Finding Her Many Passions

When she first visited, Em knew Luther was for her. While on campus, she attended a Luther production where she saw how much fun theatre students were having. She also loved the fact that there were good programs in both of her passions, theatre and psychology. "The people were wonderful and instilled a love of learning and creativity that continues to inspire me.”

Em also participated in other activities at Luther. “I dabbled in intramural badminton, I directed the Vagina Monologues, and worked with the international student office." She says, "I tried to be a part of any social justice dialogue.” She feels that participating in many different aspects of life at Luther prepared her for work as a psychologist.

Work-Study Experience

Like many Luther students, Em held a variety of work-study positions while at Luther. She worked in the cafeteria and the international student office. She grew a lot as a person working in the international student office as her position allowed her to work with students from around the world.

Em also worked for the theatre program. “My work was wonderful in how it exposed  me to all aspects that go into a production,” such as choosing a play, set and costume design, auditions, casting, tech, crew, and performance.

Her Path after Graduation

Her degree from Luther has taken Em to surprising places. After graduation, she traveled to Los Angeles to pursue acting. This was a fun, but difficult part of her life. “I had to think about where I could do the most good in the world. So I went back to school to get my master’s degree in couples and family therapy.” Then, she went on to get her PhD at the University of Northern Colorado. Em is now working in a private practice in Washington, D.C. “I can say with absolute certainty that my life has not gone at all the way I thought that it would.” she says, “which is just fine.”