Nick McGinley '23
Majors: Elementary Education, Religion
Minor: Interfaith Studies
What is your dream job after college and how do you want to make an impact?
My dream job is something along the lines of teaching, but I am not sure what that might entail. It ranges from being an elementary school teacher to possibly a youth minister or maybe even a deacon. My only hope is that I am able to connect with my students, whoever they may be, and learn how I can support their dreams and aspirations no matter how big or how small. Concordia has provided me with some amazing professors, peers, and other mentors who have shown me how to embrace my true identity and to follow my passions wherever they may lead.
What year are you here at Concordia?
I am currently a sophomore with my expected graduation to be in spring 2023.
What are you involved in on campus? What kind of work do you want to be known for?
I am involved in a few different areas on campus. Besides being a student ambassador, I work as a Resident Assistant (RA) in Hallett Hall. I am also active in the symphonic band as a trombone player and manager along with playing trombone in the Jazz II Ensemble. I am also active in two student organizations in similar capacities. I am the content specialist for SALT (Students and Alumni Linked Together) and the publicity lead for Better Together (Concordia's interfaith organization). I hope to be known for branching out to new groups and people and hearing their stories so that all may have a chance to speak their mind.
What is your favorite Cobber tradition and why? What stories do you have to share about that tradition?
My favorite Cobber tradition is the notion that we start and end our Cobber academic journey in Memorial Auditorium. I think it is so fascinating that we use Memorial as a sort of metaphorical and physical door to our journey on campus. Not only do we start and end our journey there, but most of us will use that space in so many ways during our time here. From concerts, games, symposiums, Orientation, and everything in between, it is truly one of the foundations of campus life for Concordia College.
Tell us your favorite stop on tour and why it's your favorite. Why do you connect with the space?
My favorite stop on tour would be right outside the ISC building. This space allows you to view the center of campus and everyone in it. You can see so many buildings and you'll almost always see students, many you will know, from that point. It is also one of the best views of the bell tower on campus. It is really neat to be able to take in almost the entirety of Concordia's campus from one spot.
Words of wisdom for prospective students?
Don't force yourself to fit into a school. You will find your fit. I can guarantee you that you will find the right school, but that may not be your first or second campus visit. I wish you the best of luck on all your tours and I hope that if Concordia is your place that I'll get to see you on campus in the future.
Why did you choose Concordia? Was there a defining moment in your college search process?
I chose Concordia because of the people. I never even had Concordia on my radar until my mom happened to suggest we take a tour on campus when we were going to tour NDSU. I toured and loved the close-knit atmosphere, although it wasn't until more than a year later that I truly decided this was where I wanted to call home. I had applied for a music scholarship and found out that I had received that scholarship for trombone. This was when I definitely knew I wanted to go to Concordia. I received a call from not only my future trombone professor but also the director of bands on the day that I had received the scholarship. This was in addition to a few emails from the same people and also the music department chair at the time. I knew from this interaction that these people were who I wanted to spend the next four years with. Concordia is a special community and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
What does it mean to be a Cobber in one word?
Compassionate