I am able to showcase my music at Wartburg

By Hannah Dutcher ’24

Name: Sergio Gomez Alanis
Hometown: Jewell, Iowa, and Monterrey, Mexico
Major: Religion
Campus Involvement: Ritterchor, Wartburg Ambassadors, Resident Assistant, Sanctuary Band

Sergio Gomez Alanis ’23 started writing his own country music when he was 17. At Wartburg, he has the opportunity to share his original music with his classmates and the Waverly community.

“One of the things I am grateful for is being able to showcase my music with the many opportunities available here through ETK open mics, Homecoming with Kastle Kapers, karaoke nights, and other opportunities. I really love it and it’s so fun. It feels so great when someone in the audience gives you feedback later on about how great your music was,” Gomez Alanis said.

During Homecoming week, students audition for the annual student talent show, Kastle Kapers, to show off their skills.

“Kastle Kapers was definitely my favorite performance I have ever done here. It was my first time performing a country song that I wrote. Hearing the cheers from the people there, not only the students, but also the Waverly community, was a great feeling,” Gomez Alanis said.

He also has showcased his musical talent as a member of Wartburg’s tenor and bass choir, Ritterchor.

“My highlight while being in Ritterchor has been Christmas with Wartburg. I just love that event and getting to sing with all the choirs,” Gomez Alanis said. “But what I really love the most are the pre-concert traditions, like singing the song Piano Man and going outside and getting hyped up before every performance.”

He additionally uses music as an expression of his faith as a member of a student-led worship band. A transfer student, Gomez Alanis was led to Wartburg after finding his calling in ministry.

“I got in touch with my local pastor and talked to him about what it was like preaching and doing worship services. After he mentioned that being a pastor is also about helping others and serving the community, I knew that it was for me,” Gomez Alanis said. “Since I first stepped foot here on campus, I knew it was going to be my second home.”

Gomez Alanis put his education to the test last summer as a summer camp counselor.

“Praying for the students I had and getting to hear their stories was a wake-up call for me as to why I do what I do. I want to help kids and people like them because you never know what they could be going through,” Gomez Alanis said.

With a minor in social work, he hopes to provide not only prayer in his profession, but also guidance.

“Being a pastor also means being there for the community as a guide for them in their time of struggle. All my training in social work is going to help me in the aspect of being a counselor for my community by supporting them and guiding them so they can overcome obstacles in their lives. I feel like that’s one of the biggest parts of being a pastor,” Gomez Alanis said.