For Emma Appert, attending Concordia University, St. Paul isn’t just the next step in her education—it’s a transformative chapter in her life. As the first girl in her family and the first to attend college, Emma’s journey to CSP is filled with resilience, pride, and a deep sense of purpose.
Emma, a freshman and part of the Class of 2028, is pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. “I’ve loved being with kids my whole life, and I’m ecstatic to make it my career,” she shares. Her goal is to teach at an elementary school near her hometown, where she can inspire and nurture young minds.
Choosing CSP was an easy decision for Emma. “It instantly felt like home,” she recalls. “I love that I can walk around the entire campus in less than 10 minutes. The amazing faculty and the fantastic people I met on my first visit made CSP stand out.”
Her transition to college was marked by a moment she’ll never forget. “On move-in day, so many people came to help and welcomed me with open arms,” Emma says. That warm welcome solidified her sense of belonging and underscored CSP’s commitment to fostering a supportive community.
Emma’s path to CSP wasn’t without challenges. Graduating in the top 100 of her high school class is one of her proudest achievements, especially considering the difficulties she faced. “COVID made my freshman year of high school tough, and my GPA was low. On top of that, I didn’t have the best support system at home,” she explains. “But I worked my hardest, and in the end, it all worked out for me.”
Emma credits CSP’s donors for helping make her dreams possible.
“Thank you so much for the generous donation to help me pay for my schooling. I am thrilled to be going into my future and love the extra support!”
With her determination and the support of CSP’s close-knit community, Emma is on her way to becoming a compassionate and impactful educator, proving that challenges can be overcome with hard work, support, and a welcoming environment.