Elison Ritzert
Pella, Iowa
Class of 2028
Why did you choose Central?
I choose Central because of the community, education and opportunities Central offers. Right away when I looked into Central I felt seen and welcomed by staff as they worked to get to know me and connect me on campus. Between the professors, the staff, students and the feel on campus, I knew this is where I was meant to go. I did not entirely know what I wanted to do with the rest of my education coming in, but I was supported and directed by great staff right away. I also loved the hands-on education with the kinesiology side of things and the opportunities that are provided for studying abroad or short trips or mission trips. I love being able to do all of these opportunities while still being able to learn, compete and be involved in many things at once. I have gone on a mission conference trip already, went to Guatemala for a service trip with my CIV class and can be manager for other sports while also being involved in dance and campus ministries. At Central you can be as involved and deeply rooted in the community as you choose but also have a very individualized and unique college experience. Central truly felt like home to me and that is why I chose Central.
Favorite professor and why?
That is a very hard question because I have taken a variety of classes with a variety of professors who are amazing. Central has a great staff here on campus. But some that I love and why are professor Shelley Bradfield, Dr. Shugar-Fox, and Katelin Valster. I love Shelley because she is so funny for one, but also brilliant, kind and has an amazing accent. I love professor Shugar-Fox because she is also super intelligent but she is animated and excited about sharing her knowledge with us and it makes me want to learn more. I love professor Valster because she is my advisor but she works so well with me as a student but as a person too. She has checked in with me how I am doing as a person and from there helps me make my schedule based on who I am and what I want to learn.
You’re majoring in __________ because?
I am between Kinesiology and Education, because I love the health aspect and healing but I love working with kids, leading a group of people, watching them learn, and Education is something I can do right away for a long time or I can teach my own kids possibly one day.
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
Besides dance, I am a football manager, women’s wrestling manager, FCA leader, and InterVarsity leader.
Who are your go-to musical artists?
I feel like the music I listen to is very eclectic and has a lot of variation between genres…But I love Noah Kahan, Jack Johnson, Stephen Sanchez, Luke Combs or Chris Stapleton.
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
Academics come first at Central and I have felt very supported by professors and coaching staff as they work with me around dance schedules and making sure I am succeeding in the classroom. But, playing a sport at Central has given me a second family and a community where I am seen, I am challenged and I have a support system built in. Being a part of the dance team immediately opened up a sport for friendships when I moved in instead of having to branch out a whole lot to find friends, which I was very grateful for. I quickly got myself involved but I was grateful that I had that connection right away so I had people I knew when going through classes and the whole big change of starting college.
What’s it like going to college in the town you grew up in?
I actually love it and I kind of get the best of both worlds. When I am on campus, I feel like I am in another community and I forget I am on campus sometimes as I sleep, eat, do homework, class and hang with friends all on campus. I love sharing my town with the new friends I have met and showing them around Pella during Christmas or Tulip time. I still get to enjoy the beautiful downtown and do my own college experience. At the same time, I love getting to choose between seeing my family when I want to. Occasionally, not a lot, but occasionally I will go eat a good home cooked meal, or I get to choose between watching my siblings in their sports or school activities. Our family is a tight unit and so it is special that I can still have my own college experience, home away from home and yet choose to do things or see my family when I want to. Besides, Central education is really good and I feel like Central has an amazing community that surrounds their students and makes them feel seen on campus.
Favorite Central tradition you’ve experienced so far?
The headphone disco by far (if that counts) or Breakfast of Champions. The headphone disco is just a blast within itself and the Breakfast of Champions is so fun as we wrap up the semester with some food and hang out with friends or try and study…!
Teammate who should audition for American Idol?
My roommate and bestie on the dance team Jada Nelson. She has an amazing voice.
What’s your favorite place to eat in Pella?
I love eating at Big Acai or George’s. By far my favorite are those two. From Big Acai I love an acai base with mixed berry, dates, honey and cacao drizzle. Amazing. From Georges I love the Napoli pizza (and since I’m gluten free, the GF pizza).
Favorite TV Show:
I love the Chosen or Dancing with the Stars. This season of Dancing with the Stars I love the partners Robert and Whitney and then Alix and Val.
What’s it like to compete for coach Bradford and Thomson?
Truly such a blessing and a gift. They are both so kind and hilarious, but also push us to be better. Sydney has lead our team so well this year between choreographing some of our routines, visually cleaning them so well, encouraging us to do better but also rest our bodies when we need to and try pouring into us. Both TiAhnna and Sydney do such a great job of surrounding this team and making it a family. Plus, Sydney is a licensed acupuncturist and does cupping so we have benefitted from that as well!
What’s your favorite part about being a member of the Central dance team?
My favorite part about being a member of the Central Dance Team honestly is probably the team. There is so much talent on our team, especially with what the freshmen have brought in this year but also such a drive to compete. All the girls on the team work really hard and love working to get better which is a huge asset to our team. Between all the dynamics we have the goofiness, the competitiveness, the big hearts, the talent, the academics, we have it all. I love walking away from practice feeling filled from the laughter but also the work ethic we have. I love all my dance girls so much and am honored to dance with them or for Sydney and TiAhnna.
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
In 10 years from now, I hope I am married and have kids and am involved in an amazing community whether that is teaching or doing ministry or healing them in some way. I hope I am surrounded by a great family and group of friends doing what I love while serving people. Maybe I will be teaching in a school, or homeschooling, or running a farm or teaching wrestling or dance, I don’t exactly know but it will be an adventure for sure.
Favorite food from Central Market?
They have the best gluten free ravioli or Mac and cheese. I absolutely love those!
Bucket list
Ooh I like to dream big so my bucket list has some fun ideas…My bucket list items are to ride in a hot air balloon, go paragliding, see the Blue Grotto in Italy, visit the 9/11 memorial in New York, the George Peabody Library in Baltimore, Maryland, the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, Backpack through Europe, and eventually have my own farm with cows making sourdough bread.
Â
