Caroline Madsen: Relationship Building is the Key to Success

Growing up in the Twin Cities, I was used to the hustle and bustle of a city. Going to Wartburg in Waverly was definitely a change of pace for me and I loved every minute of it. Even though I love the pace of Waverly, I have always been drawn to Wartburg West. I first came out here as a freshman in human relations. I spent a week in a classroom at Lincoln Elementary and enjoyed every minute of it. After having a great experience out here I was always thinking about a way I could come back. When I found out that I could student teach out here, I jumped at the chance. I love Denver and all of the unique experiences it has brought me.

My name is Caroline Madsen, and I am a fourth-year elementary education major with endorsements in K-8 math and K-8 science. I am currently at Place Bridge Academy in a sixth-grade science classroom. I just recently finished my first seven weeks at Steele Elementary in a second-grade classroom.

One of the best lessons I have learned while out here is that positive connections with other people help you succeed. When you cultivate good relationships with the people you work with, they will do everything in their power to help you succeed. I have had a unique experience out here in Denver because I sprained my ankle three weeks into my first placement. What this meant for me was that teaching was going to be a lot harder and there were going to be some extra hurdles for me to overcome. I fully believe the relationships I developed with my teacher and the other people at Steele Elementary is one of the main reasons I succeeded, especially right after my injury. They took time out of their day to make sure I had the tools I needed to succeed. On top of that I knew I wasn’t alone. They would always come to check in on me and offer all of the support I needed. Luckily enough I am now out of my boot and I plan to continue to create positive relationships with the mentors I work with. Although my time here at Wartburg West has been short, I know that Denver will always have a special place in my heart.

Michael Hegelheimer: Independence and Meeting Community Members

During my time in Denver, I have been interning with OptiMiser Energy, an energy auditing software company, as a remote software development intern for 24 hours a week. My primary role has been continuing the development of the OptiMiser sponsored certification system which verifies competency in the use of OptiMiser residential auditing software to generate accurate energy models and measure specifications. Outside of my internship, I split my time taking two classes, staying on top of my soccer offseason program and exploring Denver when I can find the time. My classes involve interviewing community leaders who are working to influence either activism or sustainability issues in the Denver Metro area and participating in the community through different organizations.

Examples of people that I’ve been fortunate enough to meet in the sustainability space include Jerry Tinianow, Denver’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Janet Burgesser, the program manager of Certifiably Green Denver and Dan Raine, a senior city planner with Denver Public Works. With regards to the community organizing space, I’ve had the pleasure of learning about activism and advocacy in the Denver metro area from Kamau Allen, a Community Organizer at Together Colorado, Jordan Garcia, the Immigrant Ally Organizing Director for Coloradans For Immigrant Rights a subsection of American Friends Service Committee and Peter Severson, the director of the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Colorado, a subsection of the ELCA.

My decision to apply for the Wartburg West program came about due to numerous positive recommendations I had received from previous program participants and me wanting to try something outside of my comfort zone. I’m glad to say that I’ve definitely grown as a person during my time in Denver on top of having made valuable connections with both community members and other students. I most definitely recommend this program to any Wartburg student looking to challenge themselves and try something new.

Peri Benna: The Art of Denver

I am out here in Denver for student teaching, and my first placement was for K-5 Art. I soon realized how involved the school was in the art program, which was so unusual for me to experience. Usually, art is brushed to the side and is the first thing to be cut in budget meetings. Here, art and culture are very much appreciated.

Around the city, there is art everywhere. There is the art museum, which is in walking distance from the apartments. That museum is a must-go; it is truly one of a kind! Another bonus is that on the first Saturday of every month the museum has free admission. Also, on the first Friday of every month, it’s First Friday at the Sante Fe art district. At this district all the galleries open their doors and have an open house. There’s tons of food, drinks, art and much more! I went last month and was blown away at the talent. The art was amazing and the cool part is that you can talk to the artist because they are there. I went to this one shop that was primarily candles. I bought a few things and found out that they offered classes on candle making. There is also another art district, the design district. I haven’t been to this one yet, but I’ve heard that it is full of awesome stuff and has murals on all the buildings.

Being an art education major, I think this culture and environment is refreshing and eye opening. There are tons of things to see and do here. I am just getting started!