Heidi Kostrzewa

Adding to the Beauty

Some students just make the world a little more beautiful. Heidi Kostrzewa does that in a dozen different ways.

Over Christmas break, she joined an MLC-sponsored hurricane cleanup team, restoring some beauty to areas of Florida devastated by wind and water.

On campus, she’s an officer of AIM (Art in Ministry club), which sponsors student art activities, including the painting of two murals and the giant Luther seal outside the Wittenberg Auditorium. “I like to consider us a beautification committee,” she says.

As an RA (resident assistant), Heidi adds beauty to campus in other ways. “Heidi is the type of student who takes time for everyone,” says Angie Scharf, women’s services director. “She’s intentional in her desire to connect, and she’s known for doing the little things for the ladies on her floor, whether it be getting them a cup of Gatorade when they aren’t feeling well or getting a group card going for someone who’s lost a loved one.”

Heidi also leads weekly Bible studies. “I love being able to give comfort to my classmates who are willing to share with me the personal troubles going on in their lives,” she says.

Ms. Scharf sees that too: “When talking with Heidi, you can’t miss seeing the love of her Savior in how she carries herself as a Christian woman. She encourages. She cares. She meets people where they are at and lets her faith shine.”

Teacher IN THE MAKING: In high school, Heidi had visited MLC on a Focus on Ministry trip, and she instantly loved the campus and the town. But she was set on nursing and had been accepted into a University of Wisconsin school. During her senior year, however, something didn’t feel right. “I was afraid that if I attended the UW school, my faith might take a back seat to my academics. My faith being of higher priority than the things the other college had to offer, I decided to attend MLC.” She may still pursue a medical career later, but for now she’s loving MLC, especially the Chinese program, and God-willing, she’s planning to teach in China after graduation. She’s sure to add some beauty there too.

Heidi’s Advice for You: “God doesn’t need you to be a called worker. You might be surprised with this type of advice, but it’s true. God doesn’t intend for us to guilt ourselves into a career or line of ministry. Jesus says in Luke that if we keep silent, the rocks will cry out his message. So use your talents where you think they best fit. But also know that in whatever career you pursue, you are first called to live as a child and minister of Christ. He goes with you, and his message goes with you, wherever life takes you.”