Co-curriculars are helping me meet my goals

NAME: Macy Harris
CLASS YEAR: 2023
HOMETOWN: Grinnell
MAJOR: Elementary education

INVOLVEMENT ON CAMPUS: Women’s basketball, Orientation, Ambassadors, Dance Marathon, Students UKnight, Homecoming Committee

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE ELEMENTARY EDUCATION: After beginning my journey here at Wartburg, I found that what I really want to do with my life is to help college students on campus. I plan on getting my master’s in student affairs and then utilizing my skills at a college. I absolutely love people and teaching those around me just seemed to be the right fit for me. I love how Wartburg allows students to get classroom experience right away, and that I was able to get into a classroom during my first semester of college.

WHAT DREW YOU TO JOIN THE ORIENTATION STAFF: My one passion in life is people. I wanted to be able to help every student coming to Wartburg realize that this is the place for them to be and find themselves. The orientation leaders are the first people new students meet. Making sure that the first interaction with other Wartburg students is positive is a big deal to me, and I want everyone to feel as though they matter on this campus.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING ON ORIENTATION STAFF: The ability to meet so many individuals in such a short period of time. If I wasn’t a member of the orientation staff, I would more than likely not meet 85 percent of the first-year students that I have come to love during orientation week. The orientation staff team is also very close, and I often think of them as my second family. The friendships and support I have gained from this experience are truly remarkable.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE MOST THIS YEAR: I am so excited to be back at my second home and to get to see all the faces around campus. I am ready to overcome all the adversity that is thrown our way this year to continue to get the full Wartburg experience. Overall, I am looking forward to getting to know many other awesome individuals at Wartburg.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR THE INCOMING FIRST-YEARS: One hundred percent be yourself. Every first-year is in the same position. There are so many different people on campus, and you are bound to find where you belong. I firmly believe you get what you put into your college experience. If you want to be super involved and meet people, join multiple organizations. If you want to maintain a 4.0, study and work hard. Wartburg is full of so many great opportunities. Don’t miss out on them by trying to fit in.

WHY IS WARTBURG WORTH IT: There are so many things that make Wartburg truly special to me. The faculty truly wants to see me thrive. They know me personally and try to help eliminate as many problems as possible. In the classroom, I get to voice my opinions and discover new mindsets. I love the sense of community I found at Wartburg. There are smiling faces everywhere and so many people that are willing to help me. Wartburg is truly setting me up to succeed in life after college, both inside and outside of the classroom. All in all, I love Wartburg College.