Launch and Learn

Emily Graupmann ’23, Plato, Minn.
Major: Nursing

Please tell us about yourself.

I am a sophomore nursing student here at Concordia. I am from Plato, Minn., which is a small town about an hour west of Minneapolis. When I’m not doing schoolwork or working on my business, I enjoy doing any kind of art project, hanging out with friends and family, watching movies, and working at Discover Summer, which is a summer camp for kids with autism that I worked at this past summer.

Why did you choose Concordia?

I chose Concordia because I loved the atmosphere. It felt like home. All the faculty I had met prior to coming to campus were so supportive and encouraging, which made me excited to be a part of the Cobber community.

How did you decide to major in nursing?

I have always loved the sciences and, after serving on multiple mission trips, I discovered my calling for serving others. In high school, I also worked as a lifeguard and at a summer camp where I got the opportunity to provide first aid and take care of children when they were hurt. Getting hurt can be really scary, but it felt good being able to ease the patients’ fears and help take their pain away.

What campus organizations are you involved in?

I am a member of Concordia’s Student Nurses Association.

What motivated you to start your embroidery business?

I have always loved doing art of any kind, but I got busy with sports and other activities in high school, so I stopped doing art for a while. Then, while in quarantine, I picked it up again – this time focusing on embroidery. After making a few items for myself and my friends, I was encouraged to start selling my work. I was hesitant at first because I had no idea what I was doing or if anyone would even want to buy my items, but I loved making art, so I thought, “what do I have to lose?”

What inspires you?

My dad, who is a business owner, and my wonderful customers, friends, and family who always help and support me.

How do you balance academics and work?

It can be tough! To say I have it all figured out would be a lie, but I slowly am learning more and more every day how to manage my time better and become more organized with both school and my business. I try to section off my days and figure out deadlines for assignments and orders and then plan my days and upcoming weeks from there. Some weeks, I will have a ton of tests and projects due so I won’t get as much embroidering done. Other weeks, I will have a lighter class load so I can use that time to catch up on orders. I am so thankful for all the help I have received with my business and my patient customers who understand I am a college student and a human first.

In what ways has Concordia helped you grow?

Concordia has helped me grow in many aspects of my life. Concordia has challenged me academically and has provided me with supportive faculty that have helped me have the confidence to achieve my dreams.

Have you had a favorite professor or class?

This is a tough one because I have had many! I really enjoyed my Spanish classes last year with Dr. Mary Rice and Dr. Luna-Lopez. I also really enjoyed my Inquiry class, Exercise is Medicine, with Dr. Dicks.

What is your favorite memory at Concordia?

My favorite memory is my first day of Orientation where I met my boyfriend and many of my good friends at Concordia.

What advice would you give to a prospective student?

Don’t let the “small school feel” keep you away. I truly believe being a part of a small, supportive community has helped me achieve more than imagined. It is evident that the faculty truly care about you not just in the classroom, but as a person as well. They make an effort to build a relationship with you in order to help you thrive.

What’s next for you?

I am looking forward to continuing and furthering my education in nursing. As for my business, Embroiders Clothing, I have a holiday pop-up shop that I am excited about and have been asked to sell my clothing in a few more boutiques in the near future. Other than that, I’m just waiting to see where God leads me next.

^{Published December 2020}