‘Wartburg has transformed me in many positive ways’
NAME: Haylee DeLong
CLASS YEAR: 2026
HOMETOWN: Peosta
MAJOR: Biology
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WARTBURG: During my senior year of high school, I knew I wanted a smaller college with a tight-knit community. I visited several local colleges, but none felt right. Growing up in Peosta, just outside of Dubuque, I knew I wanted a college experience away from home. When I visited Wartburg, I immediately felt welcomed, like more than just a number. I filled out my application on the way home, convinced I had found the place for me. I wanted to study science and pursue a health care career, and Wartburg’s small class sizes and strong post-graduate success rates gave me confidence in my choice. Many people I knew, including family, friends, and teachers, spoke highly of Wartburg, which reinforced my decision.
HOW HAS WARTBURG HELPED YOU GROW: Wartburg has transformed me in many positive ways — personally, academically, and as a leader. When I first arrived in 2022, I was nervous about leaving home, but the supportive community at Wartburg helped me grow. Although I had leadership experience in high school, coming to college required me to reinvent myself. With the encouragement of faculty, staff, and my peers, I gained the confidence to step out of my comfort zone
As a biology major, I quickly learned that my high school study habits wouldn’t cut it, but the support I received, especially after tough setbacks like Organic Chemistry, helped me improve. I’ve also made lasting friendships, including staying close to my freshman roommate, which has helped me branch out and meet even more people. While it can be hard to stay connected with friends who move on after graduation, Wartburg has taught me how to maintain those bonds. Finally, as a leader, I’ve taken advantage of Wartburg’s leadership minor and numerous extracurricular opportunities to develop my skills. The faculty, staff, and students here have shown me what it means to be a strong leader, and I hope to pay it forward by impacting others the way they’ve impacted me.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU NEVER IMAGINED YOU WOULD DO BEFORE COMING TO WARTBURG: Before coming to Wartburg, I never imagined I’d be doing anything I’m doing now! While being a biology major and Spanish minor makes sense, everything else has been a surprise. The biggest shock has been becoming vice president of Student Senate and helping plan Outfly. I remember when Alex (Crawford) asked me to run, I thought, ‘Me? Who am I to run for VP? I’m literally a nobody here.’ But I’m incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity, and it’s been fulfilling to grow into this role and be recognized on campus.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GRADUATION: My goal following graduation from Wartburg is to attend medical school and become a doctor of some sort someday. I will ideally go back to my hometown and practice medicine there or in the surrounding communities.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS: I would say my biggest piece of advice for prospective students is don’t feel like you have to have it figured out or know who you are before coming to Wartburg. It will come out of you without you even knowing. I think this place has superpowers in helping people find themselves even if they feel they are just average students. Something pretty uncommon for Wartburg students but common for a regular college student elsewhere is to come to college not committed to a sports team or be a part of some musical group or ensemble. I was that girl who came into Wartburg with no expectations of anything except to get a degree and everything beyond that has exceeded my expectations. Keep an open mind, try new things, and don’t let anyone tell you you can’t.