Want to meet the person who may be your next pastor or Christian day school teacher? This series profiles the men and women who are in their final year of preparation for the public teaching or preaching ministry at our Immanuel Lutheran College and Seminary in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Age: 21
Program: Education
Year in School: Senior
Where were you born?
Born and raised in Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Married? Unmarried? Tell us about your family.
I am the youngest of five girls. My parents are Steve and Eve-Lynn Naumann. Growing up with sisters in a Christian home has taught me the importance of keeping Christ at the center of the home, valuing family deeply, and how to hide the clothes or shoes you don’t want any of your sisters to borrow! Also, I am now engaged to Ethan Sydow. We are excited to be getting married at the end of July this summer. Ethan and I enjoy being outdoors and spending time with our families. My faith and family are very important to me and shape the way I approach both life and teaching.
What hobbies, sports or extracurriculars interest you?
I enjoy reading, baking, and playing almost any sport; but have been, as of late, more into sand volleyball. Ethan and I have also been discovering more board games and card games together. I also enjoy a good arts and crafts project. Recently, I have been trying my hand at simple sewing and macramé.
Tell us one thing about yourself that most people don’t know.
On a Mission Helper Trip to Nepal in 2023, I went paragliding.
Which academic subjects especially interest you?
I remember disliking both math and reading when I was a kid, but now, being on the other side of it, I find that math and reading are my favorites to teach.
How did you first come to consider the public teaching or preaching ministry as a career?
When I was little, I used to hold Sunday school and day school in our basement for stuffed animals and dolls. I used to teach them using a small whiteboard and dollar store activity books. Then in high school, I decided that I didn’t want to be like my sisters, who were all teachers themselves, and I wasn’t going to go into teaching . . . and, well, God pushed me right back on track where He wanted me to be, and I am surely glad He did! I also taught Sunday school with my mom and then for many years by myself. I could not stay away! Teaching God’s little lambs about Him and His Word has been a true, lasting light in my life. I can’t wait to continue in this wondrous opportunity.
What have you appreciated most about your time at ILC?
The gift I have most enjoyed and benefited from has been the opportunity to study God’s Word regularly in class and in chapel. This has helped me grow in my faith and has been a constant encouragement. I have also greatly appreciated the Christian community and the friendships that have formed during my time at Immanuel. Getting the opportunity to coach both JV volleyball and track and field at Immanuel has been an incredible experience. I not only get to share my love for sports, but also get to encourage and be a light for those students in high school. One of the most meaningful lessons learned during my eight years at ILC has been how to serve others and live out my faith beyond the school setting and in every area of my life.
What qualities do you think will most be needed by the future leaders of the church?
Dedication to God’s Word, patience, genuine kindness, honesty, humbleness, and gentleness are qualities I believe will be most needed by future leaders of the church. These and certainly more are needed to showcase a true godly model for our lambs and members of our congregations.