My professors are fantastic educators and role models
NAME: Daniel Miller
CLASS YEAR: 2022
HOMETOWN: Carroll, Iowa
MAJOR: Music education
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WARTBURG: I chose Wartburg because the moment I set foot on campus, I had a sense of belonging. Because of numerous camps and festivals, I was on campus multiple times as early as my sophomore year of high school. I always felt very comfortable on campus and had so much fun. All the faculty and staff were very nice, and the students seemed to love their experience. Because of these camps and festivals, I decided to do some official visits and was so impressed by how welcoming everyone was and the sense of community that was present the moment these visits started. Deep down, I always knew that Wartburg would be my home.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR MAJOR: I’ve always had a passion for music. I loved to sing growing up and had many teachers encourage me to pursue music. My second-grade classroom teacher was a huge advocate and had me lead the class in song when we would sing every morning before we started the day. I continued this when I joined band in fifth grade and choir in sixth grade where I was able to discover performing with others and what musical opportunities were out there. Music became my go to, and I was involved in everything that I could do in high school. I auditioned for opportunities such as the Iowa All-State Chorus, the Wartburg College Meistersinger Honor Choir, and the Iowa State University Cyclone Honor Choir, as well as participated in solo opportunities during Solo/Ensemble Contest. Through these, I was introduced to many different educators and a variety of repertoire that inspired me and solidified my call to music and education. I am proud to say that Wartburg and the opportunities that I had here watching Dr. Lee Nelson and Dr. Nicki Toliver contributed to my vocation and calling!
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GRADUATION: I recently accepted a position at Ogden Middle/High School in Ogden, IA, teaching 6-12 Vocal Music including choir, voice lessons, musicals, show choir and more!
HOW HAS WARTBURG PREPARED YOU FOR THE NEXT STEP: Wartburg has prepared me for this next step by creating opportunities where I could gain experience while challenging myself, surrounded by an uplifting community and support system. At Wartburg, especially in the music department, I have found professors and colleagues who have pushed me to become the best I can be and directed me toward opportunities that have allowed me to grow. The support and care from the people here at Wartburg are unmatched, and I know that everyone wants me to do well in all my endeavors. I was also able to gain experience right from the start by being placed in the classroom right away and was never turned away from pursuing my passions.
HOW DID YOUR FIELD EXPERIENCE AND STUDENT TEACHING PREPARE YOU FOR MANAGING YOUR OWN CLASSROOM: Field experience and student teaching have allowed me to learn from not only great professors, but master educators in the area who have a lot to offer. These teachers were once in my spot and knew how much I needed to be involved and supported in the classroom. They gracefully lent their students, classrooms, and teaching to me and allowed me to gain as much as I could from them. I was able to immerse myself in these experiences and to try new things. Most importantly, I was shown the importance of creating connections with the people around you and taking the opportunity to teach the whole student. Focusing on the formation of relationships within the classroom helps you direct your teaching in a way that helps them grow and discover their passions.
WHO ARE YOUR MENTORS: I would not be where I am without professors like Dr. Lee Nelson, Dr. Nicki Toliver, and Dr. Jennifer Larson. They have pushed me to excel in all subjects and to take every opportunity I could to better myself as a student and future teacher. Not only have they done this, but they have truly shown what it is to lead with a nurturing and caring heart that is present in their teaching toward each and every one of their students. They have been fantastic educators but even better role models for me and my peers here at Wartburg. I also could not be the student I am today if it weren’t for all my friends and colleagues that have all been role models to me in some form during my time here.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WARTBURG MEMORY: My favorite Wartburg memories lie within my time with the Wartburg Choir and the people I have spent my college career with. One of the memories I will never forget is having the opportunity to travel on our National Tour during my freshman year to California and Arizona with the Wartburg Choir. Some of these unforgettable memories in Wartburg Choir this year happened in rehearsal, preparing for our American Choral Directors Conference performance. The ones that I will never forget are the first day of choir back in Choral Hall after over a year of being distanced from each other and the first day this semester when we were finally able to sing unmasked in over two years. These memories as well as the friendships created in my four years here will stay with me throughout my lifetime and have allowed me to become who I am.