Name: Jack Crane ’27
Hometown: Clear Lake, Iowa
Major: Biology
Where did you transfer from and why: I transferred from North Iowa Area Community College because they are a two-year program, and I wanted to get my gen eds done while staying at home. I live in Clear Lake, so driving to Mason City for classes wasn’t too bad.
Why did you choose Wartburg: I chose Wartburg for a few reasons. I was looking for a smaller school where I could focus on a pre-dental track and utilize the benefit of smaller class sizes. I had some friends from my hometown that went to Wartburg, and everyone had told me nothing but good things about the school. I had heard that Wartburg was great for studying science with great faculty members and that they do a very good job preparing students for grad schools.
Who helped you through the transfer process: MaTina Clark made my transfer process so much easier. She always replied so quickly to give me information about Wartburg and how my credits would transfer over. She met with me on my visit day and welcomed me into her office at all times. I continued to meet with her even when the school year started. She helped me adjust to my classes, offered resources that I didn’t know I had access to, and was just overall so great.
How did you get involved once you were a Knight: I began looking into campus activities shortly after I transferred to Wartburg. I met with Amy Tucker and asked what I could do to get involved on campus and in Waverly. I asked about the Best Buddies program on campus, and she told me that there was a club for it, but there was only one other student in the club. I joined the club right away, and we built the program into a very successful club on campus. At the same time, I was taking a leadership class which introduced me to working with students at Waverly-Shell Rock Middle School to teach lessons in leadership, which I really enjoyed doing. I talked to Amy Tucker about volunteering at the middle school, and she connected me to some people. I volunteered three days a week while trying to build the Best Buddies program. More recently, another student and I have started the Public Health Club on campus. We have had a lot of students reach out to us with an interest in joining the club, so we will see where this club will go! I also joined the Knight Nation program that connects students with alumni in similar fields of work. I was connected to a dentist in Waverly named Josh Hones. He is an amazing mentor for me and even wrote me a letter of recommendation for dental school. We met once a month and grabbed dinner at various different restaurants. I am so glad I joined the Knight Nation program.
Why were you interested in reviving the Best Buddies program: Best Buddies is one of the best things I am a part of on campus. Growing up, my mother helped out in classrooms in the elementary school with kids who had intellectual and physical disabilities. My brother also worked directly with two students who have Down syndrome in high school, then joined the Best Buddies program at Creighton University. I knew I was able to help the Best Buddies community and figured that the program on campus needed a big comeback. I served as the vice president from when it was just me and one other student, to the end of last year where we had 20+ people at out events. Our Best Buddies executive team went to Indiana last summer for the Best Buddies Leadership Conference, and that was an incredible trip. We learned so many things about building our club and helping in the community. I truly find joy helping/working with the Best Buddies organization. There is a lot of misunderstanding and lack of knowledge about people with disabilities, and our goal is to provide a safe space for any and all people to come and hang out.
What are your plans after graduation: My plan after graduation is hopefully dental school. I applied to dental schools this summer and hopefully I hear back from the schools I applied to. I will continue to build my resume and try to work as a dental assistant in my home town before dental school.
How has Wartburg helped prepare you for this next step: I believe that Wartburg has greatly prepared me for my future. When I first came here, I didn’t know anyone. I learned how to make friends in unfamiliar places, and the relationships I have made here will last me a long time. I learned the importance of getting involved in the community, the school, and pursuing things that matter the most. I also believe that Wartburg science classes do the best job for preparing students for the rigors of dental schools. The teaching style, lab activities, class flow, and exam material are all things that were tough at first but equip students with the skills they need to succeed in grad school. Wartburg has also taught me the importance of showing up every day. This school and community keeps on moving and stays on pace. It can be very easy to fall behind, but there are so many people and resources that I utilized to stay in the game and on pace.
What is something you are most excited for this year: Enjoying my time on campus and at school as much as I can. I love seeing friends and professors on campus, in the Mensa, and around The W. I love watching the sporting events and being involved in all the different clubs.
What has been your favorite Wartburg experience: My favorite Wartburg experience would have to be taking ornithology. Ornithology is the study of birds and was taught by Dr. McCullough during May Term last year. We went on field trips twice a week to go bird watching and learned all about how birds work. It was by far my favorite class and what I enjoyed most being at Wartburg.
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