support and encouragement that came from those teachers and from his parents to keep pushing for his dreams have been key to his success so far.
Once on campus he’ll be living in a residence hall on an education floor. He doesn’t know who his roommate will be, but he’s ready to get started.
“Dorm life is going to be a new experience,” Aron said. “I just plan to go with the flow and see how it goes.”
Spoken like a true musician.
Read about all of the students featured in our “Newest Redbirds” series at News.IllinoisState.edu.
