A Central Adventure

Junior Jordan Langer has finally found her calling. After sitting through political science and global sustainability classes, Langer knew that she had to change her major—twice. She came to Central set on an art degree, but switched paths and landed on economics. And after her first semester of sophomore year, Langer decided that a political science major, as well as Spanish and global sustainability minors, was a better fit for her passion.

From Madison, Wis., Langer came to Central after attending her high school’s college fair—and her mom spotted Central’s admission counselor.

“The way I found out about Central is a funny story,” Langer says with a smile. “My mom thought the Central admission counselor was really cute, so she told me we had to go talk to him! And when I got to the table, I realized how much Central felt like the right choice for me. So, I came down to visit and something just clicked. There was an internal feeling of ‘I need to be here for the next four years of my life.’ I just feel blessed every day that I am here.”

As a part of a service-learning requirement, Langer volunteers at the Work of Our Hands, a fair trade store in Pella that sells products from artisans living in impoverished areas around the world. Langer’s mission is to make sure that everyone knows how fair trade can benefit every part of society.

“I love working for Work of Our Hands,” she says. “I would work there regardless if it was required or not because I love being involved with fair trade—I get to answer questions and inform others of the amazing work that the store does.”

When Langer isn’t off climbing the cliffs at Red Rock Park to watch the sunset or reading autobiographies (her recent favorite was of Wangari Maathai, a memoir of the woman who started the greenbelt movement in Kenya), she can be found indulging her love of painting or hanging out with friends.

In the fall, Langer is flying to London on Central College Abroad’s study abroad program, where she plans to have an internship with a human rights organization or an environmental development group. After that, she just wants to take advantage of everything life and Central has to offer.

“I can’t wait to explore the endless opportunities at Central and seeing where they will take me next,” Langer says. “I am looking forward to seeing how I can contribute to the Central community more—let’s see what I can do with the next two years. It’s going to be awesome!”