What is your current occupation?
I am the Director of Development & Events at Erin's House for Grieving Children, a local non-profit providing grief support to children, teens, and their families after they've experienced a significant death.
What led you to your current occupation?
I accepted a college internship at Erin's House in 2011 assisting with their special events and fundraising efforts. It was a great part-time role for me while in school, not only from a financial perspective, but more importantly to gain necessary experience. Once I graduated in 2013, Erin's House hired me full-time, and I've been with them ever since. Over past 11 years, I've taken on many more responsibilities and stepped into a development director role that I love. It's not super common for someone my age to be in a job for this long, but I truly love fundraising for the mission at Erin's House - and I work with a pretty amazing team!
What was your education after Concordia?
After Concordia, I went to Purdue Fort Wayne for college. I pursued a major in Hospitality and Tourism Management and a minor in Psychology. I graduated with a Bachelor's degree from PFW in 2013.
What did you love most about CLHS?
When I think back to my time at Concordia, it's all of the memories with my friends and teammates that stick out to me. I still look through pictures of my friends and I dressed up in our Cadet gear for football games and homecoming week. Not only were we always having fun, but we also pushed each other academically to do our best. The support and encouragement that I received from my friends was so special! I also participated in basketball, cross country, and track while at CLHS, and had 4 years of amazing teammates and coaches. Not only was I pushed mentally and physically, but also spiritually. I attribute much of who I am today to the experiences I had as a student-athlete at CLHS. I made lifelong relationships that I cherish to this day.
What advice would you pass along to students?
No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. And, volunteer! I happen to know a pretty great organization currently in need!