Amy Rivers ’09
B.S. in Education—Childhood Education, Lutheran Teachers Diploma, Fellows Program
Poughkeepsie, NY
“One of my favorite parts of this community, of course, is the Education department. You might walk into the Education office just to tell Ms. McGinnis that you will be turning in your field work hours next week and end up spending the next 45 minutes chatting. It makes you feel like you belong—that you are important.”
Why did you choose Concordia? Both of my parents went to Concordia. They met here. While I was growing up, because we only live a little over an hour away, we would visit campus for homecomings and choir concerts all the time. I remember always telling myself that I wanted to come here, but my older sister would tell my family the same thing and so I kept my mouth shut to avoid being a copy cat. Once she was here, only a year before I came, I visited all the time. I loved the small size and just the overall feel. So, when it came time to apply to college, I picked Concordia. People still ask me if it is weird to go to school with my sister and I still give the same answer. She is one of my best friends and spending these last few years together at Concordia has only strengthened that bond.
Education alone is such a valuable profession, why did you also choose to pursue the Lutheran Teachers Diploma? I have always loved working with children. When I was in high school, I had looked into going to school for family or youth ministry because I knew that I wanted to find a profession in which I could be teaching others the love of Jesus Christ. The more I played with different options, becoming a Lutheran school teacher seemed to be the perfect fit. Not only can I touch the lives of children, but I can truly touch their hearts. Both my grandmother and mother were Lutheran school teachers—I guess it is in the blood.
What do you enjoy most about Concordia? The people are the best part of Concordia. The faculty, staff, and student body as a whole create such a friendly, caring community. One of my favorite parts of this community, of course, is the Education department. You might walk into the Education office just to tell Ms. McGinnis that you will be turning in your field work hours next week and end up spending the next 45 minutes chatting. It makes you feel like you belong—that you are important.
How has Concordia changed your ideas about yourself and your career goals? I have always been a shy person. Actually, I have always been a painfully shy person. Concordia has helped me grow. It is such a caring and comfortable environment and because of that I have so much more confidence to speak my mind and really get my ideas out there.
What activities are you involved in outside of your academics studies? I am involved in many musical groups on campus. I sing alto in the Tour Choir, Festival Choir, and sing in the Contemporary Choir that is new this year. I am also in the Handbells Ensemble. Outside of music, I am a founding sister of a newly formed Christian sorority on campus and involved with the theater group, Concordia Players.
What has surprised you most about Concordia? We are small, but probably not as small in student body as the number seems. There is not a day that I walk around campus and know every person I see. There are constantly new faces—new people to meet and get to know.
What are your plans after graduation? Unlike the average Elementary Education student, by pursing the Lutheran Teachers Diploma, I am directly placed in a Lutheran Elementary School upon graduation. I will work with Mr. Kramer to find a school in an area that I would like to live and there is a placement process. I am so excited—I can’t wait to have my own classroom.
What is one piece of advice you’d give a new student at Concordia?. Talk to your professors. They are really great people and can help to guide and inspire you so much.