An Interview with Trixie Richter, 1st Year Collaborative Learning Student
Can you describe your path to entering seminary?
My path into seminary has been a lifetime in the making. I am celebrating 18 years of fulltime employment at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Winter Park, FL. Whenever the subject of seminary came up, my answer was always a quick, “no”. I had reasons why I couldn’t go: I didn’t feel smart enough; I didn’t have the finances; I didn’t have the time; Why would God want to use me? Every time I said “no” my inner self felt like I was grasping at straws to sound convincing to others and justify why I should not go to seminary. Several friends and colleagues shared personal stories of their call to ministry and how God is working in their lives. They knew my reasons for not going and provided real possibilities, answers, and resources. I simply ran out of reasons to say no without sounding like a jerk. I gave up and made the decision to trust God and step out in faith to see where this may lead me.
Why Wartburg?
When I grudgingly said yes to seminary, I had many concerns about starting this endeavor at this time in my life. I came up with many assumptions about what seminary would be like. Jackie Baumhover answered all my questions with honest straight talk and humor, dispelling my concerns. I made time, on vacation, for a campus visit and met some staff, visited a class, and spoke with students. I was concerned about making a community and connections while living so far away. The answers I received from those I spoke with were what I was looking for—words I needed to hear about community and strong relationships regarding their participation in seminary as a distance learner.
What has been a highlight of your seminary experience?
When we gathered for the opening worship in chapel and it was announced that we were the 165th class of Wartburg, something clicked in me, that in this time and place, I felt a connection to those who have come before me, those around me, and those who are yet to be here. I was a part of a tradition and history much bigger than myself.
How do you experience the Wartburg community?
I live in Orlando, FL and I attend class in real time through Zoom from my office at church and in my home. I am a synchronous learner, who needs to be in class and participating just like residential students. I interact with Professors and students in real time by using the Zoom program and my laptop. Through this program, I am allowed to continue my role as Congregational Life Director and Youth Minister at Redeemer. I receive education that I can directly apply in a ministry setting. Wartburg has been able to provide technology for us to use as another door into the active seminary life. Not a window where I would just see through while still on the outside, but actual participation and relationships with students while residing in other areas of the country. There was a way we could be a real community together.
Who have been important people in your faith journey?
My path into seminary has been a lifetime in the making. I am celebrating 18 years of full time employment at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Winter Park, FL. Whenever the subject of seminary came up, my answer was always a quick, “no.” I had reasons why I couldn’t go: I didn’t feel smart enough; I didn’t have the finances; I didn’t have the time; Why would God want to use me? Every time I said “no” my inner self felt like I was grasping at straws to sound convincing to others and justify why I should not go to seminary. Several friends and colleagues shared personal stories of their call to ministry and how God was working in their lives. They knew my reasons for not going and provided real possibilities, answers, and resources. I simply ran out of reasons to say no. I made the decision to trust God and step out in faith to see where this may lead me.