Name: Erica Knupp ’26
Hometown: Indianola
Major: Social Work
Campus Involvement: Wartburg Choir, Orientation Staff, Wartburg Ambassadors
Practicum and study abroad experiences: Beginning Field Experience at Charles City Middle School with the school counselor, Senior Practicum at Allen Hospital in Waterloo working on the case management team, 2023 and 2026 International Tours with The Wartburg Choir visiting countries in Europe and Africa
Plans after graduation: Complete my Master of Social Work at the University of Northern Iowa
Why did you choose Wartburg?
I chose Wartburg because of the sense of belonging and community I felt when I stepped on campus. I knew there was a place for me here, and the people I met during my college search process showed me that.
What sparked your interest in your field of study, and how has your perspective on it changed since your first year?
What sparked my interest in the field of social work was how versatile the field is. I learned that there are so many different paths you can take as a social worker, which is something that sounded appealing to me. I appreciate the core values of what it means to be a social worker and hope to make the world a better place.
Can you describe a specific moment when you knew you made the right decision in choosing Wartburg?
At the end of my very first Wartburg Choir rehearsal, the choir grabbed hands to sing the benediction. At the time I didn’t know it, so I just listened. By the end I had tears in my eyes, and it was in that moment that I knew I had made the right choice by coming to Wartburg.
Is there a faculty or staff member who made a significant impact on your journey? What is the best piece of advice they gave you?
Lindsey Leonard (dean of students) played a significant role in my Wartburg journey, starting at the very beginning in her IS 101 class. I can’t think of a specific piece of advice she gave me because she truly did so much for me. She became a mentor to me, someone I strived to be like in everything I did. She leads with grace and kindness in all of her work. She helped me become the person I am today by giving me opportunities to grow my leadership skills. Her support carried me through these last four years, and I’m forever grateful to know her.
Which co-curricular activity (research, athletics, music, service) defined your college experience?
Being a member of the Wartburg Choir most definitely defined my college experience. Not only did it allow me to continue my passion for singing, but it introduced me to my best friends. The memories I made because of this choir will stay with me for the rest of my life. There aren’t enough words to share my gratitude for this family.
What is the one thing you never imagined you would/could do before coming to Wartburg?
I never thought I would have the opportunity to take two trips to Europe with the Wartburg Choir. I feel very grateful that I’ve gotten to travel the world and see things I never thought I would experience. Those trips were truly life-changing.
What advice do you have for prospective or first-year students?
My advice to first-year students is to get involved! Wartburg has established a culture on campus that encourages students to try new things and get out of their comfort zone. College is the perfect time to try new things, and some of my favorite memories were formed doing things that pushed me to grow as a person.
Anything else about your Wartburg experience you would like to share?
Wartburg provided me with a college experience I won’t soon forget. I can’t wait to come back and visit the place I called home for four years.
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