‘I wanted a school that would prioritize my success’

Maia Abrahamson ’26 started her college education at Des Moines Area Community College where she was a catcher and utility player for the Bears. After just one year, she started looking for a four-year school that would suit her interests and prepare her for her future.  

“I wanted a school that would prioritize my education and success. I wanted to become a well-rounded student,” said Abrahamson, who transferred to Wartburg in 2023. “There are opportunities at Wartburg that wouldn’t be possible at a state school.”

The biology major comes from a family of Wartburg alumni, but Abrahamson didn’t make her college decision based on that fact alone.

“Both of my parents are alumni, and my sister graduated from Wartburg in 2022. Their postgraduate success was convincing enough for me to come for a visit,” Abrahamson said.

After that visit, Abrahamson made her decision.

“Wartburg is the best option for me. I went to a small high school, so I wanted to stay in a smaller environment so it would be easier to make connections,” said Abrahamson.

Though she no longer plays softball competitively, Abrahamson has found plenty of ways to get involved at Wartburg. In addition to serving as a resident assistant, she also was a member of the Homecoming Committee and part of a student panel at the Iowa Private Transfer Collaborative Summer Symposium.

To the students who are considering transferring to Wartburg, she has a piece of advice.

“As Lindsey Leonard would say, ‘Take your cool cap off.’ You aren’t going to make the most of your time in college if you are constantly worried about how others are perceiving you,” Abrahamson said. “College is a time to gain independence, make mistakes and to learn. Developing a support system is one of the best things about Wartburg.”