Ellie Rufleth ’08
B.S. in Social Work—Family Life Ministry
Clinton, CT
“I often talk with my friends who have graduated from Concordia’s Social Work Program. I’m inspired by their stories and how the program has prepared them for successful and rewarding careers in the field.”
Why did you decide to transfer to Concordia?
I was looking for a college that was a little smaller than where I was. I came to Concordia on a couple of college visits the semester before I transferred. From the moment I got on campus, it just felt like home.
Do you see how what you learn in the classroom has real-world application? Of course! Actually, I’ve seen more use of technology in the classroom than I ever have before. Each professor that I’ve had has made that particular subject look like it was the most important thing you would ever learn. They were all so excited, and I could just tell that they enjoyed what they were teaching. From my religion class to my statistics class, I’ve made the connections and took things away from class that can be applied in my fieldwork and in my career.
Why did you choose Family Life Ministry and a Christ-centered approach to your Social Work studies? When I first looked into Concordia I was really looking for a way to break into ministry, and I was going to join the pre-seminary program. However, because I am in Family Life Ministry my I have a wider array of options in the work-world. The beauty of Social Work is that it is so broad yet can be very specific, and being involved with ministry at the same time really has increased my options. I know that I am called to ministry, and God has given me a great opportunity to serve him and others through Social Work Family Life Ministry.
What has been your most rewarding experience so far? Definitely the Homeless Runs. I kind of got involved by accident. I bumped into some students I had just met and they told me I should come on a Homeless Run. I had absolutely no idea what it was, but I followed because it was only the fourth day of the semester and I was eager to learn the ins and outs of campus. A Homeless Run is held every other Thursday, and we make bagged lunches for homeless men and women in NYC. It is the most amazing thing and the biggest outreach I think I have ever been a part of. To be on the streets of New York City with a bunch of my peers handing out clothing and food to those who really need it is the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life. This is an experience that I know I will carry with me throughout my life.
What has surprised you most about Concordia?
The fact that everyone is so nice and accommodating. Anytime I’ve had a problem or needed help with something, people have been there for me. On the second day of class, my professors were already saying “Hello, Ellie.” It’s clear that the teachers at Concordia are genuinely interested in your future and really want you to understand the class material and help you to succeed.
What makes you the most happy about your experience at Concordia so far?
Personally, everything just clicks here for me. I feel like I really am involved in a working community. At Concordia the students support each other’s events and participate in the on-campus activities hosted by the school. And that is what really makes a college—when everyone supports each other and cares about the campus community.
What do you hope to do beyond Concordia? I am looking into a Masters of Divinity and Master of Social Work cooperative program. When I am finally done with school, I can start my professional life for Christ, or maybe just finish the service that Christ has started with me here at Concordia.