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Opportunities rewarding [UPDATED]
Published 10:01am Wednesday, January 16, 2013 Updated 12:03pm Wednesday, January 16, 2013This is another in a series of articles written by students who received scholarships in 2012 awarded through the Fergus Falls Area Dollars for Scholars chapter. The purpose of these articles is to thank the community for its support of students and their higher education goals.
It’s hard to believe that my first semester of college has already come and gone. Returning home to Fergus Falls feels so different, but seeing familiar faces and catching up on college life has been great.
Not so long ago I was finishing up finals at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. With a major in Vocal Music education, much of my studying consisted of memorizing vocal pieces, practicing 18th century music composition, and practicing various keyboard skills.
I decided two years ago during a mission trip to Belize that I wanted to be a music teacher.
Seeing the smiles on those kids’ faces as we taught them some of our favorite tunes from summer church camp was my inspiration. Now I am on the path to becoming a choir director and am looking forward to observing in a high school choir room for the month of January.
During this “J-Term,” I am certain it will be reminiscent of my time at FFHS with Mrs. Danielson, and my fellow choir members.
Not only am I on the fast track to obtaining my dream career, I am also able to participate in a few extra-curricular activities at Luther.
I am singing in the freshman women’s chorus, Aurora, and enjoyed participating in Luther’s well-known “Christmas at Luther” concert, which will be aired on PBS nationwide this year.
I am also playing on the women’s tennis team, which is one of the best in the conference. Tennis practices conflicted a bit, but I was able to participate in a comedic Halloween cabaret, called “Ding-Dong Dead,” (a fall musical of sorts) taking a major role and singing my first-ever solo in a musical.
While making time for the fun things like that, I am also working on the Catering Team at Luther about eight hours a week, serving lavish meals for various occasions. For example, last year, they served the King and Queen of Norway!
While I probably over-committed myself this fall, taking advantage of the many opportunities Luther has to offer has been so rewarding and I have already had many memorable experiences.
Even though it’s six hours from my family and friends, Luther truly feels like a second home and I am lucky to be able to get an education there.
Life as a college freshman could not get much better, but attending a private college comes with some financial stress. It helps to have the financial support of the Fergus Falls Educators Scholarship through Dollars for Scholars.
I would, again, like to thank the Fergus Falls Education Association and other School District 544 members for being so generous to award me with this scholarship and giving me the opportunity to study what I love at Luther College.
Sarah Bowman is a 2012 graduate of Fergus Falls High School and was the recipient of the Fergus Falls Educators Scholarship. She attends Luther College in Decorah Iowa . For more information on making a donation for scholarships, contact Fergus Falls Dollars for Scholars, 601 W Randolph Ave, Fergus Falls, Mn 56537.
