Epiphany Lutheran Church, Pickerington, Ohio
College advising manager, I Know I Can
My husband and I connected with Epiphany Lutheran in 2018, when we first moved to Pickerington. Initially, driving by the church, I remembered staffing a summer camp there through Camp Mowana in Mansfield—I worked with [Lutheran Outdoor Ministries in Ohio] for four summers.
I’m involved at Epiphany in many ways. I’m in my third year of leading our Little Lights children’s choir. I’ve been a member of our 11 a.m. service praise team since 2018. I sang in the choir for several years before I started co-teaching Rise & Shine, our junior and senior high Sunday school, and sometimes still get the opportunity to join them. And I fill in with our youth and family ministry as I’m able, and serve on our children, youth and family committee. I’ve also served on internship and nominating committees.
This involvement is important to me, as that’s a big part of building relationships. I try to pour into others as I’ve been poured into throughout my life.
Our church community means everything! We’re at our church several days a week. Not only do I love it, but my husband has grown in his faith at Epiphany, and our two daughters—Dellawynn, age 5, and Wrenley, age 2—view church as a second home. Della has even attended our church’s preschool for preschool and pre-K and is graduating in a few weeks. All four of us have grown in numerous ways at Epiphany.
When I was in high school and looking into colleges, I met with many admission counselors. The admission counselor from Valparaiso [Ind.] University made an impression on me, and I knew that I wanted my first job out of college to be as an admission counselor. I attended Valpo, and while there, I had several student employment positions within the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. After I graduated with a [Bachelor of Arts] in communications and a minor in vocal music in 2012, my first job was as an admission counselor at Ohio Northern University [in Ada]. I worked in admissions for the next 10 1/2 years at several universities; the last I worked for was Ohio State University [in Columbus]. While I loved my position there, I realized I really missed working directly with students.
I learned about I Know I Can, a nonprofit in central Ohio focused on college and career access, and was immediately interested. I began working there as a college advising manager in 2021. Jumping from higher education to a nonprofit was a huge leap of faith, but I don’t regret it!
I love my job because the relationships I build with students are incredible. Students are usually initially hesitant to ask for help and guidance. Most students, after a single meeting with me, come back on their own time to ask for additional advice or have a safe space. I’m frequently told that my office is a favorite place within the building. Today a student told me that I’m the only adult in the building that she feels close to and can see her for who she is.
I also love senior year celebrations. While it’s hard to let go, it’s amazing to see students spread their wings. And I love hearing from students after they graduate. Their success stories are inspiring!
I love my job because the relationships I build with students are incredible.
The high school I’m placed at is Columbus Alternative High School (CAHS). As a college advising manager, my job is to make sure students have a plan after high school and to help them meet the milestones necessary to reach that plan. Most of my days consist of helping with the college search process, career assessments, assisting with registering and preparing for the ACT/SAT, financial aid presentations, FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) assistance, and college and scholarship application assistance. While roughly 80% of CAHS students attend college, the other 20% may need help with resumes, finding jobs or apprenticeships, or connecting with a military recruiter. I help with all of this too.
Some of the most meaningful career experiences I’ve had have been receiving thank-you notes from students.
I live out my faith through my vocation in many ways. First, and most importantly, I try to make sure every student knows they are welcome in my office and that it’s a safe and judgment-free zone. I also assure students that I’d rather have them ask than feel lost. I talk a lot about self-advocacy: students need to learn to ask. The worst they can be told is no. Otherwise, they may miss out on an opportunity. If a student discloses something very difficult and personal, I ask if I can pray for them. Students know they can ask me any question at any time and I’ll do whatever I can to answer or point them in the right direction.
I’ve also been able to host college info and FAFSA workshops at Epiphany to help our community there. And I talk frequently with our junior and senior high youth about their plans for their future.
I don’t have much free time—but when I do, I love to play games with friends and family, read, sing or do paint-by-numbers kits.
I pray for the education system. For families. For music to heal those who are hurting. For teachers. For open minds and hearts. For those who are feeling lost.
My children and the youth I work with give me hope. I’m constantly amazed by random and profound insights and reflections they share with me.
To me, grace is the ability to look past flaws and imperfections, getting to the heart of the matter, where hopes and dreams are taking root, and provide gentle guidance and nourishment for humankind to flourish.
I’m a Lutheran because I’m passionate about serving others in their growth and development.
If you’d like to nominate someone for “I’m a Lutheran,” email livinglutheran@elca.org.
