Lora Roosendaal

Anticipated graduation year: 2011

Majors: Music Education (Secondary); Mathematics Endorsement

Hometown: Kennewick, Wash.

Whitworth activities/clubs: Whitworth Orchestra

Favorite book: Teach with Your Heart, by Erin Gruwell, Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen, and Three Cups of Tea, by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin, to name a few.

Favorite food: Mexican

Favorite quote: "Bach gave us God's Word. Mozart gave us God's laughter. Beethoven gave us God's fire. God gave us music that we might pray without words." - Albert Justice

Favorite off-campus study program experience: This past Jan Term I went to Guanajuato, Mexico, with the Intensive Oral Spanish Program. It was my only chance to study abroad and I had a great time seeing the city, experiencing the culture, and getting to know our host family. The lifestyle was different in many ways from what we know here in the U.S. and it was exciting to see and be a part of it.

Favorite place or hangout on campus: The coffee shop. There's coffee and a place to study; what else do you need?

I like my major because... I get to spend my time doing three things I absolutely love: music, teaching, and math. Education, especially being a music teacher, is a place where I can apply my love of music and make a difference in the lives of my students.

Why I chose to attend Whitworth: I liked Whitworth because of the location – it's in Spokane, but not at the center of the city. I was also drawn here because of the professors and the School of Education.

Advice for incoming students: Don't get so caught up in homework that you miss out on fun times with your friends, but don't get too caught up in having fun that you then spend all night studying. Know your limits. Find a good balance and try to stick with it.

How Whitworth is preparing me for graduate school or a career: Whitworth's education program provides many field placements and practicums for its students. Besides being a source of experience and observation, these placements in local schools have made me even more excited to become a teacher. After all the field placements and experiences, I know that I will be ready (whether I feel like it or not!) to step into a teaching position when I graduate.