Abigail Vance, Class of 2015, earned her Psychology degree from Bethany Lutheran College, inspired by a desire to build a career centered on helping people. “I was first drawn to psychology just because I knew it generally had to do with people, and I’m a people person,” she explains. “I want to have a career where I can help people, and I figured psychology would be a wonderful field of study with that in mind.”

Today, Abigail serves as the Office Manager at Living Meadows at Luther Madelia, a senior living community where her skills in organization, communication, and compassionate care come together to support residents and staff alike. Her role allows her to build meaningful relationships and contribute to a welcoming and well-functioning environment—an extension of the values she began cultivating at Bethany.

Reflecting on her time in college, Abigail remembers the personal connections and mentoring that shaped her: “I knew people there, and they knew me … the campus community really fostered an environment where everyone cares about everybody else.” She credits faculty members and capstone courses like Principles and Strategies of Counseling for instilling the foundational skills she now uses daily. One powerful lesson that stuck with her: the value of listening. “Sometimes, people can figure out how to fix their own problems just by listening to themselves.”

Abigail’s journey demonstrates how a Psychology degree from Bethany Lutheran College prepares graduates to serve with empathy, insight, and a sense of vocation. Whether supporting seniors, managing operations, or simply listening well, Abigail continues to live out the mission of Bethany through compassionate service and leadership.