Setting A Good Example
By Jessica Walden '05
Jessica Walden, a MIAC Most Valuable Player, was also one of Concordia's three fall 2004 NCAA Postgraduate Scholars. The award recognized excellence in academics, athletics and volunteer service.
As a first-year student at Pacific University College of Optometry, Forest Grove, Ore., I look back with gratitude at my Concordia education. I chose biology as my major right away, knowing the program would prepare me for a health-related career. I explored many options, including pharmacy, but eventually settled on optometry after an especially helpful cooperative education experience at a Fargo eyecare office.
The biology department kept me busy with everything from dissecting cadavers to staying involved with the biology honor society. But I still found time for fun and service, like helping with food collection drives and volunteering with the Special Olympics each summer.
I also knew coming to Concordia would provide me with an excellent opportunity to play volleyball. My teammates and I played hard, while at the same time having fun and building long-lasting relationships. We were a very competitive team, with high hopes and expectations - and we weren't disappointed.
I knew I wouldn't just be a number at Concordia and I sure wasn't. I received a great education, with plenty of one-on-one attention from my professors and a chance to excel at volleyball. Honestly, I don't think I could have had a better experience.
