What drew you to Concordia?
My two older sisters went here, so I was familiar with it and when I came to visit in my senior year, everybody was so personable and friendly – it just made me feel secure. The Christian environment, the smaller size since I’m from a small town, the comfort level and then knowing there was a challenge, that it was a quality education, it all added up. I met with my professors ahead of time. They let me know I’d have to work hard, that they’d have high expectations, and also that they’d be there for me, to encourage me. They’re always trying to get you involved. I knew that I’d be held more responsible and wouldn’t just be a number. I’m a name and a face. Even the president, Dr. Ferry, he’ll make a point to be friendly.

What was your first day like?
Ha! I was scared out of my mind that I’d get lost … it was so different from high school. I mean, there’s no bell. In college, you’re held accountable for your own education, you’re not really tardy; you just need to be there. You have to remember when the classes are, where to be, it’s that first feeling of independence that isn’t really frightening, but after a while, you have friends from classes, seats picked out and you know where to go – it becomes an adventure.

Shana’s Do’s and Don’ts
Don’t schedule all of your classes on Fridays! Try to get one day off if you can and know if you’re a morning person or not when you’re making your schedule.

Do get involved, I wish I would’ve been more involved. You meet a lot of people that way and you find people you have things in common with.

Favorite spot to study on campus?
The library, absolutely. There’s a big main area and then there’s a quiet area too. But also, the café gives you Internet, free printing, food and coffee. You know, the essentials.

Favorite food in the dining hall?
They have this thing called Flash in a Pan. It’s like a make your own pasta bar. It’s so good.

On dorm life
Flip-flops for the showers. Gotta have flip-flops for the showers.

On extra-curriculars
I ended up going for a major in art education and I love it, it opens me up to so much. Every Saturday, I work with Jeremiah Ministry teaching art classes for children from the city. It helps us prepare for when we’ll be teaching classes. I’m a part of our art guild too. We plan trips to museums, art shows in the area and once a month we plan a movie night. It’s a nice chance to be together and relax

I’ve also done student work in the admissions office since second semester of freshman year. It helps so much with linking me into the campus.

What’s the latest Shana has ever been up studying?
Straight through to the morning, for all my finals. It worked though, it totally paid off.

On the lake view
I had no idea it was this close. It was breathtaking actually, it’s crazy. And it’ll be so nice having the bluff done, freshman will really be able to take advantage of that.