The “all-in” approach

Lane chose Northwestern because he wanted faith, community and athletics integrated into his college education. As a member of the Raider track and field team, Lane sees his resolute approach to pole vaulting as a metaphor for his approach to college and life.

Committed without hesitation
On the track and field team, I specialize in pole vault. In pole vault, you have to be “all in” and commit to executing the vault without hesitation. That can be applied to life as well—be devoted to pursuing Christ, to learning in college classrooms and to getting involved on campus. I have gained so many great friends and opportunities to grow in my faith at Northwestern. I enjoy participating in discipleship groups. And this past spring break, I went on a service trip to a prison ministry in Lindale, Texas.

The role-model track
After praying and thinking about what I wanted to do for a career, I decided on elementary education. I chose it because of the great teachers and coaches I had throughout my earlier years. Being a good role model to students and athletes seems like a valuable way to make a lasting impact. In addition to majoring in elementary education, I am also pursuing a coaching endorsement.

Passing the baton
Northwestern’s elementary education program is amazing. The professors have prepared me well for teaching, and they genuinely care about me. As early as my freshman year, I helped teachers in the community in various classrooms with different tasks and had the opportunity to teach some lessons. That practicum experience is preparing me well for student teaching and solidifying my decision that education is the route I want to take. After college, I hope to be a teacher in an upper-elementary classroom and a coach. I hope to not only teach my students and athletes what they need to learn but also to be a good role model for them as a Christ follower.