‘I learned to believe in myself at Wartburg’
NAME: Joey Ciero
CLASS YEAR: 2024
HOMETOWN: Glen Ellyn, Illinois
MAJORS: Exercise science
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WARTBURG: I chose Wartburg most importantly because it was the best fit for me academically. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the exercise science field, and with a brand new program it was a perfect fit. I loved how Wartburg has a small campus but gives the feel of a much larger Division 1 school, like Iowa, with the way things are set up. I also knew I wanted to play collegiate athletics, and Wartburg was the school I wanted to pursue that opportunity at.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GRADUATION: I will be taking the Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist exam, as well as applying to Wartburg’s graduate program for the Master of Arts in Leadership. Eventually, I would like to get my master’s degree in athletic training to become a certified athletic trainer for a college.
HOW DID WARTBURG PREPARE YOU FOR THE NEXT STEP: Wartburg prepared me for the next steps of my life by teaching me to believe in myself as well as helping me realize that life is what I make of it. I don’t have to live up to anyone’s expectations but my own. Just because my path may be different than others, that doesn’t mean it is wrong.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WARTBURG EXPERIENCE: My favorite Wartburg experience would be my years being a member of the baseball team. Although it wasn’t one experience, each year I was able to connect with a large group of individuals that I view as brothers. I wouldn’t trade the experiences I have had with them and the bonds we have built for anything.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU NEVER IMAGINED YOU WOULD DO BEFORE COMING TO WARTBURG: I think one thing that I accomplished at Wartburg that I don’t think I would’ve done as easily other places was being able to step out of my shell and meet so many new people. I was a very quiet, reserved person entering Wartburg my freshman year, but the community Wartburg has helped me immensely in that regard.
WHO HAS BEEN A MENTOR FOR YOU ON CAMPUS: Although he was brand new on campus this year, Coach Casey Klunder is someone who I believe really helped me succeed. He put his belief in me from the day we met last spring after he was hired as our new baseball coach. Throughout the fall he instilled his confidence that I could not only succeed on the field, but off the field in supporting my teammates, and he helped me become a much better leader.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS: Don’t be afraid to fail. Even though it may be scary at times, failure is the only way we can learn. When you do fail, get right back up and try again. Nobody will shame you for being wrong, they want to help you succeed and become the best person you can be.