Freshman Elizabeth Crawford dreams of serving church and world in the classroom and through her music

by Amy Crawford

Seward, NE (01/29/2025) — Freshman Elizabeth Crawford of Plano, Texas, is a double major studying both elementary education and music. She is pursuing an early childhood education endorsement, Lutheran Teacher Diploma and Classical Lutheran Teacher Certification as well as minoring in classical liberal arts. She sings in the university's Cantamus women's choir, plays violin in the university orchestra and is involved in Bulldogs4Life, the campus Lutherans for Life Y4Life group.

"I chose to study at Concordia Nebraska because I love the welcoming community and the outstanding music program," she explained. "When I visited Concordia as a sophomore in high school, I felt welcomed by the college students even though I was much younger."

Crawford has attended Lutheran schools since three-year-old preschool. Many of her childhood teachers at her Lutheran school influenced her decision to become a Lutheran school teacher herself.

"I am the first person in my family to go into church work, although I come from a long line of Lutherans," she said. "I am so thankful for the education I am receiving at Concordia Nebraska, and I cannot wait to see where God leads me to serve Him."

She said that not only has her first semester at the university been filled with new, meaningful friendships, she's also experienced the support of caring faculty.

"At Concordia, everyone wants you to succeed. The professors know you by name, and you have the ability to form deeper connections with them since class sizes are smaller," she said. "It is very easy to make friends, since everyone has the same goal and purpose in mind: to further their education with a Christ-centered focus."

Crawford first learned about Concordia Nebraska from one of her pastors who formerly served on the university's board of regents and had children who attended the university.

"He always spoke highly of Concordia Nebraska, so I was curious," she said. "In my sophomore year of high school, I was presented with the opportunity to take a road trip with the Texas Concordia Nebraska regional ambassadors to visit and tour the campus, so I decided to see what Concordia was all about. Immediately, I felt like this was the place for me. The students and professors were kind and welcoming, and the campus felt like home. I knew I would be happy here."

She said that the road trip experience as well as having the opportunity to participate in the university's high school National Honor Choir three years in a row further solidified her decision to attend Concordia Nebraska.

"Having the opportunity to be instructed by college music professors and perform with college students made me realize that I wanted to study at Concordia. I couldn't wait to be immersed in the wonderful culture of the university," she said.

Crawford said Concordia Nebraska offers her the opportunity to combine two things she's passionate about: children and music. Double majoring allows her to focus deeply on both things. Both her education and music classes have already offered her a wealth of information and ideas and helped her to make many friends. In her music studies, she finds herself spending a lot of time rehearsing and hanging out with her fellow musicians.

"I love everything about Concordia, but I think my favorite thing so far has been the music exposure I have received," she explained. "I love choir and orchestra, and I have taken violin and piano lessons from skilled professionals to better myself on my instruments. I have found like-minded people who love Jesus, understand my passions and have passions similar to mine. Being surrounded by musicians every day truly makes me feel at home."

Crawford said her professors have been caring and supportive in helping her to combine her two passions - music and children - in a study path and eventual career path and serves God and others.

"I feel that my professors understand my passions because they, too, are passionate about what they teach," she said. "It's clear that they love what they do, and they want to pass that on to all of us. Every time I have told a professor what I want to do after college - combining my love of teaching children and performing music - they are always very supportive of my decisions. They are always there to answer questions and offer advice. They've helped me realize that I am making the right decisions and following God's leading regarding my purpose and my career paths."

Crawford added that the university offers students a friendly and encouraging culture that thoroughly equips students for current and future vocations.

"Every professor, student and staff member is supportive in regards to what you want to accomplish, and they work tirelessly to help you make it happen," she said. "I am learning how to serve others and follow God's leading, and I also see other students seeking to follow His will and pursue their passions, which in turn makes me strive even harder to follow mine."

Through on and off campus worship opportunities, Bible studies and other learning experiences, Crawford said her time at Concordia has strengthened her faith.

"I feel like my faith has only grown throughout my first semester at Concordia. I can worship every Sunday at St. John and participate in the adult choir there," she said. "I really enjoy Evening Prayer every Tuesday and Thursday evening as well as daily chapel worship. Having these opportunities has allowed me to meet people who are also passionate about their faith, and it has allowed me to more fully see how my faith incorporates into my daily life. I also learned so much in my first semester Old Testament class, where I further studied the Bible and learned how the Old Testament applies to my life today."

Following graduation, Crawford dreams of teaching Kindergarten in a Lutheran school and also playing violin in a professional orchestra.

"Education, especially in the elementary and early childhood years, is foundational in a child's life. This is one of the first times a child is learning from someone other than their parents," said Crawford. "Those years are so formative. Teaching in a Lutheran school is such a wonderful opportunity, but teachers can walk alongside families equipping children with not only skills like reading, writing, languages or math, but also the knowledge of saving faith in Jesus. Christ. In a Lutheran school, I look forward to reminding little ones of the love of Jesus, providing children with an environment where they can continue to grow in their faith. Lutheran teachers have the amazing opportunity to guide - with God's help - future generations of Christians, so that they too can serve the church and the world."

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