In this series, Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences is shining the spotlight on distinguished members of the Class of 2021 from a wide array of disciplines.
A Periclean Scholar, Ellie Moskowitz ’21selected the human service studies major because she was interested in the direct service field of nonprofit work and wanted to learn the best way to approach a career in that field.
“HSS felt like a comprehensive way to learn about how people work within the systems that exist in our country and the best ways to be a helper,” she said.
Faculty in the department recognized Moskowitz as an outstanding member of the Class of 2021. Moskowitz is a member of Tau Upsilon Alpha honor society for human services, and served as vice president of philanthropy for the Elon chapter of Alpha Chi Omega.
What are you proudest of when you think about your Elon experience?
My semester abroad in Tanzania taught me so much. There I spent three months studying at a university in a small city, and another month living with a family in a rural village while working at a local non-governmental organization. Every day I was confronted by new challenges and pushed out of my comfort zone in many ways.
One of my greatest tangible accomplishments was the successful lesson plans I was able to put together for a class of 103 and third graders that I was assigned to teach English. It was an incredibly daunting task, but I came up with ways to use the Swahili that I was learning to teach them and have fun while doing it.
Did you work closely with a faculty member? How did that shape your undergraduate experience?
I have worked closely with Associate Professor of Human Service Studies Bud Warner. Dr. Warner has played such a crucial role in my Elon experience in and out of the classroom. In fact, I have had a class with him every semester since being at Elon! Dr. Warner has helped me to shape my passion for service and social justice while supporting me in everything I have been a part of since starting here.
What are your plans following graduation?
I am completing a fellowship called Avodah in New Orleans, Louisiana. There I will be working for the Southeast Louisiana Legal Services as the employment and benefits intake and case coordinator.
What advice would you give future Elon students?
The relationships with professors are such a special aspect of Elon. Take advantage of these! They will be your greatest supporters and biggest fans, and you will learn so much from them. Also, you are so lucky to go to a school where study abroad is so encouraged! Utilize all of the incredible opportunities abroad.
What’s your favorite Elon tradition?
My favorite Elon tradition is receiving an acorn at convocation and a tree sapling at commencement.