Where Faith and Learning Meet

For Funmi Fadirepo ’06, smiles, hugs—and recess—are a few of the perks of her job.

After a rewarding year teaching full-day kindergarten in Eden Prairie, Minn., Funmi enjoys teaching second-grade at Longfellow Elementary in St. Paul. The learning needs differ between the grades, but the desired outcome is the same—to educate students to become thoughtful and productive citizens—just the way she was educated at Concordia. “I love being able to change lives and watch students grow to become the best they can be,” Funmi says. The Elementary Education major also was an accomplished student-athlete at Concordia and active in Student Senate, United Minds Of Joint Action (UMOJA), Student Alumni Council and Shades of Harmony gospel choir. Juggling it all taught Funmi to be organized and focused. “It got me ready for the real world and what I would have to face, like answering to a boss or principal and working with others in a group setting toward a common goal,” she said. “Coming to Concordia kept me grounded and in the Word. It helped me make the right choices by relying on God.”