When you first meet Emma Wodowski, her energy and passion for communication and people are immediately evident. As a senior communication major at Grace Christian University, Emma is a driven student who balances academic excellence while pursuing many internship opportunities. Her recent internship with Zoetis, the world’s leading animal health company, was a defining chapter in her journey. It sharpened her skills, deepened her faith, and prepared her for a purposeful career. Emma’s story is one of hard work, growth, and a commitment to serving others.
A Change of Heart and Direction
Emma’s path at Grace didn’t begin in communications. Initially enrolled as a business major, she quickly realized that her true passion lay in building relationships and connecting with people. “I remember feeling this pull toward something more personal and impactful,” Emma shared. “I wasn’t as excited about spreadsheets and business plans as I was about talking to people and understanding their stories.”
Encouraged by her professors, particularly Professor Emily Gehman and Dr. Pam Sherstad, Emma decided to switch her major to communications. “Both professors were instrumental in helping me realize my calling,” she said. “They prayed with me, guided me through the decision, and assured me that my passion for people could translate into a meaningful career.”
This decision, though daunting at first, marked the beginning of Emma’s journey to align her education with her heart for serving others.
Writing for Grace’s Journey Magazine
Emma’s first internship at Grace provided her with a strong foundation for professional development. Under the guidance of Professor Emily Gehman, Emma worked as a journalist for the school Journey Magazine. This role allowed her to sharpen her writing skills and explore storytelling as a tool for connection.
“I loved being able to tell stories that mattered,” Emma said. “It was more than just writing articles; it was about giving voice to the amazing things happening at Grace. I learned to think critically, write clearly, and meet deadlines, all of which prepared me for bigger opportunities.”
The experience not only honed Emma’s technical skills but also gave her the confidence to pursue more challenging roles outside of the university.
Internship at Zoetis
Emma’s second internship took her to Zoetis, the largest animal health company in the world. This role was a major leap, as Emma joined the Veterinary Medicine Research and Development (VMD) communication team. Her responsibilities ranged from event planning to leading high-level projects for the executive team.
“At Zoetis, I was tasked with reviewing and updating executive presentation slides,” Emma explained. “It might sound simple, but it involved a lot of coordination, attention to detail, and the ability to diplomatically suggest improvements. These were skills I’d started developing at Grace, but Zoetis really took them to the next level.”
Working at a global organization also exposed Emma to cultural diversity, a challenge she embraced with grace and determination. “I interviewed scientists from countries like Brazil, India, and Australia,” she said. “Every conversation taught me something new about communication across cultures. It wasn’t always easy, language barriers and cultural differences required a lot of patience, but I leaned on what I’d learned in my classes to navigate those moments.”
Emma credits theories like accommodation theory and social penetration theory, taught by Dr. Scott Shaw, for preparing her to handle these situations. “Grace gave me the tools to listen actively, adapt my communication style, and build meaningful relationships, even with people halfway across the world.”
Lessons Learned in Leadership and Organization
Throughout her internships and her role as a Resident Assistant (RA) at Grace, Emma developed essential leadership and organizational skills. Balancing academics, work, and personal relationships taught her the importance of time management and prioritization.
“The RA position was a turning point for me,” Emma said. “I had to juggle so many responsibilities: schoolwork, my internship, friendships, and even moments of personal downtime. There was no room for procrastination. I learned to plan my days carefully and stay focused.”
Emma’s ability to stay organized proved invaluable during her time at Zoetis. “One of my biggest takeaways from Grace was how to handle multiple priorities without losing sight of the bigger picture,” she explained. “Whether it was planning events or managing executive communications, I felt prepared because I’d already developed those skills at Grace.”
Spiritual Growth and Community at Grace
For Emma, Grace Christian University was more than an academic institution; it was a spiritual home. “I was craving a community that was God-focused and Bible-centered,” she said. “When I arrived at Grace, I found exactly that.”
Emma’s spiritual journey at Grace included starting a Bible study during her freshman year. “That Bible study was such a blessing,” she recalled. “We had a great turnout, and it gave me the opportunity to connect with others who were just as eager to grow in their faith. It reinforced my passion for building relationships and pointed me toward my career in communications.”
Professors at Grace also played a pivotal role in Emma’s spiritual development. “They weren’t just teachers; they were mentors,” she said. “During times when I was struggling with finding a church community, they stepped in. Their guidance and support helped me stay rooted in my faith.”
Emma’s experiences at Grace deepened her understanding of what it means to serve others in Christ’s name. “I’ve learned that ministry isn’t confined to a church building,” she said. “It’s about bringing Christ into every interaction, whether it’s through a conversation, a project, or simply showing kindness.”
Serving Through Ministry
Emma’s time at Grace and her internships have clarified her purpose: to serve Christ in all that she does. While she’s still discerning the specifics of her career, Emma knows that her work will be centered on ministry and service.
“I’m considering opportunities with nonprofits like Samaritan’s Purse,” she shared. “But no matter where God leads me, I’m committed to making Him the focus of my life and work. Grace taught me that serving Christ isn’t about a job title; it’s about how you approach everything you do.”
Advice for Incoming Freshmen
Reflecting on her journey, Emma offers valuable advice for new students at Grace:
- Learn: “Take your studies seriously. The knowledge you gain will prepare you for real-world challenges. Grace equips you with tools that are not just theoretical but practical.”
- Grow: “Push yourself to get involved. Attend events, join groups, and connect with people. Growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone.”
- Serve: “Build relationships with professors and peers. They genuinely care about your spiritual and professional development. Use this time to serve others and build a foundation that will carry you through life.”
Emma also emphasizes the importance of community. “This is a unique season in your life,” she said. “Surround yourself with people who will uplift you and challenge you in your walk with Christ. You’ll never regret investing in those relationships.”
Conclusion
Emma’s journey at Grace Christian University is a powerful example of how faith, education, and community can transform a life. From internships to spiritual growth, Emma’s story reflects the university’s mission of preparing students to make an eternal impact for Christ.
“Grace isn’t just a place to learn,” Emma said. “It’s a place to grow, serve, and become the person God has called you to be.
