"The professors made me feel important, showing interest in me as a person, not just a student."

-Mike Sellheim '97

Teaching From Taiwan To Minnesota
By Mike Sellheim '97

I never would have guessed at the types of careers I'd be prepared for after attending Concordia College. Following graduation in 1997 with a degree in music education, I worked four years at Fair Hills Resort on Pelican Lake in Minnesota. I had already worked three summers at the resort, directing the musical shows, and my full-time position allowed me to continue sharing my love of music with others, while taking on new responsibilities as well.

After four years, the travel bug bit me and I soon found myself packing my bags and heading to Taiwan to teach English. Most of my friends thought I was crazy, but I was very excited at the opportunities to see part of the world that were completely foreign to me. I visited many countries in Southeast Asia and just as I was ready to return after a year and a half, I met my future fiance, who had just arrived from the United States to teach as well. I headed back to Minnesota for six months, before returning to Taiwan to teach with her for another year and a half.

In July 2005, we returned to Minnesota, settling in Becker, where I teach music and direct the choirs at Becker Middle School. I also play piano and sing at our church, and I am active in the American Choral Directors Association.

When I look back at my time at Concordia, I'm thankful for my involvement in many activities, including three choirs, Orientation, Campus Entertainment Commission, Jazz Band, Temple Band, Homecoming and many other events at which I performed or emceed. I even composed a choral piece that was performed by a men's chorus at Concordia and wrote an arrangement of the national anthem that was sung during a Cobber football game.

I'm also thankful for Concordia's excellent faculty, especially The Concordia Choir conductor Dr. Rene Clausen. The professors made me feel important, showing interest in me as a person, not just a student. I hope my students today see that sense of relationship building in me as well.