‘I have had so many once in a lifetime experiences’
NAME: Victoria Dietz
MAJORS: Social work and political science
YEAR: 2023
HOMETOWN: Shafer, Minnesota
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT: Wartburg College Democrats President, St. Elizabeth Chorale Chaplain, Social Work Club, Alliance
HOW DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR MAJORS: I originally was a biology and neuroscience double major when searching for colleges. I switched to English for my first semester, but I quickly realized that it wasn’t for me. I reflected upon what brought me joy in life and helping others has always been something I care deeply about. Social work is a field where you not only help individuals but empower them. It’s truly a field that fit my passions. My second major, political science, compliments this passion quite well. Activism and addressing the inequalities perpetuated by political systems is a vital component of social justice.
HOW HAS WARTBURG PREPARED YOU FOR YOUR FUTURE: Wartburg provided me with numerous opportunities to not only find my passions but develop the skills necessary for a career. I have had so many once-in-a-lifetime experiences. I helped develop the Social Justice Fellowship out of the Department of Social Work’s Slife Institute and was the first fellow. I completed a month-long immersion in Eisenach, Germany, to complete political science research regarding right-wing extremism in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. I also developed my language skills, as I speak German. Throughout these opportunities, I have made life-long connections with professors, community members, and friends.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GRADUATION: I am attending the University of Wisconsin Madison, Master of Social Work program with a focus on direct practice mental health. I hope to graduate with my master’s degree in May 2024.
WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT DURING YOUR TIME AT WARTBURG: The work I have done in developing and implementing the Social Justice Fellowship is something I am incredibly proud of. I connected with students, faculty, and staff to address diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) on campus and within the culture. Creating this fellowship will provide future students with opportunities to make a difference on campus and empower others.
HOW HAVE YOU EMBODIED ONE OF WARTBURG’S FOUR PILLARS: Leadership is a pillar I have connected with while on campus. I have served on numerous executive teams and committees, both on and off campus. I am part of both Phi Eta Sigma and the Phi Alpha honor societies. I served as the BSW Student Representative for the National Association of Social Workers – Iowa Board for two years, as well as the Wartburg Social Work National Advisory Board Student Representative since September 2020. Being a leader is more than directing others. Leadership is about listening, finding avenues for positive change, and empowering those around you.
WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE YOU HAVE HAD ON CAMPUS: As a social worker, I hope to have made Wartburg a better place for all students, regardless of their background or identity. I hope that even after I am no longer a student, I can continue to give back to the college and promote positive change.
WHAT IS ONE MEMORY YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE OF YOUR TIME AT WARTBURG: The people I have met are connections I hope to maintain. My first year of college I lived in Clinton Hall on the Scholars Program floor. This is where I have met some of my closest friends. We spent many nights in the floor’s study room just talking and making memories. I look back fondly on the many hours spent together just having fun.