“Wittenberg is what you make it. There are so many opportunities that Wittenberg provides, and it simply takes the courage to say, ‘This is something I'm really interested in, how can I get involved?’ I had no idea what Wittenberg would be like as a new student, but if I had the choice again, I would choose to come to Wittenberg. The experiences I have had here will follow me for the rest of my life. I have grown tremendously in four short years, thanks to Wittenberg.”Â
 – Kali Lawrence ’12
Inspired early on by a teacher, Kali Lawrence thought music education might be her field, but Wittenberg sealed the deal.
“The more I delved into it at Wittenberg the more I affirmed that education is the career choice for me,” Lawrence says.
One project and one professor in particular played a significant role in her decision.
“Being a part of the Springfield Promise Neighborhood during my time at Wittenberg has been the most inspiring experience,” Lawrence says. “It has helped me develop a particular slant as a future music educator in urban schools, along with skills to become a community leader. I am consistently amazed at how the community in the Springfield Promise Neighborhood comes together and how Wittenberg supports this project by the involvement of Witt students, faculty and staff. Dr. Robert Welker in particular, professor emeritus and the project director of Springfield Promise Neighborhood, has been so influential in my education both as a Witt student and as a person.”
 With graduation just days away, Lawrence looks forward to the next chapter in her life where she will continue to do what she has come to love – teach.
“I will be staying in Springfield as an AmeriCorps VISTA worker with the Springfield Promise Neighborhood,” Lawrence says. “This is a local effort with Lincoln Elementary School and its surrounding neighborhood to revitalize the area and foster a culture of success and care so that the children in this neighborhood may thrive.”
Written By: Karen Gerboth
Photo By: Erin Pence
